WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Lindenwood Gymnastics ended its 2024 season, and program, on a high note by winning the 2024 USA Gymnastics Championship on Saturday.
It was the program's fifth overall USAG championship and the second of back-to-back titles, according to the university.
"Wow. This team never ceases to amaze me," said head coach Catelyn Branson after winning back-to-back titles. "They gave their entire heart and soul into every routine from the beginning to the end. They had the impossible task this season of putting all of the heartbreak and adversity behind them and being undeniable regardless. There is no doubt that our legacy will be felt by so many for a very long time."
In the final rotation, Lindenwood had a slight edge over Texas Woman's University and Air Force. The Lions scored a program-best 49.375 on bars to clinch the title.
Kaylee Cooper and Hannah Moon both scored 9.900 on bars to help secure the championship.
Top performers during the competition included Gayla Griswold (9.850 on Vault), Hannah Appleget (9.800 on Beam), Nya Kraus (9.850 on Floor) and Jaly Jones (39.075 in All-Around).
On Sunday, multiple gymnasts competed in the USAG Individual Finals at West Chester University.
Kraus finished as the runner-up on bars with a score of 9.8375. Griswold finished as a runner-up on floor and was fourth on vault.
Jones competed in the all-around category, finishing second. She would also finish sixth on floor and beam.
Cooper finished sixth on bars with a 9.8125.
Last year, Lindenwood announced it would cut 10 of its athletic teams, including nine Division I programs which includes the women's gymnastic program.
The university said the decision was made after it determined that the athletic department "had become too large to sustain the quality of the student experience Lindenwood expects."
