The West Virginia University gymnastics team scored a 194.25 in the first session of the 2026 Big 12 Gymnastics Championship, held at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah, on March 21.
The event is significant as it marks the Mountaineers’ performance in a major conference championship, with final standings to be determined after all sessions conclude.
During the competition, West Virginia posted scores of 48.625 on vault, 47.625 on uneven bars, 48.8 on balance beam, and 49.2 on floor exercise. The Mountaineers competed against Arizona State in this session, with Arizona State leading with a score of 195.225.
West Virginia faced challenges early on uneven bars but regained momentum through strong performances on vault and floor exercise. Sophomore Kaelyn Skeel led the bars rotation with a score of 9.75, while senior Carlee Nelson and sophomore Emerson Smith each earned a 9.75 on vault. On floor exercise, junior Jurnee Lane and sophomore Taylor Tuohy both achieved scores of 9.875.
Freshman Kayla Smith competed as an all-around gymnast and finished with a total score of 38.95 across all four events. She surpassed the milestone of 500 season points in her freshman year—becoming only the third Mountaineer freshman to do so—and her total of 506.175 is the highest for a West Virginia freshman since 2008.
Final team and individual results will be announced after the second session later in the evening when Arizona, BYU, Denver, and Utah compete.
