Minnesota Gymnastics Began 2026-27 Season Training
The Golden Gophers returned to the gym to begin preparations following a successful 30-win season.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Gymnastics
The University of Minnesota women's gymnastics team has officially started practice for the 2026-27 campaign. The squad enters the new year following a standout 2026 performance that included a trip to the NCAA Four on the Floor national final.
Why it matters
Coming off a fourth-place finish at the 2026 NCAA Championships, the program is looking to build on its momentum by integrating new roster additions and coaching staff members. The team maintains a focus on accountability and routine as it prepares for the start of competition in December.
The team recorded 30 total wins in 2026 and secured a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. The current roster includes five incoming freshmen and one sophomore transfer.
The players
Grace McCallum
She joined the coaching staff for the 2026-27 season after a decorated career that included winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Jenny Hansen
She has served as the head coach of the University of Minnesota women's gymnastics program for 12 years.
The details
Athletes at the Gymnastics Performance Center rotate through vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise sessions that last four hours each. Gymnasts use integrated televisions during these intensive blocks to review and adjust their technical skills.
Timeline
2020: Grace McCallum won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
January 2025: The Gymnastics Performance Center officially opened.
April 18, 2026: The team finished fourth at the NCAA Championships.
2026-27 season: The current gymnastics cycle is now underway.
December: The competition season begins.
Season Trajectory
The team's current practice cycle follows their historic 2026 appearance in the NCAA Four on the Floor national final. This momentum positions the squad to remain a top contender as they integrate new athletes and adjust to shifting competitive standards.
The roster now features five freshmen and one sophomore transfer, which will necessitate significant changes to the team's depth chart and event rotations. These early four-hour practice sessions are critical for establishing the lineup stability needed to repeat their 30-win performance.
The takeaway
Consistent practice habits and the integration of new coaching staff are essential for maintaining the high standards set by the program in previous years. The upcoming December season start will be the first test of how these new roster adjustments translate to competitive results.
What happens next
The competition season is scheduled to begin in December.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments within the program at Gymnastics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Minnesota Daily.
