Michigan Gymnastics Shines: Boozer Named Breakout Performer of the Year
The 2025 Michigan Women’s Gymnastics season brought a remarkable blend of talent, resilience, and growth. The Wolverines excelled in competition and earned recognition across the Big Ten and national stages.
From breakout performances to academic excellence, the team’s achievements reflect a program built on tradition and driven by determination. This season’s honors highlight veterans like Carly Bauman and rising stars such as Kayli Boozer and Jahzara Ranger.
According to the official Michigan Athletics release, the Wolverines’ success extended far beyond the competition floor. Their commitment to excellence showed up in every arena.
Michigan Gymnastics Shines in 2025: A Season of Honors and Breakthroughs
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The 2025 campaign put Michigan solidly among the top collegiate gymnastics programs. With a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy, the Wolverines delivered standout routines and career-best performances.
The team balanced competitive grit with academic achievement all season. They picked up numerous conference and national accolades along the way.
Kayli Boozer: The Breakout Performer of the Year
Kayli Boozer stood out as one of the brightest stories of the season. She took home the College Gym News Breakout Performer of the Year award, which goes to sophomores, juniors, or seniors who raise their game to new heights.
Boozer, from Texarkana, Texas, earned her first Big Ten Second Team selection and proved herself as a steady force on vault, beam, and floor. Her sophomore year was all about consistency and clutch moments.
She picked up two beam titles, including a career-best 9.950 against Ohio State at Crisler Center. Boozer thrived under pressure late in the season.
She hit back-to-back 9.900s on floor against Ohio State and Nebraska, and landed a 9.900 on vault at Oklahoma. By season’s end, Boozer ranked 15th in the Big Ten on beam and 24th on floor, making her one of the conference’s most versatile gymnasts.
Jahzara Ranger: A Freshman Phenom
Freshman Jahzara Ranger made an immediate impact in her debut season. She picked up multiple Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, showing off her poise and power across several events.
At the Big Ten Quad Meet, Ranger scored 9.900 on both vault and floor, grabbing her first career vault title and her fifth event title of the season. Her consistency was impressive for a first-year competitor.
She tied for third on floor and sixth on beam, proving she could deliver in high-pressure moments. Earlier, she dropped another 9.900 on floor against No. 2 UCLA, anchoring the lineup with confidence and flair.
Ranger shifted momentum for the Wolverines, especially on beam. Her strong foundation and early success hint at a bright future in Ann Arbor.
Carly Bauman: The Veteran Leader and Specialist Star
Senior Carly Bauman anchored Michigan’s lineup, earning multiple Big Ten Specialist of the Week honors during the 2025 season. Her performances on uneven bars and balance beam set the tone in dual meets against top-ranked opponents.
Dominance on Bars and Beam
Bauman’s precision and artistry stood out when she scored a career-best 9.975 on uneven bars against UCLA. That marked her third straight bars title and sixth of the season.
She followed up with a 9.900 on beam to secure another event title, showing her versatility and poise. Her 9.925 on floor tied her career high, capping off one of her best meets.
Earlier in the season, Bauman posted a 9.975 on beam with a 10.0 from one judge—a real testament to her technical skill and calm under pressure. She helped keep the team focused and confident during crucial meets.
By midseason, Bauman ranked 16th nationally on bars, 19th on beam, and 26th on floor. That’s an impressive trifecta for any gymnast.
Academic and Athletic Excellence
Off the floor, Bauman’s drive for excellence didn’t slow down. She earned First Team CSC Academic All-America honors and was one of ten Wolverines named to the CSC Academic All-District team.
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Balancing elite gymnastics with academic success, Bauman really embodied what Michigan hopes for in a student-athlete.
Rising Stars: Sophia Diaz and the Next Generation
While the veterans led the way, newcomers like Sophia Diaz proved the program’s future looks bright. Diaz arrived at Michigan with a strong résumé, having competed for Hill’s Gymnastics and earning multiple national titles at Level 10.
She notched three straight regional all-around titles and two national all-around championships in 2023 and 2024. Diaz even scored a perfect 10.0 on vault at the 2024 national championships, so she came to Ann Arbor ready to make an impact.
The Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch list included Diaz and Ranger, a nod to the conference’s recognition of Michigan’s incoming talent. Together, they represent the next wave of Wolverines aiming to extend the program’s legacy.
Michigan’s Big Ten Outlook and Team Progress
In the Big Ten Preseason Poll, Michigan landed third, behind Michigan State and UCLA. Despite tough competition, the Wolverines pushed the conference’s elite and kept their reputation as one of the nation’s most balanced teams.
Veteran leadership, breakout performances, and freshman contributions formed a strong foundation for the season.
Team Depth and Competitive Spirit
What really set Michigan apart in 2025 was its depth. Multiple gymnasts stepped up to deliver crucial scores, especially on beam and floor where consistency often decides the outcome.
The team adapted and thrived under pressure, especially in meets against top-ranked opponents like UCLA and Oklahoma. Each performance showed off the Wolverines’ resilience and team-first mentality.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Legacy of Excellence
The Wolverines are already eyeing the next season. The foundation they built in 2025 feels like a launchpad for even bigger things.
Boozer keeps improving, Bauman leads with confidence, and young talents like Ranger and Diaz are stepping up. Michigan looks ready to make a serious run at Big Ten and national titles.
This program blends experience, raw talent, and a real commitment to academics. Honestly, it’s hard not to see them as one of the top collegiate gymnastics teams in the country.
The 2025 season wasn’t just about scores or trophies. It showed what Michigan’s culture is all about—hard work, teamwork, and never backing down from a challenge.
Veterans set the tone, and newcomers jumped right in. Every gymnast left their mark on a season that fans won’t forget anytime soon.
Want the full scoop on every award and honor? Check out the Michigan Women’s Gymnastics Awards and Honors page.