Minnesota Freshmen Propel Oklahoma Sooners to NCAA Gymnastics Glory
Lily Pederson and Elle Mueller, both Minnesota natives, have made a splash in NCAA gymnastics during their freshman year at the University of Oklahoma. These two didn’t just help the Sooners grab their seventh national championship—they made history as standout newcomers.
They grew up competing against each other in Minnesota. Now, they’re teammates on the nation’s top-ranked collegiate gymnastics program. It’s wild how their journey blends talent, grit, and a real friendship.
Their NCAA Nationals performances? Seriously impressive. Young gymnasts across the country are watching their story and getting inspired. Here’s the original CBS Minnesota feature if you want to check it out.
The Minnesota Roots of Two Gymnastics Stars
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Both Pederson and Mueller started gymnastics in Minnesota, working hard at local clubs. Pederson trained at Flips Gymnastics in White Bear Lake, while Mueller was with Twin City Twisters in Champlin.
Their paths crossed often at meets, sparking a friendly rivalry. That competition eventually turned into a strong bond when they landed on the same college team.
Growing up in Minnesota’s tight gymnastics scene gave them something special. The discipline, competitive edge, and sense of community they found as kids really set the stage for NCAA success.
Now, as Oklahoma Sooners, they carry their Minnesota pride—accents and all—even if teammates sometimes tease them about it.
From Rivals to Teammates
Pederson and Mueller share mutual respect and plenty of ambition. As kids, they pushed each other to get better. Now, their friendship at Oklahoma fuels their drive.
Competing side-by-side at the NCAA Nationals felt like a dream. Their shared Minnesota background made it all the more meaningful.
Dominating the NCAA Nationals
It’s not common for freshmen to make such a big impact at NCAA Nationals, but Pederson and Mueller didn’t shy away from the spotlight. Their routines were technically sharp, and they handled the pressure like pros.
Mueller rocked the floor exercise with a 9.90 and nearly nailed a perfect vault, scoring 9.98. She said her focus stayed on the team’s goals, and honestly, it paid off big time during the Sooners’ championship run.
Pederson’s Redemption on Beam
Pederson’s experience at Nationals was all about bouncing back. She fell on beam in the semifinals but came back in the finals and nailed her best beam routine ever, scoring a career-high 9.9375.
She also put up strong vault and bars routines, adding key points to the team score. That comeback? It was a huge moment in her young career.
Nailing her beam dismount felt unforgettable. The belief and support from her teammates and coaches made all the difference.
The Sooners’ Historic Season
The 2025 season was huge for the Oklahoma Sooners. With Pederson and Mueller in the mix, the team was almost undefeated and snagged their first SEC championship since joining the conference.
The team’s depth, consistency, and ability to handle pressure really showed—qualities you see in these Minnesota freshmen.
Adjusting to the SEC
Switching to the Southeastern Conference came with plenty of new challenges. Different competition styles, a fresh athletic culture—it’s a lot to take in.
Pederson and Mueller didn’t just adapt; they thrived. Their mindset and willingness to grow stand out.
Lessons from Minnesota
Even with all their national success, both gymnasts stay grounded. They credit their Minnesota upbringing for shaping their character and work ethic.
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Mueller says remembering where she came from keeps her focused and humble. Pederson talks about staying true to herself, no matter how big the stage gets.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Their story proves you don’t have to come from a big city or fancy gym to dream big. By making a splash so early in college, Pederson and Mueller have become role models for young gymnasts everywhere.
They show that with dedication, resilience, and good people around you, almost anything’s possible.
What’s Next for Pederson and Mueller?
With their freshman season behind them, the future looks bright. They’ve already shown they can handle the spotlight, and their growth will be key to Oklahoma’s championship hopes.
Fans can expect more high-scoring routines, leadership, and maybe even individual NCAA titles as they keep pushing themselves.
Key Takeaways from Their Journey
- Shared roots can create powerful bonds – Pederson and Mueller’s Minnesota connection has strengthened their teamwork and mutual support.
- Resilience is essential – Overcoming setbacks, like Pederson’s beam fall, is a hallmark of elite athletes.
- Team-first mentality wins championships – Mueller’s focus on the team’s success over individual glory contributed to the Sooners’ victory.
- Adaptability matters – Thriving in a new conference environment shows their readiness for any challenge.
Conclusion
Lily Pederson and Elle Mueller have one of the most compelling stories in recent NCAA gymnastics. They started in Minnesota and, as freshmen at Oklahoma, became national champions.
They’ve shown real skill and perseverance. You can feel their love for the sport in everything they do.
As they keep competing, their influence on gymnastics—both in Minnesota and nationwide—keeps growing. For anyone who follows collegiate gymnastics, this partnership is definitely worth watching.
Their journey’s not over. If their first year tells us anything, there’s a lot more in store.
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