The Arizona GymCats are preparing for their 50th season, aiming to build on a highly successful 2024-25 campaign. With a younger roster, the team kicks off its season tomorrow at McKale Center at 2 p.m. MST during the GymCat Showcase.
The GymCat Showcase offers newcomers a chance to adjust to the arena before scores count. Freshman Hillary Puleo said the showcase helps her learn the layout, sightlines, and atmosphere. “I’m getting all my jitters out before the season starts,” she said.
McKale Center, a busy venue this winter, required adjustments to accommodate gymnastics practice. Volleyball has concluded its season, women’s basketball hosts nonconference games, and the top-ranked men’s basketball team is heading to Alabama. Gymnastics head coach John Court praised men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd for moving practice to the Richard Jefferson Gymnasium so the team could train in the arena.
This year’s roster is markedly younger, featuring five freshmen and sophomore transfer Sadie Smith from Arkansas. They fill the gap left by upperclassmen Elena Deets, Alysen Fears, and Emily Mueller, who contributed ten routines last season. Deets was the 2025 Big 12 co-Specialist of the Year.
Despite the youth, experience remains in the lineup. Redshirt senior Liz LaRusso competes on all events except the balance beam. She expressed excitement for her final season after missing part of her junior year. True senior Emma Strom and senior Gigi Lenczner also provide leadership. Junior all-arounder Abigayle Martin and other juniors, including Sophie Derr, Tirzah Wise, and Ainsley Greever, bring multi-event experience to the team.
Court expects Smith to compete on bars nightly and praised her leadership since joining the program. The freshman class, including Puleo, Elle Bragga, Riley Carman, Lily Tisdale, and Delaney Mead, will gradually integrate into the rotation. Bragga focuses on beam, Carman will contribute in multiple events, and Puleo could appear on all four events, with beam her favorite.
Arizona’s underclassmen will be guided by experienced teammates. Strom and Martin were recognized in preseason All-Big 12 selections. Martin was unanimously chosen for the All-Around team and also appeared on the Vault and Balance Beam teams. Strom was a unanimous selection for Floor Exercise.
The program also faces coaching changes. Associate head coach Taylor Spears left the team shortly before classes began. The court will not replace her immediately, but plans to hire a third assistant after the season. Kylie Kratchwell was promoted to associate head coach earlier this summer. Former GymCat Shelby Martinez now coaches balance beam, while Court resumes vault coaching duties.
The Arizona GymCats enter their milestone 50th season with a blend of young talent and experienced leadership, ready to showcase their skills at the GymCat Showcase and pursue another strong run in the Big 12.
