Gymnastics Ranked Seventh in WCGA Preseason Poll, Best in Program History
12/16/2025 4:00:00 PM | Gymnastics
The Tigers top their previous high of No. 9 in 2023 and 2025.
Mizzou gymnastics is the No. 7 team in the country according to the 2026 Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) preseason poll, the organization announced on Tuesday afternoon.
This marks the highest preseason ranking in program history for the Tigers, who were also one of five teams to earn multiple first-place votes. After a 2025 campaign that saw Mizzou finish third in the nation, the Black & Gold has now slotted in the WCGA preseason top 10 in three of the last four seasons. Missouri's previous high was No. 9 in 2023 and 2025.
"Being ranked seventh in the WCGA preseason poll is a reflection of the work our student-athletes and staff have put in to build this program the right way," Mizzou head coach Shannon Welker said. "It speaks to the consistency, belief and standard that now exists at Mizzou gymnastics. We don't put a lot of emphasis on preseason numbers, but earning the highest ranking in program history shows the respect this team has gained nationally. Our focus remains on continuing to improve every day and being at our best when it matters most."
All nine Southeastern Conference gymnastics programs appear in the top 12 of the WCGA preseason poll, led by reigning national champion Oklahoma. The Sooners are followed by No. 2 LSU and No. 3 Florida, with Mizzou checking in at No. 7. Alabama (No. 8), Kentucky (No. 9), Arkansas (No. 10), Auburn (No. 11) and Georgia (No. 12) round out the league.
Mizzou was also ranked No. 8 in the College Gym News 2026 preseason poll for the second-consecutive year, announced Friday, Nov. 28.
All of Missouri's 13 opponents for the 2026 campaign are ranked or receiving votes in the inaugural WCGA poll.
In the Tigers' first year competing primarily in Mizzou Arena, Missouri opens the season by hosting Iowa State on Jan. 4, which was the first team left out of the poll. The home schedule also features top-three opponents Oklahoma, LSU and Florida, along with No. 31 Illinois, Ball State (receiving votes) and Air Force (receiving votes) in the Mizzou Quad and capped off with No. 10 Arkansas in Hearnes Center on Senior Day.
In Welker's 13th season leading the program, the Tigers welcome four highly touted freshmen and a trio of accomplished transfers. Seven gymnasts from the historic 2025 season also return, highlighted by four WCGA All-Americans in Hannah Horton, Olivia Kelly, Addison Lawrence and Elise Tisler, along with WCGA Regular Season All-American Kennedy Griffin.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Season tickets for the 2026 Mizzou gymnastics season are on sale now at MUTigers.com/Tickets, with general admission packages starting at $50 and reserved seating options beginning at $125.
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