The 2026 season for the University of Denver (DU) women’s gymnastics team was defined by consistency and standout individual performances. While the Crimson and Gold fell just short of advancing as a full team to the NCAA Championships, they delivered one of the most impressive seasons in program history.
Denver opened the year ranked No. 16 and finished at No. 23, posting a strong 12-7 record.
The Crimson and Gold stayed strong all year by avoiding mistakes. In 12 of the 13 meets, the team didn’t count a single fall.
On vault, they set a program record by going 127 meets in a row without a fall. Due to their level of consistency, they were able to stay competitive in every meet, especially in the postseason.
At the NCAA Regionals, Denver revealed its depth across all four events. The meet began on beam, where freshman Megan Aamold opened with a solid routine, while junior Ashley Gallen led the rotation with a 9.825. After a fall midway through their routines, junior Amanda Hargraves and senior Cecilia Cooley responded with back to back 9.800s.
Floor was the highlight of the day and the season. Denver posted a strong 49.300, making its 10th score of 49.300 or higher in 2026. Every counted routine scored at least a 9.800.
Gallen and Hargraves built momentum early, but it was senior Kiley Rorich and freshman Shyla Bhatia who stole the show. Both gymnasts scored 9.900s, tying for the second highest scores of the session. Rorich matched her career high for the second meet in a row during the final meet of her collegiate career.
On vault, Denver continued its long season dominance. Freshman Sevana Kasparian and senior Mila Brusch each scored 9.825, while sophomore Addie Hewitt added a 9.800.
Bhatia delivered one of the top moments of the meet, sticking to her vault and earning a 9.900, tying for the top vault score in the session. Bhatia also ranked among the best regional vault scores in program history.
Bars proved to be the most challenging event for Denver. Despite a fall, the team fought through. Rorich again led the way with a 9.900, while Kasparian and Cooley added strong routines. The group’s ability to recover and finish the meet highlighted the team’s grit.
Individually, Rorich and Bhatia both contended for top finishes at regionals. Bhatia tied for the vault lead midway through the competition and also strong across the board, while Rorich capped her career with an impressive performance.
Bhatia’s season continued on the national stage at the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. Competing as an individual qualifier on vault, she scored a 9.8125. She finished and tied for 37th overall across both semifinal sessions, closing out an extraordinary debut season.
Bhatia hit all 42 of her vaults and earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors. She finished the year as Denver’s top vaulter and one of its most versatile athletes.
In the end, Denver’s 2026 season showcased a team built on consistency and rising talent, keeping them in the national spotlight.
