Stage? The 2024 NCAA Gymnastics Semifinal. At stake? The NCAA championship title. The defending champions, the Oklahoma Sooners, were one of the very favorites for the win, but as destiny would have it, the favorites weren’t favored and they were knocked out of the competition. The Dickies Arena crowd fell silent on April 18, 2024, when three of the Sooner vaulters fell or nearly did in the opening rotation of the second national semifinal. Now it has been a full rotation as the Sooners once again perform in the NCAA semifinal, and the criticism is yet to stop. Oklahoma’s head coach has finally spoken up over those.

After the 2025 NCAA semis, K.J. Kindler talked of how the criticism that has been following them for a day less than a year. In a tweet by All Things Gymnastics Podcast, it’s written, “KJ Kindler says it’s been a long 364 days & she doesn’t ever want to see TV footage of Oklahoma falling over & over again on vault. “That dragon is slayed.”KJ also talked about the criticism the team has faced each week. Full press conference coming soon to Patreon!” Now we know for sure that she is not interested in watching another video of the vault fall.

In the press conference, Kindler praised her gymnasts, who have held on despite the harsh words. She pointed out, “And it’s been tough to have that kind of criticism coming at you every week, week in and week out for these 18 to 22-year-olds. You know, maybe our staff can handle it, but I do think that the level of hate that has come their way is disappointing.” Very true indeed, staff members are much older and wiser to handle such things, but someone as young as 18 can be hit very hard by such criticism.

Moving on, she pointed out to the two gymnasts sitting next to her, citing, “These are our two all-arounders, Dave and Jordan. They had an incredible night tonight or afternoon. Feels like night already. They were definitely spot on. We needed that when they are on fire.” Jordan Bowers delivered an exceptional all-around performance, scoring a total of 39.7125 with Vault—9.8875, Uneven Bars—9.9375, Balance Beam—9.9375, and Floor Exercise—9.950.

She also talked of how hard it is for them not to be successful. We mean, they have won six NCAA titles, and being successful is a part of them. She said that she is proud of the team’s efforts and their seniors’ leadership. Kindler continued, “I mean, we saw Audrey Davis. She was not quite herself today. (1:11) But I think if anyone’s taken what’s happened personally more than anyone, it’s probably her.” Davis scored 9.825 on bars, 9.825 on beam, and 9.8625 on the floor. She also said, “So I’m looking forward to seeing her back in action on Saturday for her final day as a senior.” Saturday is when the NCAA final takes place.

Oklahoma Gymnastics advances to the finals

The Oklahoma Sooners have completed their revenge arc with the win in the NCAA semifinals. With a team score of 197.550, they secured first place, edging out Missouri (197.300), Florida (197.200), and Alabama (196.825). This marks their 13th appearance in the NCAA Finals. Jordan Bowers and Faith Torrez were the superstars of the win. 

Bowers’ 9.9375 in the bars topped the field on bars, and he also tied for first on floor with a 9.950. Faith Torrez complemented Bowers’ efforts, earning a 39.6375 in the all-around and matching Bowers’ 9.950 on floor. The Sooners gave great performances. They led from start to finish, with standout performances on bars (49.400), beam (49.350), floor (49.525), and vault (49.275).

The Sooners have won the NCAA title in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023, and if they let it even his year, this would be their seventh. Can they do it?