In a thrilling display of talent and determination, the Iowa State Cyclones showcased their gymnastics prowess during Senior Night at Hilton Coliseum. Competing against tough opponents from the University of Denver and North Carolina State University on February 28, 2025, in Ames, Iowa, the Cyclones delivered a stellar performance that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The evening kicked off with the Cyclones securing a solid victory over No. 18 North Carolina State with a score of 195.775-195.000. However, despite their impressive showing, Iowa State ultimately clinched second place after a close defeat against No. 19 Denver, with a final score of 196.750-195.775. The Tri-Meet was a rollercoaster of emotions for both the athletes and the spectators.
The meet commenced with the vault event, where the Cyclones tied for first place overall with a total score of 49.200, matching Denver’s performance. Although they started strong, the team secured second place in the subsequent events, earning scores of 48.850 on the uneven bars, 48.675 on the balance beam, and 49.050 in the floor exercise routines. Senior Josie Bergstrom Te-Slaa further solidified the team’s standing by finishing second in the all-around competition.
For head coach Ashley Miles Greig, the evening was a culmination of hard work and dedication. Reflecting on the team’s performance, she expressed pride in their ability to rebound from previous setbacks and deliver a memorable show for the home crowd. As the cheers echoed through the arena, the Cyclones basked in the glory of their accomplishments.
With standout performances in various events, individual stars emerged from the Cyclones’ roster. Sophomore Noelle Adams shone brightly on the vault, earning a remarkable score of 9.9 and tying for second place individually. Freshman Frederique Sgarbossa led the team on the uneven bars with a score of 9.825, securing a seventh-place finish in the individual standings. Bergstrom Te-Slaa showcased her expertise on the balance beam, tying for second place with a score of 9.825. Adams continued her stellar performance on the floor exercise, claiming a first-place tie with a score of 9.875, closely followed by freshman Haylee Hardin, who tied for third with a score of 9.850.
As the competition heated up, the Cyclones’ resilience and determination were on full display. Hardin, in particular, expressed her gratitude for the team’s support and looked forward to the challenges that lay ahead. With the season drawing to a close, the future of the Cyclones appeared bright, with promising talents like Hardin leading the charge towards success.
The Senior Night festivities were a poignant reminder of the contributions made by four exceptional seniors to the Iowa State gymnastics program. Bergstrom Te-Slaa, a key figure in the team’s success, had been a consistent performer throughout her tenure and embodied the spirit of dedication and excellence. As she bid farewell to Hilton Coliseum, Bergstrom Te-Slaa remained focused on finishing the season strong and achieving new heights of greatness.
Senior Hannah Loyim, a versatile athlete who excelled in the all-around competition, had set high standards for herself and her teammates, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence. Emma Ricks, who overcame adversity to compete in multiple events, showcased unwavering resilience and determination throughout her career. Rachel Wilke, a comeback story in her own right, had proven her worth as a valuable asset to the team, contributing to their success on multiple fronts.
As the Cyclones look ahead to the upcoming Cy-Hawk series against the Hawkeyes in Iowa City, the team remains focused on their goal of making the postseason. The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await another thrilling display of gymnastics prowess from the Iowa State Cyclones.
