Minnesota Gymnasts Propel Oklahoma Sooners to NCAA Championship
Freshman gymnasts Lily Pederson and Elle Mueller made a significant impact during their inaugural season with the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team, culminating in the Sooners' seventh NCAA championship title this past April.
"I knew it could be achievable, but I didn't know freshman year, right out of the gate," Mueller remarked, reflecting on their unexpected success.
Pederson echoed her teammate's sentiments, stating, "Being able to have two people from the same state, and two friends being able to go to the same college, and accomplish both of our dreams and goals, it's amazing."
Both athletes hail from Minnesota, with Pederson training at Flips Gymnastics in White Bear Lake and Mueller at Twin City Twisters in Champlin. Their paths crossed frequently during their competitive childhoods.
As they navigate the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the duo is making a name for themselves. "Yeah, we're really proud. I mean, we get made fun of for our accents sometimes, but it's fine, it's totally fine," Pederson laughed, embracing their roots.
In a remarkable feat for freshmen, both contributed significantly at the Division I NCAA Nationals. Mueller showcased her skills on the floor with a score of 9.90 and excelled on the vault with a near-perfect 9.98.
"I wasn't competing for myself anymore; I was competing for my team because we all wanted to win that national championship," Mueller explained, emphasizing the team spirit that fueled her performance.
Pederson also made her mark by competing on the beam, vault, and bars. After a fall during the semifinals, she rebounded impressively, scoring 9.9375 on the beam with a flawless dismount when it mattered most.
"On day two, I completed the best beam routine I've had in my life. I had the best score I've ever had," Pederson said. "It was such an amazing feeling, and knowing everyone believed in me and was confident in me, like the celebration after, it was a feeling like no other. I was feeling all the emotions and it's a feeling I'll never forget."
Regardless of their current triumphs, both gymnasts remain grounded and grateful for their beginnings in the sport. "It keeps me humble and keeps me to myself and reminds me of how far I've come," Mueller noted.
The Sooners enjoyed an impressive season, finishing nearly undefeated and clinching their first SEC title in this competitive conference.
Marielle Mohs is excited to share stories from her home state of Minnesota, where she grew up in Eden Prairie and South Minneapolis.
