For the second consecutive season, Alabama gymnastics will compete at the national level.

The Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics team has long been a powerhouse in collegiate gymnastics. With a rich history of success and tradition, the team has consistently been a contender at the national level. In 2025, for the second consecutive season, Alabama gymnastics has earned its spot at the NCAA Championships, continuing a legacy of excellence that has spanned decades.

This milestone represents not only the team’s skill and hard work but also the resilience and determination of its athletes, coaches, and support staff. The journey to the national competition is never easy, and to make it two years in a row is a testament to the program’s strength and growth.

In this article, we will explore the significance of Alabama’s back-to-back appearances at the NCAA Gymnastics Championships, the athletes who have made this possible, the coaching staff’s efforts, and what this achievement means for the future of Alabama gymnastics.

The Tradition of Alabama Gymnastics

Alabama gymnastics has been a dominant force in the world of collegiate gymnastics for many years. The program has won multiple NCAA titles and has seen numerous athletes achieve individual honors. The team’s sustained success is a result of a commitment to excellence, both in training and competition. Historically, Alabama has been one of the most successful programs in the NCAA, and its reputation attracts top-tier recruits from across the country.

Under the leadership of former coach Sarah Patterson, Alabama gymnastics reached new heights, securing six NCAA championships and 24 NCAA Regional titles. Her ability to develop athletes and lead them to greatness helped set the foundation for the team’s continued success. While Patterson retired in 2015, her legacy and the culture of excellence she cultivated continue to influence the program today.

Current head coach, Ashley Johnston, has built upon this legacy. She has not only maintained the level of success expected from Alabama gymnastics but has also brought her own unique approach and vision to the team. Her ability to guide athletes through the high-pressure environment of NCAA gymnastics has been instrumental in the team’s continued success.

The Road to the NCAA Championships

For any collegiate gymnastics team, making it to the NCAA Championships is a challenging feat. The road to nationals is paved with obstacles, from the rigorous regular season to the pressure of the regional competitions. The path includes qualifying through conference championships, then advancing to NCAA Regionals, where the best teams and individuals from across the country compete for a coveted spot at the national level.

Alabama’s journey to the 2025 NCAA Championships began early in the season. The team’s performances throughout the regular season set the stage for a strong postseason run. Consistency in scoring and execution was paramount, with every competition becoming an opportunity for the gymnasts to improve and fine-tune their routines. The team’s depth and talent shone through, as they consistently earned high scores and demonstrated the precision required to compete at the national level.

Alabama’s performance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship was a significant milestone in their journey. The SEC is one of the toughest gymnastics conferences in the nation, with multiple teams regularly vying for top spots. For Alabama to perform well at the SEC Championship meant they had successfully navigated one of the most challenging environments in college gymnastics, setting them up for success in the NCAA Regionals.

The Importance of Teamwork

While individual brilliance can certainly make a difference in gymnastics, Alabama’s success in securing a spot at the NCAA Championships can largely be attributed to the strength of the team as a whole. Gymnastics is often seen as an individual sport, with each athlete performing routines on different apparatuses. However, the team aspect is critical, as the gymnasts rely on each other to perform well across all events.

In Alabama’s case, the gymnasts demonstrate incredible teamwork in their preparation and during competition. Athletes like Lexi Graber, who has been a standout performer for Alabama, and Shallon Olsen, whose vault performances have earned her national recognition, are integral to the team’s success. However, these athletes don’t perform in a vacuum—they are part of a cohesive unit, with each team member contributing to the overall effort.

The coaching staff, led by Ashley Johnston, plays a significant role in fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among the athletes. Johnston’s leadership has created an environment where the gymnasts support and push each other to be their best, both in practice and competition. This team-first mentality is a key reason why Alabama has been able to achieve consistent success at the national level.

Key Athletes Driving the Team’s Success

Alabama’s gymnastics program has a history of producing standout athletes who leave a lasting mark on the sport. In the 2025 season, several gymnasts have played pivotal roles in the team’s national aspirations.

Lexi Graber is one of the standout athletes of the Alabama gymnastics team. Her skill and experience have made her one of the most accomplished gymnasts in the country. As a multi-time NCAA All-American, Graber’s routines have been among the highest-scoring in the nation. Her performances on bars and beam have been particularly noteworthy, and she has been a key leader for the team both in competition and behind the scenes.

Shallon Olsen, a Canadian national champion, has been another anchor for Alabama. Known for her explosive vaults and consistent execution, Olsen’s vaults have been a highlight of Alabama’s competition. Her ability to perform under pressure and deliver big scores has been crucial in the team’s push for a national title.

Makarri Doggette has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the NCAA. Her performances on the floor and vault have helped Alabama maintain its competitive edge. Doggette’s energy and precision have made her a fan favorite, and her contributions to the team have been indispensable.

These athletes, along with others on the team, have come together to form a group that is not only talented but also mentally tough. Gymnastics is a sport where small mistakes can cost a team dearly, and Alabama has consistently shown the ability to perform under pressure. The ability of these athletes to execute when it matters most has been a key factor in Alabama’s successful campaign to reach the NCAA Championships for a second consecutive year.

The Coaching Staff’s Role

Behind every successful team is a coaching staff that provides guidance, strategy, and mentorship. Ashley Johnston, who has been the head coach of Alabama gymnastics since 2019, has made an indelible mark on the program. Her coaching philosophy combines technical expertise with emotional intelligence, helping her athletes reach their potential while fostering a positive and supportive team culture.

Johnston’s coaching career has been marked by a commitment to athlete development, both on and off the mat. Her experience as an assistant coach at several prestigious programs before taking the reins at Alabama has given her a broad perspective on what it takes to build a successful team. Under her leadership, Alabama has not only qualified for the NCAA Championships but has done so in a way that highlights the team’s resilience, consistency, and work ethic.

Johnston is supported by a talented team of assistant coaches and staff, including notable names like Stephanie Williams, the team’s assistant coach for vaults and floor. Williams’ expertise has helped hone the team’s performance on these events, which are often among the most crucial in gymnastics competitions. The ability of the coaching staff to develop a comprehensive game plan and adapt to the team’s strengths has been essential to Alabama’s success.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alabama Gymnastics?

As Alabama prepares to compete in the 2025 NCAA Gymnastics Championships, the team is focused on not just maintaining its place among the nation’s elite but continuing to build for the future. The team’s strong recruiting classes, led by Alabama’s Recruiting Coordinator, Peter Hibbard, have helped ensure that Alabama remains competitive for years to come.

The foundation that has been laid by the current athletes and coaching staff positions Alabama to remain a fixture in the NCAA Gymnastics landscape. The future of Alabama gymnastics looks bright, with new talent coming in each year and a culture of success that continues to drive the program forward.

Alabama’s back-to-back appearances at the NCAA Championships are not just a reflection of the team’s current success—they are a testament to the resilience, hard work, and commitment to excellence that have defined Alabama gymnastics for decades. This program has built a legacy of success that will continue to inspire generations of gymnasts to come.

For the gymnasts, coaches, and fans who have supported the program, this is more than just another trip to the NCAA Championships—it’s a reminder of the incredible journey that has brought them to this point, and the promise of even greater things ahead.