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Graduate student Bella Mabanta competes on floor during the annual Crimson & Gold Intrasquad on Dec. 22 at Magness Arena.

The 91���� gymnastics team opened the 2025 season last weekend on a national stage with a 195.700-194.975 win over Michigan at Magness Arena. Returning 14 of 15 athletes from 2024, the team aims to use that depth and experience to their advantage.

DU’s returning athletes include four fifth-years and two seniors—Rosie Casali, Bella Mabanta, Rylie Mundell, Abbie Thompson, Mia Hebinck and Momoko Iwai.

In addition to the number of veterans on the team, Casali says several underclassmen are also competing for lineup spots.

“I'm excited because I feel like a lot of people that didn't compete as much last year really stepped up this year, so it’s going to be cool to see new faces competing,” Casali says.

What makes this year’s team unique, according to Head Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart, is the strength of the group as a whole.

“While we do have incredible athletes and athletes that stand out on different events or different all-arounders, with this team I really emphasize our success is going to be based on the strength of the group collectively,” Kutcher-Rinehart said last month in an interview on the��.

DU has already drawn preseason attention, landing the most honors (9) on the 2025 Big 12 Gymnastics Preseason Team with Mabanta, Mundell, Casali, Iwai and sophomore Madison Ulrich being recognized.

The team wrapped its preseason with a strong team performance at its annual Crimson & Gold Intrasquad on Dec. 22.

And while the excitement and anticipation are palpable, Mabanta says it’s important to remain in the moment, take one competition at a time and not look too far ahead.

“I feel like everyone has worked hard over the last few months, and it’s really starting to pay off. The lineups are looking great, and the depth is amazing,” she says.

The overall goal, as it has been in years past, is to make nationals—but achieving that is more than just having a strong start to the season, Casali says.

“We’re talking about peaking at the right time and not stressing too much about the little things,” she says. “I think we’re capable of so much, and I want people to see that.”