Gymnastics Inks Four on National Signing Day
11/14/2024 10:30:00 AM | Gymnastics
Mizzou’s class of four ranks 11th according to CollegeGymNews
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri gymnastics head coach Shannon Welker has announced the program's 2025 recruiting class of four signees on Wednesday afternoon, consisting of Kimarra Echols, Bryce Kupbens, Maiya Terry and Hayli Westerlind.
The Tigers' class ranks 11th nationally and fifth in the Southeastern Conference, according to CollegeGymNews.com. This marks the third time since 2021 that MU has welcomed a top-11 class nationally.
"We are thrilled to welcome four incredibly talented gymnasts and even better people into our program," Coach Welker said. "Our staff has been very impressed with these women during the recruiting process. This class continues to bolster Missouri gymnastics as one of the premier programs in the country and brings numerous accolades with them. Kimarra, Bryce, Maiya and Hayli are remarkable individuals that Tiger Nation will love to watch compete in the coming years."
Kimarra Echols | Henderson, Nev. | Gymcats Gymnastics
A five-star recruit from Henderson, Nevada, Echols has competed for Gymcats Gymnastics since January 2022. A five-star recruit according to CollegeGymNews.com, Echols has personal bests of 9.975 on vault and 9.900 on floor, including a 39.025 all-around. Since moving to level 10 in 2020, Echols has six scores of 9.800 or better on vault, seven consecutive 9.800 or better results on floor and earned 38.000 or higher in 10 meets. Echols was named a 2024 DP National Team Member and was a state and regional all-around champion with 20 first-place finishes in the 2024 calendar year.
Bryce Kupbens | Belmont, Calif. | Accel Gymnastics
Kupbens, who will graduate from Carlton High School in the spring, joined Accel Gymnastics at the beginning of the 2023 calendar year. The California bronze medalist on vault holds a career best of 9.725 on the event. Kupbens recorded a 9.425 or higher at every meet of the 2024 season, including a trio of top-three finishes and three-straight scores of 9.650 or better in her previous three meets.
Maiya Terry | Coeur D'Alene, Id. | Funtastics/Team Avant Coeur Gymnastics
Terry, a CollegeGymNews.com three-star, signs with the Tigers out of Lake City High School in her hometown of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. She has career bests of 9.650 on vault, 9.675 on bars, 9.500 on beam, 9.700 on floor and 38.100 in the all-around. In 2024, Terry earned six first-place finishes on bars and a pair of top-10 results on bars and floor during Nationals. She is a three-time national qualifier as well. She has recorded 9.500 or better on bars in four of her last seven meets.
Hayli Westerlind | Riverton, Utah | Olympus Gymnastics
Westerlind joined Olympus Gymnastics in 2020 and began competing at level 10 in 2021. The CollegeGymNews.com four-star prospect was a three-time national qualifier and also earned consecutive top-10 finishes on beam at DP Nationals. Westerlind holds a career-best of 9.700 or better in all four disciplines – 9.750 on vault, 9.775 on bars, 9.875 on beam and 9.700 on floor. On beam, the Riverton, Utah native has earned at least a 9.300 in all but three of her 25 meets since 2022. She recorded a 38.650 in the all-around at the Utah State DP Meet in March and has reached 38.000 five times in 2024.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Season ticket renewals for the 2025 Mizzou gymnastics season are on sale now at MUTigers.com/Tickets. In addition to hosting "Beauty and the Beast" for the team's regular season opener, the Tigers will host SEC home duals against Kentucky, Georgia and Auburn.
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For all the latest on Mizzou gymnastics, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
