Sun Devil Gymnastics Prepares for Top-20 Test Against No. 18 Denver in Empowering Home Meet
TEMPE - After back-to-back matchups against ranked opponents, Sun Devil Gymnastics isn’t getting a break anytime soon. Arizona State is set to host No.
18 Denver this Saturday, February 7 at 2 p.m. MST inside Desert Financial Arena, marking their third straight meet against a top-25 team.
And while the competition will be fierce, the message this weekend is just as powerful: empowerment through women’s sports.
Saturday’s meet doubles as the annual EmpowHER event - a celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which was recognized earlier this week on February 4. Fans in attendance will receive free EmpowHER t-shirts, and the event will shine a spotlight on the impact of female athletes, both on the mat and beyond. The initiative, led by ASU student-athletes, is about more than gymnastics - it’s about giving young girls role models and reminding everyone that sports are a platform for change.
How to Watch and Follow
The meet will stream live on ESPN+, with live scoring available via Virtius. Fans can also follow along with real-time updates on social media at @SunDevilGym (X) and @sundevilgymnastics (Instagram). As always, parking is free in Lot 59.
Sun Devils Looking to Bounce Back
Arizona State is coming off a tough road loss at No. 14 Utah, where inconsistency across events led to a 194.925 final score.
But there were bright spots - and perhaps the biggest was the return of senior Isabella Kowan. Making her season debut on beam, Kowan delivered a 9.850 - the highest score of the night for any Sun Devil.
It was a poised, confident routine that reminded fans just how valuable her experience is to this team.
Senior Kimberly Smith continues to be a rock in the lineup. She posted a 9.825 on bars, along with 9.800s on both vault and floor.
Smith has competed in the all-around in every meet this season and has been remarkably consistent on floor, never dipping below a 9.800. She’s setting the tone for a team that’s still finding its rhythm.
And then there’s the freshman class - a group that’s not just holding its own but actively pushing the program forward. Kylee Bromley has already claimed three event titles, including an all-around win in her collegiate debut.
Safia El Mammann has been a steady presence leading off vault, notching a pair of 9.825s or better. And Delanie Kelly has carved out a key role in the floor lineup, recently posting a career-best 9.875 at BYU.
These newcomers aren’t just gaining experience - they’re making an impact.
Scouting the Opponent: No. 18 Denver
Denver comes into Tempe undefeated at 5-0, including wins over two ranked squads: No. 13 Stanford and No.
25 Texas Woman’s University. In their most recent outing against Iowa, the Pioneers went a perfect four-for-four - no falls across any event.
That kind of consistency is what makes them dangerous.
This will be just the second time ASU and Denver have met as Big 12 opponents. Their last meeting came in March 2025, with Denver edging out a 196.700 to 195.575 win at home.
Historically, the series has been tight - Denver holds a slight 14-13 edge - but Tempe has never been kind to the Pioneers. In fact, Denver is 0-4 all-time when visiting ASU, with their last trip dating back to 1999.
What to Watch For
Saturday’s meet is more than just a midseason test - it’s a measuring stick. For ASU, it’s a chance to rebound, regroup, and show they can contend with the best. For Denver, it’s about keeping the momentum going and proving they can win on the road in a hostile environment.
But beyond the scores and routines, this meet carries a message. The EmpowHER initiative is about celebrating women in sports - and that’s exactly what this meet will do. Between the high-level gymnastics and the off-the-mat impact, Saturday in Tempe promises to be special.