The Iowa State women’s gymnastics team has officially shut down its 2026 season, a tough but necessary decision made over the weekend due to safety concerns tied to a shortage of available student-athletes.
In a statement released Sunday, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services Shamaree Brown explained the move came after a week-long review of the program. “It became apparent that we do not have enough student-athletes available to safely compete,” Brown said. “The health, safety and overall welfare of our student-athletes is paramount, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are able to safely train and compete at the highest level.”
That statement says a lot - and leaves a lot unsaid. What’s clear is that Iowa State found itself in a position where simply fielding a team wasn’t feasible.
And when that happens in a sport as physically demanding and precision-based as gymnastics, the risk outweighs the reward. This isn’t a sport where you can just patch things together and hope for the best.
Safety isn’t just a buzzword here - it’s the baseline.
The Cyclones were in the midst of a challenging season, sitting at 2-8 with six meets still on the calendar. That included matchups with Western Michigan, Arizona State, Arizona, BYU, in-state rival Iowa, and a shot at the Big 12 Gymnastics Championships. All of that is now off the table.
Also lost in the cancellation is one of the program’s marquee events: the annual “Beauty and the Beast” meet, a fan-favorite tradition where the gymnastics and wrestling teams compete simultaneously inside Hilton Coliseum. It’s a unique showcase of athleticism and school spirit, and its absence will be felt by fans and athletes alike.
As for those fans, Iowa State’s athletic department confirmed that ticket holders for the remaining home meets will be contacted with refund information later this week.
What remains unclear - and what many will be watching closely - is what exactly led to the shortage of athletes and what this means for the future of the program. For now, Iowa State has offered no further details on what caused the roster to thin to such a critical point. Whether it was injuries, departures, or other unforeseen circumstances, the university has chosen not to elaborate.
This is a tough moment for the Cyclones, no doubt. But in a sport where the margin for error is razor-thin and the physical demands are relentless, stepping back when the numbers aren’t there is the right call - even if it stings.