UNC Gymnastics Set for ACC Showdown at Clemson with Momentum on Their Side
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The No. 13 North Carolina women's gymnastics squad is heading into its third ACC matchup of the season with confidence and firepower, as they travel to Littlejohn Coliseum to take on No.
16 Clemson this Friday at 7 p.m. It’ll be just their second road test of the season, but this Tar Heel team has already proven they can perform under pressure - and they’re bringing serious momentum into this one.
Last time these two programs met, UNC came out on top in Chapel Hill, posting a 196.575 to Clemson’s 195.800. In that meet, the Tar Heels controlled three of the four events - Vault, Beam, and Floor - and they’ll look to replicate that dominance on Clemson’s home floor.
Veteran Leadership and Freshman Firepower
At the heart of Carolina’s strong start is senior Gwen Fink, who’s been nothing short of a rock across all events. She currently sits tied for seventh in the nation in the All-Around - a testament to her consistency, poise, and elite execution.
Fink opened the season with a statement performance at Florida, scoring a 39.475 to win the All-Around and earning ACC Gymnast of the Week honors on Jan. 14.
But it’s not just the upperclassmen making noise. Freshman Sydney Seabrooks is quickly becoming a star in her own right.
She made her All-Around debut against Pitt and didn’t just hold her own - she won the event with a 39.275. Her explosive routines on Floor have been a highlight, and she’s currently tied for fifth in the country on the event.
After back-to-back meets scoring a 9.950 on Floor, she was named ACC Specialist of the Week on Jan. 20.
Then there’s JoJo Valahovic, who’s been a vaulting machine. She’s posted a 9.900 on Vault in two straight meets and is tied for 14th nationally in the event, alongside teammate Kaya Forbes. That kind of consistency at the top of the lineup gives UNC a serious edge in the early rotations.
National Rankings Reflect Tar Heels' Depth
Heading into Week 4, UNC is sitting at No. 12 nationally and second in the ACC - and it’s not just one event carrying them. This is a well-rounded squad that ranks in the top 15 across four events:
- Vault: No. 7
- Floor: No. 10
- All-Around: No. 12
- Beam: No. 14
That kind of across-the-board strength makes them a tough out in any meet, especially when they’re firing on all cylinders.
Setting Records and Raising Expectations
The season opener at Florida was more than just a solid start - it was historic. UNC posted a program-record road score of 196.675 to finish second in a loaded quad meet, immediately setting the tone for what this team is capable of in 2026.
In the preseason, the Tar Heels were picked to finish fourth in the ACC, but they’re already outperforming expectations. Fink and Forbes were both named to the ACC Preseason Watchlist, while Seabrooks was highlighted as a newcomer to watch - and all three have lived up to the billing.
What’s Next
Friday’s meet at Clemson is more than just another regular season stop - it’s a chance for UNC to solidify its standing in the ACC and continue building a postseason résumé. With a deep, balanced roster and a mix of veteran leadership and breakout young talent, the Tar Heels are showing they’re not just contenders - they’re a team that can make serious noise on the national stage.
First rotation kicks off at 7 p.m. in Clemson. Keep an eye on the Vault and Floor - those events could set the tone early. And if the Tar Heels keep trending the way they have been, this could be another big step forward in what’s shaping up to be a special season.