UNC Gymnastics Set for Rematch with NC State After Record-Breaking Performances
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Another chapter in the UNC-NC State gymnastics rivalry is set to unfold Friday night at Carmichael Arena, as the Tar Heels host the Wolfpack for the second time in less than a week. The meet, which begins at 7 p.m. and will stream on ACCNX, comes on the heels of a tightly contested matchup where Carolina fell just short, 197.125-196.525.
But don’t let the final score fool you-UNC didn’t leave empty-handed. The Tar Heels delivered some of their strongest performances of the season, and a few athletes etched their names into the program’s record books in the process.
JoJo Valahovic Continues Vault Dominance
Sophomore JoJo Valahovic turned heads with a career-best 9.925 on vault, a mark that now stands as the third-highest in UNC history. The performance not only earned her the event win but also ACC Co-Specialist of the Week honors. It’s the third time this season she’s hit 9.900 or better on vault, and at this point, she’s not just consistent-she’s becoming a force.
Gwen Fink Makes Her Mark on Bars
Senior Gwen Fink also had a standout showing, posting a 9.950 on bars to claim the event title. That score ties her for the third-best in program history on the apparatus. Fink’s been rock-solid all season, and her leadership continues to set the tone for Carolina’s lineup.
Sydney Seabrooks Shines in the All-Around
Sydney Seabrooks added to the highlight reel with a 39.525 in the all-around-good enough to win the event and post the highest all-around score in the ACC last week. Her versatility has been a game-changer for UNC, and she’s proving to be one of the most dynamic gymnasts in the conference.
As a team, the Tar Heels also notched their highest bars score of the season in that last meet against NC State, putting up a 49.200. It’s the kind of collective performance that shows this squad is trending in the right direction.
Where UNC Stands Heading Into Week Six
Carolina enters the weekend ranked No. 13 nationally and No. 2 in the ACC-a testament to the depth and consistency they’ve shown across the board. And when you dig into the event rankings, it gets even more impressive:
- Vault: No. 9 in the country, led by Kaya Forbes, who ranks 10th nationally and first in the ACC.
- All-Around: No. 13, thanks in large part to Seabrooks’ steady excellence.
- Floor: No. 16, with Seabrooks tied for 16th individually in the NCAA.
- Beam: No.
- Bars: No.
Simply put, this team is nationally relevant on every event-and they’re not just putting up numbers, they’re winning hardware.
More Tar Heel Highlights from the Season So Far
- JoJo Valahovic’s 9.925 on vault last week added to an already impressive resume. She and teammate Jessica Naranjo also posted 9.900s on beam earlier this season against Clemson, both earning event wins.
- Sydney Seabrooks was named ACC Specialist of the Week on Jan. 20 after back-to-back 9.950s on floor.
- Gwen Fink earned ACC Gymnast of the Week honors on Jan. 14 following her all-around win at the season opener in Florida, where she scored a 39.475.
- That Florida meet also marked a program milestone-UNC posted a school-record 196.675 on the road to take second place in a highly competitive quad meet.
Preseason Recognition and Expectations
Before the season even began, the Tar Heels were picked to finish fourth in the ACC Preseason Poll. But with the way things are shaping up, they’re making a strong case to outperform those 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 delivered in a big way.
Looking Ahead
Friday’s rematch with NC State is more than just a chance to even the score. It’s another opportunity for UNC to show they belong in the national conversation. With momentum building and individual stars stepping up week after week, this Tar Heel squad is making it clear-they’re not just competing, they’re contending.