UNC Gymnastics Shows Star Power Despite Loss to NC State
Friday night at Carmichael Arena didn’t go the way No. 13 North Carolina hoped in the win column, but the Tar Heels still delivered some standout performances that reminded everyone why this team is a force to be reckoned with.
Despite falling to No. 21 NC State, UNC saw three of its gymnasts claim individual event titles, with JoJo Valahovic, Sydney Seabrooks, and Gwen Fink each stepping into the spotlight.
Let’s break it down, rotation by rotation.
Rotation One - Vault (49.225)
UNC came out strong on vault, led by a pair of season-best performances from Seabrooks and Valahovic. Seabrooks, the freshman who’s been turning heads all year, posted a 9.825, while Valahovic soared to a 9.925, tying her season high and clinching the event title. Kaya Forbes wasn’t far behind, earning a 9.875 to take runner-up honors.
This kind of top-heavy scoring is exactly what you want to see in a high-stakes meet. Valahovic’s vault was not only technically sharp but executed with the kind of confidence that sets the tone early. UNC needed that spark, and she delivered.
Rotation Two - Bars (48.975)
Bars proved to be a bit more of a grind, but Gwen Fink and Paige Prejean kept the Tar Heels competitive with matching scores of 9.850 - both team-highs for the event. Claire Stippich also chipped in with a 9.800, tying her season best.
While the overall score on bars didn’t quite match the team’s explosive start on vault, the consistency from the upperclassmen helped steady the ship. Fink, in particular, showed the kind of poise that’s made her a cornerstone of this rotation all season.
Rotation Three - Beam (49.150)
Beam is where UNC found its rhythm again - and JoJo Valahovic was the heartbeat. She matched her career-high with a 9.950, good enough for her second event title of the night.
That kind of score doesn’t just happen - it’s a blend of precision, nerves of steel, and a little bit of artistry. Claire Stippich also tied her career-best with a solid 9.800, helping the Tar Heels post one of their stronger beam totals of the season.
This was a turning point in the meet. After a slightly off rotation on bars, UNC needed a response - and Valahovic delivered in a big way.
Rotation Four - Floor (48.975)
Seabrooks closed the night with a flourish. Her 9.925 on floor was electric - the kind of routine that pulls the crowd in and leaves the judges no choice but to reward it.
It marked the fifth time this season she’s gone 9.900 or better on floor, an impressive feat for any gymnast, let alone a freshman. Forbes also continued her strong night with a 9.850, finishing third on the event.
Seabrooks has quickly become one of UNC’s most reliable floor performers, and she’s doing it with a mix of power and polish that’s rare for a first-year athlete.
All-Around Excellence
Senior Gwen Fink quietly put together a complete meet, taking home the all-around title with a score of 39.250. That kind of consistency across all four events is what every coach dreams of - and it’s a testament to Fink’s leadership and experience. While others had the headline-grabbing routines, Fink was the steady presence that kept UNC in the fight from start to finish.
Bottom Line
The Tar Heels didn’t get the team win, but the individual performances told a different story. Valahovic was sensational on both beam and vault.
Seabrooks continues to build a case as one of the top freshmen in the country. And Fink, the veteran, proved once again why she’s the anchor of this squad.
There’s still work to be done, especially in tightening up the bars and floor rotations. But the talent is undeniable, and if UNC can put it all together on the same night, they’ll be a tough out for anyone come postseason.