The University of Denver gymnastics team currently holds the No. 23 ranking in the nation, according to the Week 9 Road to Nationals rankings released on Monday. This ranking comes as the team navigates a new National Qualifying Score (NQS) formula, impacting postseason eligibility and national standings. The Pioneers are preparing for the final stretch of the regular season, aiming to maintain their momentum and secure a strong position for the postseason.
Denver achieved a score of 196.100 in its recent meet against No. 12 Utah on March 1, a performance that set the stage for the team’s final regular season competitions. The team’s performance against Utah was particularly notable, achieving a season-high vault score of 49.175. This result helped boost their overall vault NQS, moving them back into the top 25 nationally.
This season marks a significant shift in how gymnastics teams are ranked. The NCAA has implemented a new NQS formula, designed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of team performance. Unlike previous years where a straight season average was used, the new system incorporates all of a team’s meets, dropping only the highest and lowest scores. For teams with more than five home meets, the lowest five home scores are used before the high and low scores are dropped. Denver, with only five home meets in 2026, will include all of its meets in the NQS calculation.
Understanding the New NQS Formula
The change to the NQS formula aims to better reflect a team’s consistent performance throughout the season. Previously, a single outlier score could significantly impact a team’s ranking. The new system, by considering a broader range of scores, provides a more stable and accurate representation of a team’s capabilities. While team rankings are now determined by this new NQS, individual rankings continue to leverage the previous formula, taking the top six scores with a minimum of three away meets, dropping the high score, and averaging the remaining five.
Denver’s current NQS stands at 196.288, calculated from scores achieved in meets against Arizona (196.600), Stanford (196.575), Iowa State (196.525), Utah (196.100), West Virginia (196.000), and BYU (195.925). Scores from Arizona State (196.950) and Texas Woman’s Tri (195.850) were dropped as the highest and lowest scores, respectively.
Pioneers’ Event Rankings
Beyond the overall ranking, the Pioneers also hold notable positions in individual event rankings. Denver is currently ranked No. 25 on vault (49.013), a quarter tenth improvement from the previous week. They are No. 21 on bars (49.058), up one spot, No. 24 on beam (48.967), and a strong No. 13 on floor (49.321). The team’s consistent performance across all four events demonstrates their well-rounded strength and potential for success.
Cecilia Cooley Leads Individual Efforts
Senior Cecilia Cooley continues to be a standout performer for the Pioneers. She is tied for No. 25 in the all-around competition with a score of 39.295 and tied for No. 23 on floor with a score of 9.905. Despite not competing in the all-around during the March 1 meet against Utah, Cooley maintains her national ranking. An out-of-bounds deduction during her floor routine prevented her from improving her NQS on that event, but she remains a key contributor to the team’s success. You can find more information about Cooley and the Denver Gymnastics roster on the University of Denver Athletics website.
Looking Ahead
Denver is preparing for a busy stretch, with two meets scheduled within four days against Air Force. The first meet will be a tri-meet hosted by Air Force, also featuring San Jose State, on Friday, March 6, at 7 p.m. MT. The teams will then meet again in Denver on Monday, March 9, at 6 p.m. MT. Only the Friday meet at Air Force will contribute to the Week 10 Road to Nationals rankings, while the Monday meet will be factored into the Week 11 rankings.
Air Force’s recent performance has positioned them within NCAA Regionals qualifying range, adding extra significance to these upcoming competitions. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets online, by calling 303-871-4625, or by visiting the Ritchie Center Box Office.
As the Pioneers continue to navigate the season, their performance and rankings will be closely watched as they strive for a strong finish and a favorable position in the NCAA Regionals. The team’s dedication and the implementation of the new NQS formula will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of postseason success.
What do you think of Denver Gymnastics’ season so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow gymnastics fans!
