Mizzou gymnastics unofficially kicks off 2026 campaign in new home

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One of the final steps before Mizzou gymnastics kicks off its highly-anticipated 2026 campaign is in the books.

Head coach Shannon Welker and company invited fans out to their new home for the upcoming season in the annual Black & Gold exhibition. The meet marked the first of many to come in Tiger gymnastics' new competition space: Mizzou Arena.

In a competition between Team Black and Team Gold, the gold squad came out on top 157.650 to 158.150. However, the annual exhibition is more about seeing where Coach Welker's team is at before the real competition ensues in the new year.

On the vault, only one Tiger cracked the 9.900 threshold, as sophomore Railey Jackson scored a 9.900 on that apparatus. Behind her, teammates Hannah Horton, Elise Tisler, Kimarra Echols and Dakota Essenpries each notched a 9.850 in what was MU's lowest scoring event of the night.

Four gymnasts scored a 9.900 or greater on the uneven bars, including star sophomore Kaia Tanskanen, who earned a team-best 9.950 with her routine. Horton, Illinois transfer Makayla Green and Echols each scored a 9.900.

The balance brought five scores of 9.900 of greater for Coach Welker's squad. Once again, Tanskanen had one of the best scores, tying for the team-best with a 9.950. Her teammates Echols and Jackson each earned the same score, as well. Griffin and returner Lauren Macpherson rounded out the 9.900 club with a 9.900.

Finally, Griffin shined on the floor with a team-best 9.950. Freshman Maiya Terry, Tanskanen and Echols all tied for second on that apparatus with 9.900.

Up next - Mizzou will open up the 2026 season on Sunday, Jan. 4 against Iowa State. The meet is set to begin at 2 p.m. in Columbia.