Three gymnasts from the University of Denver earned All-Big 12 Conference honors for the 2026 season. Senior Cecilia Cooley, junior Maddison Reidenbach, and freshman Shyla Bhatia received multiple accolades, contributing to a total of seven All-Big 12 honors and eight overall, including Bhatia's nod to the All-Freshman Team. Cooley led with honors in all-around, beam, and floor, while Reidenbach showcased her talents in all-around and floor. Bhatia excelled on vault and floor, marking a standout freshman season by also earning a spot on the All-Freshman Team. This achievement set a new program record for the most All-Big 12 Team nods in a single season.

By the Numbers
  • Denver gymnasts received a total of 7 All-Big 12 Conference honors.
  • Cecilia Cooley scored an NQS of 39.295, ranking No. 4 in the conference.
  • Shyla Bhatia earned the highest individual freshman score of 9.975 on vault.
Yes, But

While three gymnasts were celebrated, there were several close calls, particularly for Cooley and Reidenbach, who narrowly missed additional honors on bars and vault respectively. Their performances indicate a highly competitive environment within the Big 12.

State of Play
  • The University of Denver gymnastics team is ranked No. 23 nationally and holds the No. 2 seed for the upcoming Big 12 Gymnastics Championship.
  • Denver's All-Big 12 awards included first-time recognitions for all three gymnasts, with Bhatia being the first to gain multiple honors in her rookie year.
What's Next

The DU gymnastics team will compete in the Big 12 Gymnastics Championship on March 21, where their current standings and achievements could lead to further accolades. Their performances will be crucial as they aim to build on their record-setting season.

Bottom Line

The impressive achievements of Denver's gymnasts underscore the program's growth and competitiveness in the Big 12. Their new record for All-Big 12 honors not only highlights individual talent but also sets a promising foundation for future success.