Washington Gymnastics 2026 Season Launches with ‘Best of the West’ Event
Seattle is set to witness an exciting kickoff to the Washington gymnastics team’s 2026 season. The GymDawgs will host the UW Quad Meet on Saturday, January 3, at 3:00 p.m. PT. This event will feature prominent participating teams like Cal, Oregon State, and UCLA under the theme, “Best of the West.”
Meet Overview
The UW Quad Meet will serve as the inaugural competition of the season for all four gyms. It will take place at the University of Washington, where doors will open an hour prior, at 2:00 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for the event online, and the meet will be streamed live on B1G+ with commentary from Alisa Mowe and Baely Rowe.
Participating Teams and Rankings
- UCLA: Ranked No. 4 in the WCGA Preseason Coaches Poll, will host their first home meet on January 17 against Nebraska.
- Cal: Currently ranked No. 20, they will host their first home meet on January 24 against NC State.
- Oregon State: Ranked No. 17, they will commence their home schedule against Sacramento State on January 16.
- Washington: The GymDawgs are ranked 34th in the WCGA Preseason Poll.
Team Highlights
In the upcoming season, Washington gymnastics welcomes back 13 returning athletes alongside six freshmen: Elena Brain, Evelyn DeYoung, Haley Fichiera, Charlotte Gray, Lydia Rak, and Jessica Schaffer. This year marks the second season under head coach Jessa Hansen Parker and their continued participation in the Big Ten Conference.
Special Events and Fan Engagement
Following the competition, fans have the unique opportunity to attend an autograph session with the GymDawgs. This event will take place in the concourse outside Sections 1 and 2, marking the only occasion this season for fans to engage with Team 52.
Recognition and Future Outlook
Team members Mary McDonough and Lilly Tubbs have been included in the 2026 Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch List, showcasing their talent and potential this season. For the complete schedule and further updates on Washington gymnastics, fans are encouraged to follow the team on Instagram, X, and TikTok.
