Tar Heel Triumphs: The Dynamic World of UNC Athletics

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – North Carolina gymnastics commenced its 2025 season on an impressive note as its final tally of 195.225 represented the highest score for a season opener away from home in the history of the program. The Tar Heels faced Alabama on Friday evening at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. 

Carolina’s team total of 195.225 surpassed its former school benchmark for a season opener on the road of 195.2, which was achieved at New Hampshire on Jan. 22, 2021.

The meet also showcased Gwen Fink who tied for first on the beam with a new career-best score of 9.9. This marked the sixth event victory in the junior’s career, and only the second win on beam. Additionally, it was her third routine scoring 9.9 or higher and her first on beam.

The Crimson Tide, positioned sixth in the WCGA Preseason Poll, secured the meet victory with a score of 197.025.

All-Around

Julia Knower, who has been selected for the ACC Preseason Watch List for the second consecutive year, was the sole Tar Heel competing in the all-around during the season’s first event. The senior finished in third place with a score of 38.750 after achieving scores of 9.75 on vault, 9.45 on bars, 9.825 on beam, and 9.725 on floor.

Rotation One – Bars (48.75)

The initial performance of 2025 was executed by Knower, who had a minor error to score 9.45 as the lead-off on bars, but a fall made it necessary for UNC to count her score. Kaya Forbes achieved a 9.75, just short of her personal best of 9.775 from Feb. 2, 2024. Fink, Isabelle Schaefer, and Lali Dekanoidze all secured 9.85s for a tie for third place.

North Carolina commenced the competition with a score of 48.75 on the uneven bars. Alabama totaled 49.3 in the event.

1. Julia Knower – 9.45

2. Claire Stippich – 9.2

3. Kaya Forbes – 9.75

4. Gwen Fink – 9.85

5. Isabelle Schaefer – 9.85

6. Lali Dekanoidze – 9.85 

Exh. Neve King – 9.75

Rotation Two – Vault (48.9)

Knower again held the lead-off position, this time scoring 9.75 on vault. Elly King attained a career-best 9.75 from the third position, surpassing her previous 9.7 achieved on Feb. 2, 2024. The fourth spot in the lineup was occupied by JoJo Valahovic, who commenced her college career with a score of 9.775, followed by Forbes’ team-high of 9.825 in the fifth position, placing third overall. Dekanoidze, the anchor, recorded a 9.8.

1. Julia Knower – 9.75

2. Neve King – 9.6 

3. Elly King – 9.75

4. JoJo Valahovic – 9.775

5. Kaya Forbes – 9.825

6. Lali Dekanoidze – 9.8

Exh. Isabelle Schaefer – 9.625

The Tar Heels accumulated a total score of 48.9 during their second rotation. The Crimson Tide recorded a vault score of 49.075.

Rotation Three – Floor (48.325)

The lead-off place for UNC’s third rotation was assigned to Jessica Naranjo, who recorded a score of 9.725 in her inaugural collegiate floor performance. Following Naranjo, Bella Miller achieved a score of 9.55 while Fink notched a mark of 9.6 in the fourth position. Forbes and Knower both received scores of 9.725 as the final two gymnasts for Carolina on the floor.

1. Jessica Naranjo – 9.725

2. Bella Miller – 9.55

3. JoJo Valahovic – 8.8

4. Gwen Fink – 9.6

5. Kaya Forbes – 9.725

6. Julia Knower – 9.725

UNC achieved a total of 48.325 on its third event, whereas UA’s floor routines led to a combined team score of 49.425.

Rotation Four – Beam

Naranjo opened Carolina’s lineup once more, this time leading the beam rotation with a score of 9.825. Valahovic dazzled in the second position with a 9.85 in her inaugural college beam performance. Fink secured UNC’s first 9.9 of the year, exceeding her prior career high of 9.85 achieved on six occasions before to tie for first. Knower tallied a score of 9.825 occupying the fifth spot, and Regan McBride, who anchored the event in her college debut, earned a score of 9.85.

1. Jessica Naranjo – 9.825

2. JoJo Valahovic – 9.85
3. Taylor Schulze – 9.675

4. Gwen Fink – 9.9

5. Julia Knower – 9.825

6. Regan McBride – 9.85

Carolina delivered its top performance in the final rotation with a beam score of 49.25, narrowly surpassing Alabama’s 49.225.

Coming Up Next

The Tar Heels will be back in Chapel Hill for their home opener on Friday, Jan. 17, facing George Washington. The introduction begins at 6:45 p.m. ET at Carmichael Arena, and the meet will be broadcast on ACCNX.

Season tickets are available for purchase here. Tickets for individual meets can be obtained here.

Keep informed about Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.