The Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team secured a thrilling 195.125-193.275 victory over Northern Illinois on Jan. 17, 2025, marking a dominant home win as the program continues to celebrate its storied 50-year legacy. As the Eagles navigate their landmark 50th varsity season in 2026, this historical performance at the George Gervin GameAbove Center remains a benchmark for the squad. Under the leadership of head coach Katie Minasola, now in her ninth season, the program has grown into a consistent Mid-American Conference contender with a deep roster of 14 returning athletes. This particular meet also served as the inaugural Golden Girls Classic, a themed event named for the TV show, that has since become a fan-favorite tradition for the Ypsilanti community
Rotation one: Vaulting with Dorothy
The Eagles kicked off their home opener on the vault, an event themed after the "Golden Girls" character Dorothy. Eastern Michigan displayed remarkable consistency, finishing the rotation with a team total of 48.700. The Eagles made an immediate impact, as Savanna Dunwoody, Kendall Landry and Georgie Slack all stuck their landings to earn matching scores of 9.775. These three gymnasts tied for third place overall on the event, providing a sturdy foundation for the Eagles' early lead. Gwendelyn Cantu followed closely with a 9.700, while Abby Brushwood contributed a 9.675 to the team total. While EMU was strong, NIU actually took a narrow lead in this event with a 48.775, led by Alana Wallace's 9.800. Brockport's Kyra Hockman claimed the individual vault title with a stellar 9.825.
Rotation two: Swinging with Rose
Moving to the uneven bars — the "Rose" event of the night — the Eagles looked to their veteran leadership to maintain momentum. Senior Kyrie Lowe delivered a masterclass performance, swinging her way to a 9.825 to claim first place on the event. Her precision and high-scoring routine were vital, as the team navigated some lower scores elsewhere in the lineup. Gwendelyn Cantu continued her solid night with a 9.700, and Genae Daniel posted a 9.675. Analiah Solorio also chipped in a 9.650 to help the Eagles reach a rotation total of 48.050. Despite Lowe’s individual win, NIU remained competitive in the overall standings, posting a 48.150 on bars, while Brockport struggled with a 45.700.
Rotation three: Balancing with Sophia
The focus shifted to the balance beam for the third rotation, characterized by the sharp wit of Sophia. Katin Childress led the charge for the Eagles, recording a season-best 9.800 to finish second overall in the event. Analiah Solorio was right on her heels, continuing her strong sophomore campaign with a 9.775. Kyrie Lowe remained consistent under pressure, adding a 9.750, while Keeley Kohler contributed a 9.700. The Eagles finished the beam rotation with a 48.650, their second-highest event total of the afternoon. However, Brockport’s Kyra Hockman stole the show individually on beam, posting a meet-high 9.875 to take the title. NIU struggled on the beam, scoring only 47.500, which allowed Eastern to build a significant cushion heading into the final rotation.
Rotation four: Finishing with Blanche
The meet concluded on the floor, appropriately themed after the flamboyant Blanche. Entering the final rotation, the Eagles needed a steady performance to hold off the Huskies. Kyrie Lowe capped her phenomenal night by tying for first place on floor with a 9.800, sharing the title with NIU's Dorothy White and Alana Wallace, and Brockport’s Kyra Hockman. Savanna Dunwoody and Priya Karle both delivered energetic routines to earn scores of 9.725, while Macy Nihart added a 9.650. The Eagles' floor total of 48.500 was enough to secure the meet victory. NIU finished strong on the floor with a 48.775, the highest event total of the day, but it was not enough to overcome Eastern’s lead in the overall standings.
A golden victory
The victory was a testament to the depth of the Eagles' roster, particularly the veteran presence of Kyrie Lowe, who secured the All-Around title with a 38.825. This meet was historically significant as it marked the final regular-season Mid-American Conference meeting between EMU and NIU before the Huskies depart for the Mountain West Conference. With "Golden Girls" stickers distributed and a win in the books, the Eagles now look toward their next challenge: the Air Force Quad on Jan. 23, where they will face Kent State, Boise State and Air Force. The 2026 season is officially in full swing, and if this home opener is any indication, the Eagles are ready to defend their status in the MAC.
