Sophomore Delaynee Rodriguez, second from left, believes UK gymnastics is not considered an upper tier SEC team by most. (Larry Vaught Photo)
Sophomore Delaynee Rodriguez of Las Vegas believes that Kentucky gymnastics has a “really great team” this year with a solid combination of veterans and newcomers.
“I know a lot of people always consider us underdogs and are kind of considered under everyone else in the SEC,” she said. “I am not sure why it seems like everyone looks at Kentucky as a lower SEC school. That just comes with being here but I think we have a really good team.”
Last season Kentucky was led by All-American Raena Worley and advanced to the NCAA Regional Final. Kentucky returns senior Isabella Magnelli, two-time first team all-American on beam, and senior Makenzie Wilson, a two-time all-American on vault.
Kentucky was voted No. 7 in the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) Preseason Rankings after setting numerous individual and team records last season. Eleven players return off last year’s team along with eight newcomers that include fifth-year senior transfer Skylar Killough-Wilhelm.
The team hosted a Blue-White Meet to give fans a look at the entire team and will begin its 2025 season at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Jan. 11. The first home match will be against No. 6 Alabama on Jan. 17th.
Sophomore Creslyn Brose was a regular-season second-team all-American on floor exercise last season. Rodriguez, who was a figure skater before switching to gymnastics at an early age, competed in 10 meets in the all-around competition with a season best of 39.450 points. She competed on bars, beams and floor in all 14 meets last season.
“I really hope to have a great year,” Rodriguez said. “We all practice and train really hard and I am very, very excited about what lies ahead for us this year.”
