Head Coach Jason Butts recruits for the West Virginia University gymnastics team by focusing on personality, leaning toward those that are intrinsically motivated. These qualities have translated into record-breaking success both on the mat and in the classroom. Read more: Seventeen WVU Gymnasts Earn WCGA Scholastic All-American Honors.
New Program High
The Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) announced their 2025 Scholastic All-Americans list recently, showcasing the Mountaineers’ seventeen members.
WVU was one of 69 teams nationally that posted a 3.5 or higher team grade-point average. Averaging a 3.69 cumulative GPA during the 2024-25 school year, the Mountaineers are ranked No. 28 nationally among all NCAA institutions.
Mountaineer History
This year’s group surpassed the previous record of 15 honorees from last season. This achievement will mark the 228th WCGA Scholastic All-America award for WVU gymnastics since 1987.
When comparing to other top universities, WVU’s seventeen members are even more impressive. UCLA gymnastics set a program record with thirteen gymnasts being recognized and Utah State set a school record with fifteen.
To qualify for this honor, the gymnasts must have a GPA of 3.5 for the preceding academic year, or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at the nominating institution. This year, there were 302 gymnasts honored with a 4.0 GPA, and 1,218 student-athletes who had a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Related: State of the Mountaineers: Where WVU Athletics Stands in 2025
4.0 Honorees
Six of the seventeen honorees from WVU finished with a perfect 4.0 GPA. These student-athletes are Brooke Alban, Brooke Irwin, Jurnee Lane, Sierra Muns, Sophia Rice, and Emerson Smith.
Notably, Alban has been recognized all four years of her career. Carlee Nelson, Olivia Pitzer, and Emma Wehry were recognized for the third time.
Kaylei Adams, Julia Brown, Lane, Muns, and Miranda Smith received their second recognition.
First Time Recognitions
Eight of the gymnasts, several of whom earned 4.0 GPA’s, have been named to the WCGA team for the first time in their careers. These gymnasts are Irwin, Trinity Macy, Riley Maness, Jayden McDonnell, Rice, Kaelyn Skeel, Emerson Smith, and Eden Webster.
The range of honorees, from four-time recipients to first-timers, showcases that academic success is woven into the culture of WVU gymnastics.
Intrinsically Motivated
Last time we sat down to interview with head coach Jason Butts, he stated that he cares about personality.
“And we recruit a lot based on personality. We’re not yellers. We want people who are intrinsically motivated – who want to come here and help elevate this program.”
Butts said that many athletes who come in as freshman have never competed at the level that collegiate gymnasts do.
“College gymnastics is very different – some of them might’ve only competed four or five times a year before, not 14 meets in a row.”
The Mountaineers’ record breaking seventeen WCGA Scholastic All-Americans show that Butts has recruited driven, motivated athletes.
With momentum from academic recognitions and a strong finish to the season, the Mountaineers have showcased their ability to raise the bar in the classroom and gym.
