It’s the kind of news that makes waves far beyond college gymnastics: Oklahoma star and Olympic medalist Ragan Smith has officially made a bold and unexpected move. She’s switching her allegiance to Iowa. For the Hawkeyes, it’s nothing short of a seismic gain. Smith, known for her calm intensity and precision on beam, was a senior standout for the Sooners and a nominee for the American Athletic Award. But now, in a stunning twist that few saw coming, she’s set to bring her Olympic-tested experience, fierce competitive edge, and leadership to a program looking to make the leap to the next level.

For Iowa fans, this isn’t just a transfer. It’s a statement. But to understand the magnitude of this move, you have to look beyond college rankings and transfer portals. You have to understand who Ragan Smith is. And what she represents. Smith isn’t just a college gymnast; she’s a battle-hardened Olympian with a legacy built on resilience and brilliance. A reminder of Smith’s relentless drive, the same drive that earned her three medals back in 2020 and first launched her onto the world stage as a teen prodigy.

Inside Gymnastics took to Instagram, “Coaching Alert!! Former Oklahoma Gymnast, Ragan Smith, is set to join Iowa State Gymnastics as an assistant coach!” The announcement arrives just months after one of Smith’s most unforgettable performances in the NCAA circuit. On March 4, 2024, Oklahoma Gymnastics capped off a flawless regular season with a 23-0 record, putting up a massive 198.250 score. Ragan Smith, already a household name in collegiate gymnastics, delivered her fourth straight perfect 10 on beam, marking the ninth of her career and officially breaking the Oklahoma program record for most 10.0s on the event. The previous mark, held by Maggie Nichols at seven, had stood as the gold standard until Smith redefined it.

But she wasn’t the only star shining that night. The Sooners turned the beam into a statement piece, with Audrey Davis scoring a 9.950, Katherine LeVasseur hitting 9.925, and both Jordan Bowers and Faith Torrez earning 9.90s, combining for a dominant 49.675 total. The Oklahoma Gymnastics X account captured the moment with pride, but the team wasn’t done dazzling yet. Over on bars, Ragan and Torrez posted solid 9.90s, while Jordan Bowers anchored the lineup with a 9.925. Senior Audrey Davis nearly nailed a perfect score with her dynamic release moves and composed dismount, contributing to a bar rotation total of 49.625 that kept them ahead of Texas Woman’s University.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Sooners turned up the heat on the floor too, notching a 49.475. With performances like these across all four events, Oklahoma wasn’t just chasing perfection. They were living it. For Ragan Smith, those flawless beam routines and bar dismounts now transition into a new role on the sidelines. As she joins Iowa State’s coaching staff, the former elite and NCAA champion brings more than medals. She brings the kind of experience and passion that could shape the next generation of greats.

Ragan Smith’s beam brilliance: A legacy etched in perfection

With the No. 1-ranked 9.980 National Qualifying Score on beam in 2022, Ragan Smith delivered the final punctuation mark of Oklahoma’s national championship win by nailing her dismount and rushing into coach K.J. Kindler’s arms. “Well, obviously I didn’t know she was going to do that, but we usually have a pretty strong embrace after a great routine,” Kindler shared. “I was lucky I didn’t fall over, honestly, but I was feeling the same thing she was feeling. It was just a magical moment and one I will never forget as a coach.” Smith, once a U.S. National Champion and an alternate for the 2016 Olympic team, brought her elite poise to NCAA gymnastics and quickly became one of the most reliable beam performers in the nation.

In 2023, Smith continued her reign on beam, ranking No. 9 nationally and No. 2 in the Big 12 behind teammate Jordan Bowers. She capped that season as a WCGA first-team All-American on beam and NCAA second-team All-American on bars, winning the Big 12 beam title and scoring a perfect 10 at regionals, setting a program-best regional mark. She also hit three perfect 10s on beam that season and tied for second in program history with five career perfect scores. Her consistency extended to bars and floor as well, earning career highs of 9.950 and 9.975, respectively, and she remained a force across all three events in nearly every meet. Her ability to transition from elite gymnastics to college stardom wasn’t just a skill.

Then came 2024, her crowning year. Smith not only earned NCAA first-team All-American honors and became the nation’s top-ranked beam worker but also made history as the first Oklahoma gymnast to record three and then four straight perfect 10s on a single event. She totaled six 10.0s on beam that season alone, bringing her career total to 11, a school record. Her versatility showed again with 14 scores of 9.95+ on beam, 15 scores of 9.9+ on bars, and multiple near-perfect floor routines. She ended her collegiate career with 13 event titles in 2024, a Big 12 Beam Championship, and the kind of legacy that will echo through long after she trades her leotard for a clipboard.