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NCAA Gymnastics News: Thanks to Coach KJ Kindler, Oklahoma Sooners Reign Supreme for Yet Another Season

Published 03/11/2024, 1:00 PM EDT

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The 2024 NCAA gymnastics season has been unfolding with electrifying showdowns and breathtaking displays of sheer talent. As universities fiercely compete for the prestigious national championship title, all eyes are once again on the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2023, Oklahoma’s women’s gymnastics team won the national championship for the second year in a row.

This was their sixth national championship in the past nine years. Fueling the remarkable success of the young gymnasts lies the firm yet nurturing guidance of Coach KJ Kindler. As the Oklahoma Sooners persist in making waves throughout 2024, it’s imperative to know the driving force behind the generation of champions.

Oklahoma Sooners asserting dominance in the 2024 NCAA gymnastics season

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In the ongoing 2024 NCAA gymnastics season, the Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team has maintained its No. 1 ranking in the nation for the tenth consecutive week. They achieved a national qualifying score of 198.430, which is an NCAA record. Oklahoma is ranked No. 1 on vault, bars, and beam, and No. 2 on floor. The remarkable performances extend beyond the women’s team, as the Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team also maintains its own No. 1 ranking in the national standings for Week 10.

The Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team, ranked No. 1, had an outstanding performance against No. 9 Navy, winning with a score of 415.300 at McCasland Field House in front of a crowd of 1,124 spectators. At the heart of this spectacular dominance lies a fierce leader who has been tirelessly nurturing the Sooners, propelling them toward yet another season of consecutive triumphs.

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KJ Kindler, the fierce leader behind the talent

KJ Kindler became head coach of the University of Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team in 2006. Under her leadership, the team has achieved significant success, including winning multiple national championships in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023. In an interview with The Cut, Kindler attributed much of her success to her organizational skills.

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Despite the rigors of her profession, Kindler manages to strike a balance between her professional commitments and her family life, cherishing precious moments with her children before delving back into her office for more work. KJ defined success not solely by winning competitions but by the personal achievements and growth of her athletes.

Read more: “Send Her Straight to the Olympic Team”: Gabby Douglas’ Risky Training Update Has Gymnastics World Amazed

Despite the challenges along the way, she shared her ambition to continually improve and push her team to new heights, despite already achieving significant success. She is committed to providing her freshmen athletes with the taste of victory, ensuring that they experience the thrill of winning conference and NCAA championships.

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KJ Kindler said, “I’m providing a new experience for them, no matter if it’s an experience I’ve had or not.” As the season unfolds under her watchful guidance, fans eagerly anticipate yet another year of the Sooners’ dominance on the gymnastics stage.

Also read: “Still Got It”: Despite Leaving Gymnastics Due to Simone Biles, Look-Alike Sister Flaunts Her Skills

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Written by:

Christaline Meyers

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Christaline Meyers is a senior Olympics writer at EssentiallySports who specializes in gymnastics and alpine skiing. Christaline is one of the acclaimed authorities in the coverage of 6x All-Around champion, Simone Biles. She has written extensively, covering every detail of Biles’s life stories as well as providing her perspective on Simone Biles’ Yurchenko Double Pike controversy.
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Edited by:

Sampurna Pal