University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Loper, Ramler to Return for 2022 Season
5/4/2021 9:30:00 AM | Gymnastics
After leading the University of Minnesota women's gymnastics team to a record-breaking season, seniors Ona Loper and Lexy Ramler have informed the program that they will both return for a fifth collegiate campaign in 2022.Â
"I am beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity to take a fifth year and represent Minnesota for one more season," Loper said. "These past four years have been an unforgettable journey and I have learned so much throughout this process. It has been so fun to be a part of a program filled with driven and passionate people, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year!"
Loper had a season of a lifetime in 2021, starting with an all-around title and Big Ten Gymnast of the Week honors during the first week of the season. Loper went on to secure 12 event titles and two perfect 10s on vault, including one at the Athens Regional Semifinal. At the conclusion of the regular season, Loper was ranked tied for No. 3 on vault, No. 10 on floor, No. 17 on bars and No. 13 in the all-around. Loper's influx of success heightened in the postseason, becoming the Big Ten Floor Champion and Athens Regional Vault and Floor Champion. She was the top finisher for the Maroon and Gold at the NCAA Championships after she set a career-high 39.6375 in the all-around with event scores of 9.9625 on vault, 9.9250 on floor and 9.8750 on both bars and beam. Loper finished third on vault and fourth in the all-around at the competition. She earned All-American honors on vault and in the all-around, along with second-team All-American honors on floor. Loper was named First Team All-Big Ten, a WCGA All-American on vault, WCGA Second Team All-American on floor and all-around and a nominee for the prestigious AAI Award. In the classroom, Loper earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.Â
"While there was a lot of time taken into deciding to return for another year, it ultimately came down to not being ready to say goodbye to the sport of gymnastics," Ramler said. "I have been so grateful for my past four years here at Minnesota and even more grateful to have the opportunity for another year. I am grateful, thankful and blessed with this opportunity, my incredible team and for the tremendous support. I cannot wait to return next year and compete again in the Pav."
Ramler is one of the most decorated student-athletes in University of Minnesota history and her 2021 campaign accumulated a multitude of accolades, including being named the winner of the prestigious AAI Award. Ramler scored a perfect 10 on both vault and beam, and also set a new program record in the all-around with a 39.850. She won 31 event titles during the season and was named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Week six times. Ramler ended the regular season tied for No. 1 in the nation on beam, No. 3 on bars, tied for No. 5 on vault, tied for No. 28 on floor and No. 2 overall in the all-around. A Big Ten Champion on bars, beam and in the all-around, Ramler was also awarded with her third-consecutive Big Ten Gymnast of the Year title. Continuing her success, she was the Athens Regional All-Around Champion. At the NCAA National Championships, Ramler tied for 5th on beam and 11th in the all-around and was named an All-American on beam, while also recording second-team honors on bars, vault and in the all-around.
"We are absolutely thrilled that Ona and Lexy have decided to take another year with our program," head coach Jenny Hansen said. "Since their arrival on campus, they have helped to build this program to what it is today. Their influence not only in the gym, but in the classroom, and as role models for our team and our fans is unmatched. We are incredibly grateful to have them for one more year!"