Photo by: Kelly Branigan
MSU Gymnastics: Back for More
12/8/2025 1:51:00 PM | Women's Gymnastics
By: Charlotte Terbrack
Michigan State gymnastics is coming off one of the most historic seasons in program history. The team had a second-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, a program-best 198.000 at the NCAA Regional Final, and its first NCAA Championships appearance since 1988.
The run proved the Spartans weren't just rising - they have arrived.
Now, they're determined to push even further.
Senior Stephanie Lebster has emerged as a voice of the team, leading with a mix of discipline and vulnerability. She said the biggest growth in her college career has been learning to show up with full effort, even when it's hard.
"There's no, I don't feel like it today. You always have to be 100 percent. Even on your bad days, you have to give it all you got," Lebster said.
That shift from pre-collegiate gymnastics to the college level was eye-opening. The freedom of being a student-athlete came with the responsibility of consistency.
"I was always motivated, but here the pressure is different. You can't just show up halfway — every day requires full effort," she said.
As an upperclassman, Lebster has taken ownership of helping newcomers understand MSU's culture. That culture, she says, rests on a family-style approach.
"We're very family-oriented. We joke like we're sisters, and with sisters there's going to be disagreements or bickering, but we always get past it," she said. "One thing we're focusing on this year is accountability, and we keep saying accountability is love. Just like you'd hold your family accountable, we're holding each other accountable."
The Spartans even dedicated a weekend to reflecting and setting goals together, mapping out not just competitive milestones but personal steps to support one another.
"We talked about what we need to do as human beings to get there. Being intentional about including everyone, supporting each other, and making sure no one feels left behind, that's what makes us strong," Rowe said.
Last season's NCAA experience opened their eyes to reevaluating the depth of their goals.
"Last year we were ready to get to nationals, but we weren't ready to compete at nationals. This year we want to be in that final meet," Rowe said. "We want to win."
 Rowe has built the program on trust, unity, and genuine care, values he believes translate directly into success.
"In order to be a part of this team, you have to care about each other. You're fighting for spots, but you still have to be supportive," Rowe said.
Rowe emphasizes that his athletes must feel comfortable being themselves. He highlighted the transparency he likes to see, especially for recruits during official visits.
"They need to feel comfortable in their own skin because that's who we're going to celebrate, the true, authentic you," Rowe said.
That authenticity is reinforced by the coaching staff around him. Associate Head Coach Nicole Curler, a Spartan alum, has been with the program for over a decade, shaping choreography, designing leotards, and leading recruiting. Assistant Coach Devin Robinson, now in her fourth season, has elevated vault and floor with her detail-oriented approach. Together, they co-coach seamlessly, ensuring athletes feel comfortable in their routines and empowered to tell their own stories through performance.
Rowe credits them as indispensable. "We couldn't be doing what we're doing without them. Nicole's a floor goddess, Devin's a vaulting diva, and they both bring so much detail and care. They make sure athletes feel great about what they're putting out there," Rowe said.
Beyond gymnastics technique, Rowe has leaned heavily into mental health resources, a shift he says was accelerated by athletes like Simone Biles bringing the conversation to the forefront.
"The first couple of years was trying to erase the stigma. I told them, let that go. You'll see how much it helps with stress, anxiety, performance fears. Whether it's self-talk, breathing exercises, or working one-on-one with staff, it's all positive. And we're already seeing the benefits," Rowe said.
The staff's holistic approach extends to weekly meetings with strength coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists to keep the team aligned.With those benefits, his expectations for routines remain precise.
Both Lebster and Rowe agree that last season was only the beginning. With returning talent, refined routines, and a strong belief in themselves, the Spartans aren't only hoping to return to nationals, they're preparing to win.
Lebster hopes her legacy will be remembered not just in scores, but in relationships. "I want to be remembered as someone who was always there for her teammates; a listening ear without judgment. Over the years I've gotten better at recognizing when someone is off, and I try to take care of my teammates in the specific ways they need it," Lebster said.
Rowe echoed that sentiment, framing his legacy around impact rather than accolades. "I don't pound my chest that this was me alone. It's passion, enthusiasm, and a team-led team. Last year we said, 'It's time,' and look what happened. Now it's about staying consistent. I don't put a cap on what this team can do."
If 2025 was a breakthrough, 2026 could be the year the Spartans make their biggest statement yet.
Â
Michigan State gymnastics is coming off one of the most historic seasons in program history. The team had a second-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, a program-best 198.000 at the NCAA Regional Final, and its first NCAA Championships appearance since 1988.
The run proved the Spartans weren't just rising - they have arrived.
Now, they're determined to push even further.
Senior Stephanie Lebster has emerged as a voice of the team, leading with a mix of discipline and vulnerability. She said the biggest growth in her college career has been learning to show up with full effort, even when it's hard.
"There's no, I don't feel like it today. You always have to be 100 percent. Even on your bad days, you have to give it all you got," Lebster said.
That shift from pre-collegiate gymnastics to the college level was eye-opening. The freedom of being a student-athlete came with the responsibility of consistency.
"I was always motivated, but here the pressure is different. You can't just show up halfway — every day requires full effort," she said.
As an upperclassman, Lebster has taken ownership of helping newcomers understand MSU's culture. That culture, she says, rests on a family-style approach.
"We're very family-oriented. We joke like we're sisters, and with sisters there's going to be disagreements or bickering, but we always get past it," she said. "One thing we're focusing on this year is accountability, and we keep saying accountability is love. Just like you'd hold your family accountable, we're holding each other accountable."
The Spartans even dedicated a weekend to reflecting and setting goals together, mapping out not just competitive milestones but personal steps to support one another.
"We talked about what we need to do as human beings to get there. Being intentional about including everyone, supporting each other, and making sure no one feels left behind, that's what makes us strong," Rowe said.
Last season's NCAA experience opened their eyes to reevaluating the depth of their goals.
"Last year we were ready to get to nationals, but we weren't ready to compete at nationals. This year we want to be in that final meet," Rowe said. "We want to win."
 Rowe has built the program on trust, unity, and genuine care, values he believes translate directly into success.
"In order to be a part of this team, you have to care about each other. You're fighting for spots, but you still have to be supportive," Rowe said.
Rowe emphasizes that his athletes must feel comfortable being themselves. He highlighted the transparency he likes to see, especially for recruits during official visits.
"They need to feel comfortable in their own skin because that's who we're going to celebrate, the true, authentic you," Rowe said.
That authenticity is reinforced by the coaching staff around him. Associate Head Coach Nicole Curler, a Spartan alum, has been with the program for over a decade, shaping choreography, designing leotards, and leading recruiting. Assistant Coach Devin Robinson, now in her fourth season, has elevated vault and floor with her detail-oriented approach. Together, they co-coach seamlessly, ensuring athletes feel comfortable in their routines and empowered to tell their own stories through performance.
Rowe credits them as indispensable. "We couldn't be doing what we're doing without them. Nicole's a floor goddess, Devin's a vaulting diva, and they both bring so much detail and care. They make sure athletes feel great about what they're putting out there," Rowe said.
Beyond gymnastics technique, Rowe has leaned heavily into mental health resources, a shift he says was accelerated by athletes like Simone Biles bringing the conversation to the forefront.
"The first couple of years was trying to erase the stigma. I told them, let that go. You'll see how much it helps with stress, anxiety, performance fears. Whether it's self-talk, breathing exercises, or working one-on-one with staff, it's all positive. And we're already seeing the benefits," Rowe said.
The staff's holistic approach extends to weekly meetings with strength coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists to keep the team aligned.With those benefits, his expectations for routines remain precise.
Both Lebster and Rowe agree that last season was only the beginning. With returning talent, refined routines, and a strong belief in themselves, the Spartans aren't only hoping to return to nationals, they're preparing to win.
Lebster hopes her legacy will be remembered not just in scores, but in relationships. "I want to be remembered as someone who was always there for her teammates; a listening ear without judgment. Over the years I've gotten better at recognizing when someone is off, and I try to take care of my teammates in the specific ways they need it," Lebster said.
Rowe echoed that sentiment, framing his legacy around impact rather than accolades. "I don't pound my chest that this was me alone. It's passion, enthusiasm, and a team-led team. Last year we said, 'It's time,' and look what happened. Now it's about staying consistent. I don't put a cap on what this team can do."
If 2025 was a breakthrough, 2026 could be the year the Spartans make their biggest statement yet.
Â
Players Mentioned
VT, BB, FX
/ Women's GymnasticsNot Done Yet | Spartans All-Access
Tuesday, April 08
Competing Together | Spartans All-Access
Thursday, March 13
Breslin Debut | Michigan State Gymnastics
Wednesday, January 22
Spartans All-Access: Back to Back B1G Titles
Friday, March 15