Ramler, Loper returning to Gophers for 2022 gymnastics season

The University of Minnesota women’s gymnastics team received good news Tuesday as seniors Ona Loper and Lexy Ramler announced they’ll both return for a fifth collegiate campaign next year.

Loper won 12 event titles and had two perfect 10s on vault. She was ranked tied for No. 3 on vault, No. 10 on the floor, No. 17 on bars and No. 13 in all-around at the end of the regular season. Loper was also the top finisher for the Gophers at the NCAA Championships after setting a career-high 39.6375 in the all-around. Loper earned several honors, including All-American honors on the vault and all-around, in addition to First Team All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten honors.

"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!"

Ramler is one of the most decorated student-athletes in the U of M’s history. She accumulated several awards, including the prestigious AAI Award, this past season. Ramler also scored a perfect 10 on both vault and beam, and set a new program record in all-around with a score of 39.850. She won 31 event titles during the season and finished the year ranked No. 1 in the country on beam, No. 3 on bars, tied for No. 5 on vault, tied for No. 28 on floor and No. 2 overall in all-around en route to her third consecutive Big Ten Gymnast of the Year title. Ramler also was named the Athens Regional All-Around Champion, was an All-American on beam and earned second-team honors for bars, vault and all-around.

"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."

"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!"