Iowa Gymnast Gianna Masella Shines in Senior Season

Veteran competitor leads with growth, positivity, and joy as Hawkeyes reach new heights

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Gianna Masella, a senior gymnast for the University of Iowa, has been a standout performer for the Hawkeyes over the past three seasons. Hailing from Palm Harbor, Florida, Masella has competed in 40 of Iowa's 42 meets, excelling on bars, vault, and floor. This season, Masella has embraced a more positive mindset under new head coach Jen Llewellyn, helping the team rediscover their love for the sport. Despite an early-season back injury, Masella has returned to competition and recently tied her career-best score on vault, contributing to the team's program record-breaking performance.

Why it matters

Masella's leadership and growth throughout her collegiate career serve as an inspiration to her younger teammates. Her ability to overcome adversity and maintain a positive outlook has helped the Hawkeyes program reach new heights, both in terms of performance and team culture. As a senior, Masella's impact extends beyond the gym, as she looks to inspire the next generation of gymnasts through coaching and social media.

The details

Masella has been a consistent performer for the Hawkeyes, competing in 40 of the team's 42 meets over the past three seasons. She has excelled on bars, vault, and floor, earning high scores and podium finishes. This season, Masella has embraced a more positive mindset under new head coach Jen Llewellyn, helping the team rediscover their love for the sport. Despite an early-season back injury that sidelined her from vault and floor, Masella has returned to competition and recently tied her career-best score on vault, contributing to the team's program record-breaking performance.

  • Masella has competed in 40 of Iowa's 42 meets over her collegiate career.
  • Masella suffered a back injury early in the 2026 season.
  • A few weeks ago, Masella tied her career-best score of 9.900 on vault against Nebraska.

The players

Gianna Masella

A senior gymnast for the University of Iowa, Masella has been a standout performer for the Hawkeyes over the past three seasons, competing primarily on bars, vault, and floor.

Jen Llewellyn

The head coach of the University of Iowa gymnastics team, Llewellyn has brought a new coaching style and positive mindset to the program over the past two seasons.

Aurélie Tran

A sophomore gymnast for the University of Iowa, Tran has praised Masella's leadership and ability to bring energy and fun to the team every day.

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What they’re saying

“I have definitely learned a lot mentally, like trusting the reps and my preparation. I also have a much more positive outlook on things, rather than going to the negatives all the time, which helps make gymnastics more fun, and when it's fun, it's easy.”

— Gianna Masella, Senior Gymnast (dailyiowan.com)

“Sometimes after a meet, it is hard to come back to the gym and have the same energy, and she just reminds us by bringing that energy, silliness, and fun every single day throughout the season.”

— Aurélie Tran, Sophomore Gymnast (dailyiowan.com)

“She has gone through a lot over her four years, and through those learning moments and life lessons, I think she has been able to shed light on and be an example to each and every freshmen in whatever they need her to be.”

— Jen Llewellyn, Head Coach (dailyiowan.com)

What’s next

Masella looks to continue her strong performances as the Hawkeyes approach the end of the regular season and prepare for postseason competition.

The takeaway

Gianna Masella's journey at Iowa has been defined by her growth, leadership, and ability to inspire joy in her teammates. Her positive mindset and dedication to the sport have helped the Hawkeyes reach new heights, serving as an inspiration for the next generation of gymnasts.