Air Force's Maggie Slife Shines as NCAA Gymnastics Postseason Begins

Slife leads Falcons' charge in Baton Rouge regional, while Arizona rivals and Georgia-Michigan State showdown highlight bracket

Mar. 26, 2026 at 3:30am

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The 2026 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships are underway, and former Fisk gymnast Naimah Muhammad breaks down the key storylines and matchups. Air Force's Maggie Slife is a dynamic individual qualifier to watch, while the play-in battle between Arizona State and Arizona, as well as the regional showdown between No. 6 Georgia and No. 11 Michigan State, promise thrilling competition.

Why it matters

The NCAA gymnastics postseason is a highly anticipated annual event, showcasing the sport's top collegiate talent and providing a glimpse into the future of the U.S. national team. Slife's record-breaking performances have made her a must-see athlete, while the regional matchups will determine which teams advance to the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth.

The details

Maggie Slife, a junior at Air Force, has been a standout performer for the Falcons this season. She has set program and Mountain West records on bars (9.975) and beam (9.975), while also posting a career-high 39.675 in the all-around. Slife's consistency and high-scoring routines make her a top contender to qualify to the NCAA Championships, both individually and as part of the Air Force team. The regional play-in between No. 32 Arizona State and No. 33 Arizona is expected to be a close battle. The teams split their regular season meetings, with Arizona winning by four-tenths in the first matchup but Arizona State getting the edge at the Big 12 Championships. With nearly identical national qualifying scores and season averages, the outcome could come down to which team performs at its highest level. No. 6 Georgia and No. 11 Michigan State will face off in a regional showdown, with both teams boasting impressive seasons. The Georgia GymDogs have been ranked No. 1 nationally on floor for four straight weeks, while Michigan State has posted a season-high 197.700 and features seniors Nikki Smith and Sage Kellerman, who have both scored perfect 10s in their careers. Assuming No. 3 Florida advances, the Georgia-Michigan State matchup will likely determine the second semifinal spot.

  • Maggie Slife has set Air Force and Mountain West records this season, including a 39.675 in the all-around and 9.975s on bars and beam.
  • No. 32 Arizona State and No. 33 Arizona split their regular season meetings, with Arizona winning the first matchup but Arizona State prevailing at the Big 12 Championships.
  • The Georgia GymDogs have been ranked No. 1 nationally on floor for four straight weeks, peaking at a 198.075 score.

The players

Maggie Slife

A junior gymnast at Air Force who has set program and conference records this season, including a 39.675 in the all-around and 9.975s on bars and beam.

Arizona State Sun Devils

The No. 32 ranked team in NCAA gymnastics, who beat rival Arizona at the Big 12 Championships despite losing to them in the regular season.

Arizona GymCats

The No. 33 ranked team in NCAA gymnastics, who beat Arizona State in the regular season but lost to them at the Big 12 Championships.

Georgia GymDogs

The No. 6 ranked team in NCAA gymnastics, who have been ranked No. 1 nationally on floor for four straight weeks and beaten SEC powerhouses LSU and Alabama this season.

Michigan State Spartans

The No. 11 ranked team in NCAA gymnastics, who have posted a season-high 197.700 and feature seniors Nikki Smith and Sage Kellerman, both of whom have scored perfect 10s in their careers.

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What they’re saying

“Slife has had an incredible season. In addition to helping Air Force break its program record multiple times – most recently with a 197.150 – the junior has set all-around, bars, and beam records for the Falcons with a 39.675 and 9.975s on both events. (All of the record-setting scores are also Mountain West records.)”

— Naimah Muhammad, Former Fisk gymnast

“The teams have nearly identical national qualifying scores and season averages, but the GymCats seem to have a slightly higher ceiling when they're on.”

— Naimah Muhammad, Former Fisk gymnast

“Assuming No. 3 Florida will advance to the NCAA semifinals, it's likely to come down to the GymDogs and Spartans for the second and last semifinal spot. While Georgia has had the better season, Michigan State has the makings of an excellent spoiler.”

— Naimah Muhammad, Former Fisk gymnast

What’s next

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The takeaway

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