Picture this: the NCAA Regional Finals in Seattle, the Arizona GymCats battling for a spot in the next round, and a star sophomore swinging on the uneven bars with everything on the line. The crowd holds its breath as she transitions from the high bar to the low—but then, disaster strikes. What could’ve been her chance to rise ended up tanking her team’s chances. All because of one error. But while others would’ve given up right there, she didn’t stop. She dug deep and finished her routine. That decision, as we’d later learn, was the difference-maker that propelled Arizona to the regional final. But how did the mat sensation turn this whole moment around? And who is she?
Well, the name of the youngster is Sophie Derr. And Derr’s resilience on April 4, 2025, during the NCAA Regional Semifinals was nothing short of inspiring. All Things Gymnastics post reveals that, on April 25, 2025, her choice to stay on the bars after the fall was pivotal. “I’m not here for myself. I’m here because I’m here for this team, this program, and I have another job to do for this team”, reflecting on the event, Derr shared her mindset in a powerful statement.
And that’s on having a good mindset and fighting until the very end!
Arizona sophomore Sophie Derr was a critical part of her team advancing to the regional final a few weeks ago — staying on the bar following a fall — a moment that would end up allowing the GymCats to advance! pic.twitter.com/UjYwx1L1Qe
— All Things Gymnastics Podcast (@AllThingsGymPod) April 25, 2025
“Right now, the team doesn’t need me to be upset; the team doesn’t need me to beat myself up. They need me to go cheer for them on beam and be the best supporter I can be there, go do a floor routine, and then go be the best supporter I can be on vault.” Her words reveal a maturity beyond her years, showcasing a selfless attitude that prioritizes the team over personal setbacks. But how did this mindset translate into action for the GymCats?
In NCAA gymnastics, a fall deducts 0.5 from the score, but if a gymnast fails to continue within the allotted 30 seconds, the routine is considered incomplete, leading to an even larger deduction. By getting back on the bars, Derr ensured her score still counted toward the team’s total, helping the GymCats upset No. 10 Georgia and secure second place in the regional semifinals. That finish earned them a spot in the regional final on April 6, 2025. But what was going through her mind in that high-pressure moment?
Sophie Derr and Arizona GymCats’ fight through
The Arizona GymCats brought their A-game to the 2025 NCAA Regionals in Seattle, kicking things off on April 4 in the semifinals against Missouri, No. 10 Georgia, and Arizona State. They scored a 196.250 to secure second place, upsetting Georgia (196.175), while Missouri led with 197.650 and Arizona State trailed at 196.050.
Arizona Desert Swarm noted early struggles, like Elena Deets’ 9.250 on bars, but a defining moment came when Sophie Derr stayed on the bars after a fall, ensuring her score helped the team advance. Head coach John Court captured their grit: “We left a lot out there, but we stayed up… We had bends. We didn’t have breaks.” Advancing to the regional final was a big win, but how would they fare against even tougher competition?
In the Seattle Regional Final on April 6, the GymCats faced No. 1 Oklahoma, Missouri, and Auburn, scoring another 196.250 but finishing fourth, ending their season. Despite the loss, Arizona’s resilience shone throughout. Ranked 20th on beam nationally, they leaned on their strengths but couldn’t overcome the elite field. With young talents like Derr and a gritty foundation, how will the GymCats build on this in 2026?
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