Washington Gymnastics Reflects On 2026 Season
June 09, 2026 | Gymnastics
SEATTLE – The 2026 season marked another significant step forward for Washington Gymnastics as the GymDawgs built on the foundation established under Head Coach Jessa Hansen Parker.
In just her second season at the helm, Hansen Parker guided Washington to its most conference wins in five years while fostering a culture of competitive success, academic excellence, and growth. Following the season, Hansen Parker was rewarded with a contract extension through 2031, reflecting the department's confidence in the direction of the team.
Washington entered the year with high expectations after Lilly Tubbs and Mary McDonough were named to the Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch List ahead of the season. Throughout the year, the GymDawgs showcased their depth, resilience, and consistency while raising the standard both on and off the competition floor.
Fan support reached historic levels throughout the season. Washington ranked second in the Big Ten in attendance and welcomed a program record 20,886 fans to Alaska Airlines Arena during the 2026 campaign. The season was highlighted by the first sellout in program history at the Best of the West Quad Meet on January 3, demonstrating the growing excitement surrounding the GymDawgs.
The GymDawgs steadily elevated their performances throughout the season, culminating in a season-high 196.575 at the Cal Quad Meet in March. Washington also recorded a 49.525 on beam, the second-highest beam score in school history, highlighting one of the team's strongest events throughout the year.
One of the nation's top beam performers, Chelsea Hallinan delivered a remarkable season for the GymDawgs. Hallinan ranked among the Big Ten's top 10 beam performers ten times throughout the season, reaching as high as No. 4 on multiple occasions. Nationally, she appeared in the top 25 beam rankings seven times and climbed as high as No. 5 in the country. She capped off her standout campaign by recording a career-high 9.975 on beam.
Success extended beyond competition as Washington excelled academically. The GymDawgs posted a 3.78 team GPA, their highest since 2020, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in the classroom alongside athletic achievement.
Washington also saw individual accomplishments recognized throughout the season. Lilly Tubbs earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors after serving as one of the GymDawgs' most consistent contributors, while Emma Schrady was selected as Washington's 2026 Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree. Beyond those recognitions, multiple GymDawgs continued to elevate their performances throughout the season, recording career highs and making important contributions across the lineup.
The GymDawgs capped off their season with a strong showing in postseason competition. Washington earned its 41st NCAA Regional appearance and, under Hansen-Parker's leadership, returned to NCAA Regionals as a team rather than being represented solely by individual qualifiers. Competing at the Corvallis Regional, the GymDawgs upset No. 29 San José State in the opening round to advance to the Regional Semifinal, where they ultimately concluded their season.
"I'm so proud of what this group accomplished this season." Said Hansen Parker. "They achieved excellence in the classroom and continued to climb on the competition floor. Their heart, commitment to each other, and continued growth made this team special and gives us a lot to build on heading into the 2027 season."
With historic crowds, success in the classroom, and a return to NCAA Regionals as a team, the 2026 season showcased the continued growth of Washington Gymnastics. The GymDawgs will be entering 2027 with valuable experience, a strong returning core, and momentum that continues to build under Hansen-Parker's leadership.
For news, scores, highlights and more, download the Go Huskies app on your mobile device. Follow @UWgymnastics on Instagram, X, Threads, Facebook and TikTok and subscribe to UW Athletics on YouTube for the latest on the Dawgs.
In just her second season at the helm, Hansen Parker guided Washington to its most conference wins in five years while fostering a culture of competitive success, academic excellence, and growth. Following the season, Hansen Parker was rewarded with a contract extension through 2031, reflecting the department's confidence in the direction of the team.
Washington entered the year with high expectations after Lilly Tubbs and Mary McDonough were named to the Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch List ahead of the season. Throughout the year, the GymDawgs showcased their depth, resilience, and consistency while raising the standard both on and off the competition floor.
Fan support reached historic levels throughout the season. Washington ranked second in the Big Ten in attendance and welcomed a program record 20,886 fans to Alaska Airlines Arena during the 2026 campaign. The season was highlighted by the first sellout in program history at the Best of the West Quad Meet on January 3, demonstrating the growing excitement surrounding the GymDawgs.
The GymDawgs steadily elevated their performances throughout the season, culminating in a season-high 196.575 at the Cal Quad Meet in March. Washington also recorded a 49.525 on beam, the second-highest beam score in school history, highlighting one of the team's strongest events throughout the year.
One of the nation's top beam performers, Chelsea Hallinan delivered a remarkable season for the GymDawgs. Hallinan ranked among the Big Ten's top 10 beam performers ten times throughout the season, reaching as high as No. 4 on multiple occasions. Nationally, she appeared in the top 25 beam rankings seven times and climbed as high as No. 5 in the country. She capped off her standout campaign by recording a career-high 9.975 on beam.
Success extended beyond competition as Washington excelled academically. The GymDawgs posted a 3.78 team GPA, their highest since 2020, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in the classroom alongside athletic achievement.
Washington also saw individual accomplishments recognized throughout the season. Lilly Tubbs earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors after serving as one of the GymDawgs' most consistent contributors, while Emma Schrady was selected as Washington's 2026 Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree. Beyond those recognitions, multiple GymDawgs continued to elevate their performances throughout the season, recording career highs and making important contributions across the lineup.
The GymDawgs capped off their season with a strong showing in postseason competition. Washington earned its 41st NCAA Regional appearance and, under Hansen-Parker's leadership, returned to NCAA Regionals as a team rather than being represented solely by individual qualifiers. Competing at the Corvallis Regional, the GymDawgs upset No. 29 San José State in the opening round to advance to the Regional Semifinal, where they ultimately concluded their season.
"I'm so proud of what this group accomplished this season." Said Hansen Parker. "They achieved excellence in the classroom and continued to climb on the competition floor. Their heart, commitment to each other, and continued growth made this team special and gives us a lot to build on heading into the 2027 season."
With historic crowds, success in the classroom, and a return to NCAA Regionals as a team, the 2026 season showcased the continued growth of Washington Gymnastics. The GymDawgs will be entering 2027 with valuable experience, a strong returning core, and momentum that continues to build under Hansen-Parker's leadership.
For news, scores, highlights and more, download the Go Huskies app on your mobile device. Follow @UWgymnastics on Instagram, X, Threads, Facebook and TikTok and subscribe to UW Athletics on YouTube for the latest on the Dawgs.
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