Ithaca, N.Y. – The Brown University gymnastics team is poised to compete for the GEC Championship title this Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Cornell University’s Newman Arena. As the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament, the Bears will compete in the evening session, a testament to a season of consistent improvement, and dedication. The team’s performance throughout the year has culminated in this opportunity, and they’ll face Cornell, Penn, and Yale in their pursuit of the championship. This year’s GEC Championships represent a significant moment for Brown gymnastics, building on a trajectory of increasing success.
The GEC Championships are structured with a two-session format. The teams seeded fifth through eighth – Southern Connecticut State, Bridgeport, West Chester, and William & Mary – will compete in the afternoon session beginning at noon. The top four teams, including Brown, will then take to the floor at 5 p.m. For the evening session, vying for the conference crown. Fans can follow the action with a livestream available on ESPN+ and live scoring updates on Virtius. Detailed meet notes from Brown University can be found here.
A Season of Accolades and Rising Scores
Brown’s journey to the championship has been marked by individual and team achievements. Eight Brown gymnasts earned a combined 12 All-GEC awards, recognizing their outstanding performance throughout the regular season based on National Qualifying Scores. This recognition underscores the depth of talent within the program and the dedication of its athletes. The team’s recent performances have been particularly strong, with three consecutive meets resulting in top 10 scores in program history, all exceeding 194.750. This momentum suggests the Bears are peaking at the right time, entering the championship with confidence and a proven ability to perform under pressure.
Ford and Dewar Lead the Way
Junior Emily Ford has emerged as a standout performer for Brown, currently holding the No. 1 spot on beam in the GEC. She has consistently scored a 9.875 in her last two meets, and her National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 9.815 is tied for 14th in the region. Ford’s consistency and skill on the beam will be crucial for Brown’s success at the championships. Senior Sophia Dewar provides experienced leadership, consistently delivering strong performances. She has matched her career-high of 9.875 on floor in three of the last four meets and achieved a new career-high of 9.850 on vault at Temple on February 13, tying for the fifth-best vault score in program history. Dewar currently ranks second in the GEC on floor with a score of 9.870, demonstrating her all-around ability and contribution to the team.
Whiteside’s Breakout Performance
Sophomore Addy Whiteside has too been a key contributor to Brown’s success this season. She ranks among the top 25 gymnasts in the GEC in three events, showcasing her versatility and potential. Whiteside has consistently improved throughout the season, setting or tying career-highs in four of the last five meets, most recently on bars and beam at Michigan State on March 15. Her continued growth and consistent performance will be vital as Brown aims for the championship title.
Building a Legacy of Success
Brown’s recent success isn’t an isolated incident. The program has consistently improved over the past five seasons, posting the five highest National Qualifying Scores in its history. The team’s current national ranking of 51st is the highest it has ever achieved at the end of a season, surpassing the previous benchmark of 53rd in 2016. Here’s a look at the team’s National Qualifying Scores over the last five years:
- 2022 – 193.695
- 2023 – 194.315
- 2024 – 194.210
- 2025 – 193.890
- 2026 – 193.841
This upward trend demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a growing competitive spirit within the Brown gymnastics program. The team’s dedication to improvement and consistent performance has positioned them as strong contenders for the GEC Championship.
Following the GEC Championships, the team will look to build on its success and continue its trajectory of improvement. The results of this weekend’s competition will undoubtedly shape the program’s goals and strategies for the future. Updates and further information about Brown Athletics can be found on their official social media channels: @BrownU_Bears on X, @BrownU_Bears on Instagram, BrownUBears on Facebook, and BrownAthletics on YouTube.
The Brown gymnastics team’s performance at the GEC Championships will be a defining moment for the program. Fans and supporters are encouraged to follow the action and cheer on the Bears as they compete for the title. The team’s dedication, talent, and recent success suggest they are well-prepared to make a strong showing and contend for the championship.
