Courtesy of the Florida Gators
There’s a new voice but familiar face joining NCAA gymnastics commentary: Trinity Thomas.
Thomas is one of the greatest gymnasts in NCAA history. If you’re not familiar with ESPN’s newest collegiate gymnastics analyst, or as big of a fan of her as I am, let’s look at Thomas’ NCAA career accolades and accomplishments, which took up more than half the screen when she was introduced on the SEC Network broadcast last week.
The Gator Great is perhaps best known for tying the record for most perfect 10s in NCAA history at 28. Thomas had five 10s on vault, five on bars, six on beam, and 12 on floor. Thomas is one of 15 gymnasts to achieve the Gym Slam of having a perfect 10 on every event, one of only three who have achieved it twice, and the only gymnast to achieve the feat three, four, and five times.
She is the 2022 and 2023 Honda Sports Award winner for gymnastics, an award given annually to the best women athletes in 12 sports.
Courtesy of PopSugar
Thomas is the 2022 NCAA champion in the all-around, bars, and vault. She is the 2023 SEC Female Athlete of the Year and was named the SEC Gymnast of the Year in 2020, 2022, and 2023. She is also the 2023 SEC all-around, bars, and floor champion, and the 2022 SEC all-around, vault, and floor champion.
Competing for Florida for five seasons, she is a 34-time All-American and holds Florida’s records for most event wins at 142 and all-around wins at 30.
After college, Thomas made her elite comeback competing in the Winter Cup last year where she placed fourth in the all-around and second on bars, and she joined Simone Biles on the GOAT Tour.
While I miss watching Thomas compete in NCAA gymnastics, I’m excited about her finding a new way to be involved with the sport.
“I’ve been blessed with incredible experiences as a student-athlete, and I’m forever grateful for those special moments. Throughout my NCAA career, I’ve learned valuable lessons that have helped mold me into who I am today,” Thomas said to ESPN. “I’ve loved every role I’ve had in this sport, from competing on the floor, to leading as a teammate, and coaching from the sidelines. Now, I’m excited to take on a new challenge as an analyst for ESPN, where I will have the opportunity to share my passion and break down the complexities of the sport that holds a special place in my heart.”
I’m excited to hear Thomas on the call for meets, and I’m happy the opportunity came up for me to write about my all-time favorite NCAA gymnast!
Courtesy of Sparkle & Shine
Edited by Giana Robertaccio
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