A Debut Through Dad’s Eyes
As we discussed, the Arkansas Razorbacks Gymnastics has vaulted into the 2025 season. With this, we have sat down with seniors and documented a heralded freshman who shined in her debut. That freshman, Joscelyn Roberson, has made Gymbacks history and she has only had one meet. That meeting, in Oklahoma City, caught the eye of the nation and melted the heart of someone dear to Roberson.
We sat down with her father, Jeff Roberson, to discuss the debut, staff, and moments that will be cherished from the night.
A native of Texarkana, Texas, the elder Roberson has grown up loving the home state {Texas} Longhorns. When discussing his thoughts on his daughter ending up in Fayetteville, Roberson revealed to us that “Texas doesn’t have a D1 gymnastics program so I’ve known that going there was never a possibility.” while going further by telling us that “Initially it was hard to think of Josc going to Arkansas or anywhere outside of Texas”. Fayetteville is 241 miles from Texarkana but Jeff feels confident in his daughter being four and a half hours from him.
One may ask how a parent comes to watch their child leave for college and, in this case, D1 gymnastics at a top program. In our conversation, Jeff enlightened us to how his confidence was high as he said “I love the staff at Arkansas. Jordyn, Chris and Kyla are the main reasons I feel confident Josc will be taken care of while she’s in college.” which is huge considering his daughter in a freshman. In addition, Joscelyn is part of the #2 recruiting class for Jordun Weiber and her staff. A staff that parents feel comfortable in leaving their daughters with for their college journey. In speaking with fellow Gymbacks, Cami Weaver and Frankie Price, Weiber allows the girls on the roster to be themselves which in turn has the roster reciprocating the love to the staff.
In a debut for the record books, Jeff celebrated Josc and her growth and accomplishments. He told us he was “Really happy for Joscelyn’s success in her college debut, I know she works extremely hard to prepare.” when discussing his thoughts through a father’s eyes watching her shine in a sport she loves. The Paris Olympic alternate has brought great talent to the roster and in addition a great attitude and work ethic. Beyond all her talents, Roberson smiles throughout and her father takes notice as he unveils that “I was happy to see her smiling and having a great time was amazing.” when describing his feelings on the opening night.
Speaking of feelings, we discussed moments that, as a father, will always be cherished by him. Jeff would transparently speak on a history-making Floor routine from his daughter. In this, she scored a 9.950 as the staff, roster on the side of the mat, and Razorback faithful in attendance erupted in cheer. Within all this excitement was Jeff, watching the fellow Gymbacks celebrate with Josc while chanting. This is what he described as that moment he will cherish forever as he revealed “Seeing her finish on the floor and celebrating with her teammates who started chanting “10!” as she closed out an “all-around” debut where she shined for the nation to see.
In the end, Joscelyn may never realize this, but while on the mat, for Arkansas, through her father’s eyes, she was still that little girl tumbling for the first time. When we watch this season transpire many more moments surrounding the Gymbacks will take place. For Jeff Roberson, Saturday, January 11th, in Oklahoma City, will live forever.
