Joscelyn Roberson Shines In Arkansas Debut
In the season opener, the Arkansas gymnastics program would see one of their youngest shine brightest. On Saturday, freshman, and Paris Olympic alternate Joscelyn Roberson put the nation on notice in Oklahoma City, and many may have missed it. While many may not follow collegiate gymnastics Roberson, and others on the Fayetteville, Arkansas roster want to change the narrative.
With a stellar performance, an all-around score of 39.475, second highest for any Gymback in program history, and an event-tying high score, Roberson provided youthful talent to a Jordyn Weiber-led Razorbacks who could be poised for a special run. Weiber spoke to this when analyzing the incoming #2 recruiting class when she said “This 2025 class is stacked with talent, competitiveness, camaraderie, and passion for this Arkansas program.”
The former Olympic gold medal-winning coach reloaded her toolbox with young talent from across the nation along with Roberson Weiber reloaded her toolbox with young talent from across the nation along with Roberson with gymnasts such as Avalon Campbell, Allison Cucci, Avery King, Addison Bare, Bradley Burton, and Riley Jandorf. In addition to the previous statement, Weiber goes further by saying that each of these additions “Brings a level of difficulty and excellence through their gymnastics and their character that will undoubtedly make this program better. They are eager to get here and help us win championships.”
The debut of Roberson on Saturday, it is evident that the sky’s the limit and we are not referring to the heights of her jumps in her floor routine. In fact, that routine, and the score of 9.950, tied an Arkansas gymnastics freshman record for the event. Roberson joins fellow teammate Lauren Williams, who accomplished this twice in 2023. In addition, the new pair of teammates are listed with Bailey Lovett{2020}, Sarah Shaffer and Sophia Cater {2018}, and Rachel Barnett, who also accomplished the score twice in the 2004 season.
With the loaded roster assembled many may forget about the youth yet Roberson, and others in the stacked class, are here to remind you they have arrived. Arkansas started the season ranked in the top ten and from how they performed to open the season, this program looks to remain there. With debuts like we witnessed in Oklahoma City, the state of Arkansas, the nation, and more will be watching Roberson, and the Gymbacks, with hopes of a deep run in 2025.
