Abby Heiskell Helps Lead Michigan to First-Ever NCAA Title

Have a day, Abby Heiskell.

The junior from Michigan needed the performance of a lifetime on Saturday, as all that stood between Michigan and their first ever national title in gymnastics was her balance beam routine.

But Heiskell took the challenge head on, and in the end a score of 9.9250 had Heiskell and her Michigan teammates celebrating.

The moment @UMichWGym found out that they are national champions 👏🏆#NCAAGym pic.twitter.com/yj8x8Hf3em

— espnW (@espnW) April 17, 2021

“It means the world,” said Michigan sophomore Sierra Brooks. “Our team has talked about this for so long; and I think even waking up this morning, we were just eager to be out there because we knew we could do it, and we did it. And we’re national champions and that’s crazy. I’m so excited for this team.”

Oklahoma’s Anastasia Webb wound up winning the individual all-around title with a score of 39.7875, while Brooks had the highest all-around individual score for the Wolverines with a 39.7750. 

Just the seventh school in history to ever win the NCAA women’s gymnastics title, the Wolverines finished with a score of 198.2500 – a team record and the third-highest winning team score in history. They also finished ahead of Oklahoma by only .088 (197.9875). Florida – who spent the entire season ranked No. 1 in the country — finished third with a score of 197.1375. 

Another thing to love about Michigan winning the title? Women supporting women. 

🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

CONGRATULATIONS @UMichWGym! STUNNING performance!😍 GO B1G!!! https://t.co/7Ugh42wD7S

— Iowa Gymnastics (@IowaGymnastics) April 17, 2021

Defending national champions Oklahoma were quick to congratulate Michigan on their first ever title. You love to see it.

Congrats to @UMichWGym on your first ever national championship!

We know what that feeling is like and nothing beats it! https://t.co/gLAncU3d8G

— Oklahoma Women's Gym (@OU_WGymnastics) April 17, 2021

And then there’s Serena Williams’ daughter Olympia, who was likewise inspired by Brooks’ performance.

Current situation. @OlympiaOhanian saw the screen when she walked over and was like "That's me!"

Yes it is, Olympia. pic.twitter.com/oQ1CMHOd3f

— §AlexisOhanian 7️⃣7️⃣6️⃣ (@alexisohanian) April 17, 2021

In case you want to watch Heiskell’s performance again and relive every moment of Michigan’s historic win, you can watch it below: