Crimson Tide Gymnastics Flunks National Qualifier
Alabama’s No. 5 gymnastics squad, one of the nation’s most consistent teams all season, finished dead last at the Corvallis Regional Final with a 197.175—its second-lowest score this year. UCLA (197.725) and Minnesota (197.625) punched their tickets to nationals, while Utah (197.500) bowed out alongside the Crimson Tide. Coach Ashley Johnston praised her team’s culture and grit but lamented that tiny deductions—hops on landings, form wobbles and a stumble on the bars dismount—added up. Alabama opened on beam with a 49.325, stumbled through floor (49.350) and vault, and needed perfection on uneven bars—only to see a rare slip from Chloe LaCoursiere seal their fate. No Tide gymnast qualified individually, marking the end of the collegiate careers of six seniors, including SEC floor champion Gabby Gladieux.
In a plot twist more shocking than discovering your gym bag smells worse than you do, Alabama gymnastics has officially earned a front-row seat on the bench at nationals. Turns out that hopping and skipping routines won’t save you from the brutal deductions of collegiate scoring—who knew? The squad gave it their all, only to learn that perfection is fleeting and sometimes your dismount decides to bail on you. At least they’ll have plenty of time to perfect those 9.9 handstands on YouTube tutorials now that nationals are out of the picture. Seniors, grab your caps and gowns—it’s time to swap leotards for business casual.
Alabama Alumni Tee Off at Augusta Masters
Two former Crimson Tide golfers, Justin Thomas and Davis Riley, will compete at Augusta National this week. Thomas, coming off back surgery, makes his 11th Masters appearance; his best finish is T-4 (2020) and he tied for 36th last year. Riley, a 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge winner, returns for his second Masters after finishing T-21 in his debut. Betting odds list Scottie Scheffler (+500) as the favorite, with Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm next; among Tide alums, Thomas is +6500 and Riley +50000. The update also recaps Alabama basketball contract extensions, player returns, Final Four quotes from Nate Oats and a quick date-in-history roundup.
Nothing says “April tradition” like two ex-Bama golfers marching in to Augusta, adjusting their visors and pretending their backs don’t ache. Thomas and Riley are set to join the long list of pros who will promptly lose three balls before dinner. Meanwhile, college hoops fans get a side of nostalgia with contract extension gossip and “I’m back!” declarations. It’s like a family reunion where everyone’s in fancy polos—and someone’s bound to bring up that time they almost made the Sweet 16. Grab your azaleas and your paradoxical hope for shoulder health.
Softball Tide Slams No. 1 Texas to Claim Series
Alabama softball (35-3, 9-3 SEC) dropped Game 1 to top-ranked Texas but rallied to take Games 2 and 3 in dominating fashion. Freshman ace Vic Moten navigated five first-inning walks, returned to shut out Texas over four innings, and limited the Longhorns to three runs in Game 3. Unexpected heroes like transfer Jena Young belted a two-run homer in the rubber match, and outfielder Kristen White—whose eight starts included none in SEC play—provided two hits and two runs when given the nod. With this series win and a 35-3 record, Bama makes a strong case for the No. 1 ranking, backed by six RPI top-10 victories.
Who needs polls when you can stage a softball miracle? The Tide proved that dropping the opener is merely strategic suspense-building, then unleashed a barrage of hits like an overcaffeinated marching band. Moten‘s walk-fest turned into a masterpiece of resilience, Young‘s moonshot reminded everyone that transfers can moonwalk too, and White reminded us that sometimes the designated underdog delivers a double. If softball were a movie, this would be the underdog sports montage set to a power-ballad and booming slow-mo. Cue the fireworks.
Tide Forward Plots Escape via Transfer Portal
Senior forward Taylor Bol Bowen plans to enter the transfer portal after one season at Alabama, per On3’s Joe Tipton. In 30 games (11 starts) he averaged 6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.0 block and 0.4 steals in 19 minutes. Bowen’s season was marked by leg injuries, coach Nate Oats’ persistent challenges and a season-high 17 points with nine rebounds against St. John’s. Healthy late-season play helped lead Alabama to the Sweet 16, but Bowen now seeks a fresh opportunity. The portal opens April 7 and closes April 21.
Taylor Bol Bowen is trading Tuscaloosa for whichever portal offers free housing, better bench-time and fewer postgame hairdryer speeches. After a season of “step up or be yelled at” from Coach Oats—and a few heroic rebounds when the doctor didn’t clear him—Bowen has decided that the grass (or hardwood) might be greener elsewhere. Rumor has it he’s scouting schools with decent Wi-Fi and fewer intense scrutinies of effort. Best of luck, Taylor: may your next “change of scenery” include complimentary protein shakes.
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