On Saturday, March 22, the Brockport gymnastics team wrapped up its 2025 season with a sixth-place finish at the NCGA National Championship in Minnesota. Two of the Golden Eagles’ gymnasts had exceptional performances.
Sophomores Lienna Kay and Kiara Hockman were named All-Americans. Kay was named All-American on the beam, while Hockman was named All-American on the vault. Kay also earned a Co-National Championship for her 9.825 performance on the balance beam.
This is Kay’s first year back after a season-ending wrist injury she sustained last season.
“I’ve worked really hard,” Kay said. “I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t think I was going to be able to compete on the beam this season. I wasn’t supposed to do anything, but I really wanted to have a sophomore season. Beam was the first thing to come back, so I felt pretty comfortable heading into nationals, which was nice. It means a lot. I proved to myself that if I want it bad enough, I can do it.”
Hockman was very impressed by what she saw this season from her teammate Kay.
“Lienna is one of my best friends, and I love seeing her succeed,” Hockman said. “She’s an amazing person and gymnast. She had to work through a lot this year, which is hard, and to end it like she did, I’m really happy for her. I love watching her succeed and do well. It’s awesome.”
Hockman was named NCGA Gymnast of the Week three times during the season to accompany the All-American honor. She finished second in the vault event with a score of 9.825. Hockman credits her success on her experiences from last season and this season.
“Freshman year was a lot of growth for me,” Hockman said. “Taking my experiences from freshman year and using them to help me grow and become more comfortable and consistent in the gym this year has really helped with my success. Learning to relax and have fun has also helped me be successful this year.”
Kay also learned a lot and had a lot of takeaways after reflecting on the 2025 season.
“My biggest takeaway is being grateful for every opportunity,” Kay said. “I didn’t think I was going to have any opportunities this season, so that is something that I’ve been focused on. Even when I am nervous, I try to remember this is a good opportunity and something not many people get to do. I’m grateful to be here and I am grateful to be doing this with the people I love and the team I live for.”
Hockman and Kay will look to build off their success this year as they head into their junior seasons in 2026.
