LSU gymnastics has been a staple of consistency in the NCAA season so far, and among its most reliable scorers is the all-around transfer from Denver, Madison Ulrich.
The five-star recruit had lots of success in the Mile High City, spending only two years with the university.
Among some of these accolades were being named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year in 2024 on top of the six Big 12 Newcomer of the Week awards she collected in her freshman season. During her sophomore season, she recorded 11 total event titles, four of which were in the all-around.
Quickly becoming one of the most decorated gymnasts in Denver’s program, onlookers wondered why she wanted to make the decision to enter the portal.
“I loved my time there, definitely,” Ulrich said. “Everything about it was really a learning experience for me. I think I just felt called to enter the portal.”
If the gut feeling wasn’t enough to prove that she made the right decision, the performance she’s had in Baton Rouge is. Ulrich has consistently put up scores in the 9.800s and 9.900s, with a season high score of 9.950 on the uneven bars against Penn State.
On top of this, the junior has already earned an all-around title in the short time she’s been with the program.
Against No. 1 Oklahoma, Ulrich was chosen for the anchor spot on balance beam as the final performance of the night.
Despite this, scores and accolades aren’t what it’s about for Ulrich.
“What I was looking for when transferring was healthy competition between me and my teammates, and I’ve been able to find really talented girls here that I can do that with,” Ulrich said. “It’s also one of the most supportive environments I’ve ever been in, so I really appreciate my teammates surrounding me with compliments every day.”
Ulrich has made it clear that change was for the better at LSU, allowing her to explore her identity and grow in ways she never knew before. As a team centered around trust and a family mindset, that growth has come through those she spends hours with in the gym.
“I think I’ve definitely had to be a little more open-minded coming here,” Ulrich said. “It’s definitely different, but I like having different personalities around me that bring different aspects out of me, like Nina definitely makes me a lot more talkative. So just drawing from different people has been really helpful for me personally.”
For Ulrich, the calling to enter the transfer portal could seem like a daunting decision. Making the jump from a Big 12 program to an SEC powerhouse is no easy transition, but the success that has since followed her proves just how worthwhile it was.
“Coming to LSU has been really the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me, and the team has really welcomed me with open arms,” Ulrich said. “I just really appreciate that I’ve gotten this opportunity because a lot of people don’t get to do this in their life. I’ve really just grown being here with the people, it’s truly one of a kind.”
The once-in-a-lifetime decision for the highly competitive gymnast has already taken her career to new heights and continued success. The rest of her time in Louisiana is shaping up to be full of excitement.
