Kylee Botterman is on her way to becoming one of the most decorated gymnasts in Michigan women’s gymnastics history.
- Said Alsalah/Daily
- Kylee Botterman of the Womens Gymnastic team competes against the University of Nebraska at Crisler Arena on Sunday February 22nd 2009. Michigan upset No. 12 Nebraska to stay undefeated at home. (SAID ALSALAH/Daily)
The sophomore placed ninth in the floor exercise at the NCAA Individual Event Finals on Saturday in Lincoln, Neb. Botterman, the lone Wolverine competing, scored a 9.7, which was well behind Georgia’s Courtney Kupets and Louisiana State’s Ashleigh Clare-Kearney, who tied for first with 9.95.
It was Botterman’s second trip to the finals in as many years. She finished eighth in the nation on the uneven bars last year. The New Lenox, Ill. native is the first Michigan gymnast to win the floor exercise title at the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Regional and take home All-American first team honors in the event since Calli Ryals in 2003.
Botterman scored a 9.875 at the NCAA preliminary round on Thursday. The performance topped her season average (9.802) going into the weekend competition.