Faith Torrez Shines at SEC Championships, Leads Young Oklahoma Team Toward NCAA Title Defense

TULSA, OK – Oklahoma Sooners gymnast Faith Torrez delivered a stunning performance at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships on Saturday, March 21, 2026, securing a perfect 10 on the balance beam. Despite this exceptional achievement, the top-ranked Sooners narrowly lost the SEC title to the University of Florida, 198.175-198.150, at the BOK Center in Tulsa.

Torrez’s Perfect Routine and Leadership Role

Torrez’s flawless beam routine earned her the SEC beam title for the second consecutive year. The performance was particularly significant given ongoing medical issues that are limiting her participation this season. Oklahoma coach K.J. Kindler announced last week that Torrez will not compete on the floor exercise for the remainder of the season.

Despite her limited competitive schedule, Torrez has stepped into a crucial leadership role for a remarkably young Sooners team. Seventeen of the 24 spots at the SEC Championships were filled by underclassmen, including seven freshmen.

“I’m just happy to be here,” Torrez said after the competition. “I’m happy to be here doing it for my team. This team… I just want to travel out there and do my best gymnastics for them. That’s kind of what I notify myself before I go on every event – do my best gymnastics for my team.”

A Close Contest and Early Struggles

The SEC Championship came down to the wire, with Florida edging out Oklahoma by a mere 0.025 points. The Sooners’ performance was hampered by a slow start on the vault, where they recorded their lowest score of the season, a 49.325. Lizzy Blessy and Addison Fatta led the team on vault with scores of 9.9.

Oklahoma rebounded with a strong showing on the uneven bars, scoring a 49.600, tying their season best in that event. After three rotations, a perfect 10 from Torrez on the beam propelled the Sooners into the lead with a score of 148.550.

Looking Ahead to the NCAA Championships

Though the Sooners fell short of their goal of a second consecutive SEC title, Kindler emphasized the valuable experience gained by the young team. “To get that practice and to know exactly what you have to do to make it happen, what a gift,” Kindler said. “What a gift for us to have to fight through it and for them to respond the way they did.”

Torrez’s leadership and ability to inspire her teammates are seen as key assets as Oklahoma sets its sights on defending its NCAA championship title. Kindler noted Torrez’s increased investment in coaching feedback and her dedication to maximizing her scores on the events she is able to compete on.

“The way she responds and the way they respond to her,” Kindler said, “she’s a huge part of what we’re doing right now. She brings that joy to our whole team.”

Faith Torrez’s Career Highlights

• Two-time SEC Beam Champion (2025, 2026)
• Perfect 10 on Beam at the 2026 SEC Championships
• Perfect 10 on Beam at the 2024 Seattle Regional
• Four career perfect 10s on floor exercise
• Third-place finish in the all-around at the 2025 NCAA Championships