What a WEEK from our schools. There were major upsets all over, some being home finales and senior nights. I was able to catch LSU here in Lexington and see some of my favorite people rocking beautiful leotards. Similar to the end of the football season, it's kind of crazy to think about how we actually got here, but still so rewarding.
(All photos c/o the respective schools' Athletic Department)
1. LSU (L, 196.800-197.100 at Kentucky)
The photo is old, the leotard is classic. LSU loves to stick to true, glittering, jewel-tone purple and these looked like gemstones under the lights at Memorial. I almost took points off for this being another leotard we've seen before, but it was too beautiful to even consider.
2. Arkansas (L, 197.000-197.325 vs Alabama)
Like other meets this season, Arkansas has incorporated white in such a good way. It looks clean and elegant and the asymmetrical panels were very modern. The pattern of the stoning on these is super intricate, and I would expect nothing less for their Women's Empowerment meet.
3. Alabama (W, 197.325-197.000 at Arkansas)
I was so excited to see a bit of a departure from Alabama, and these are solid. The grey was just as pretty on TV as in photographs and the abstract designs complimented each other. The BAMA on the back I actually really like, especially given the other logo elements the Tide has used this year.
4. Florida (W, 198.275-197.025 vs Auburn)
This checks all the boxes for me - high neck, detailed stoning, unique sleeves. But it is so similar to the rest of the Gators' leotards this year that it lands lower on my list. Week 4 was so strong in my opinion and really showcased the orange. Florida will inevitably go far in postseason and I hope to see more of that.
5. Missouri (W, 196.575-196.10 vs Georgia)
Major dubs for Mizzou on and off the mat this week! These are so elegant and exactly what I meant when last week I talked about BW leotards. The stoning is beautiful and the sleeve logo really works without being over-the-top like some of their previous leos.
6. Georgia (L, 197.725-197.325 at Missouri)
With a more subtle "G" or bulldog logo, these would easily be top 3. The logo is just so big and the ribcage placement isn't flattering. Their classic ruby red is still so striking and goes well with the bedazzled back mesh. For their senior night this week, I hope to see more of the classic Dawgs style.
7. Auburn (L, 197.025-198.275 at Florida)
I really appreciate the risk in doing something different here. Tiger stripes can be done really well but we rarely see them. With these colors it was just a little too much. A monochrome look could have worked, and honestly a black-and-white photo of these leotards would be my Number 1 pick.
8. Kentucky (W, 197.100-196.800 vs LSU)
Y'all, this pains me. It was great to see the Cats with such a program-defining win, but these leotards were not it for me. The font on the front is very 80s, and not in a fun trendy way. I am a fan of Kentucky's checkerboard, sue me, but I didn't care for it in this capacity.
Out-of-conference honorable mention: Hands. Down. UCLA with their Black Lives Matter leotards and statement in competition. Gave me goosebumps.