Cecile Landi, Simone Biles’ former coach, responds to the Georgia Bulldogs’ first home opener sold out since 2020.

In a season full of anticipation and excitement, the University of Georgia’s gymnastics team made history during their first home opener, which sold out for the first time since 2020. The Bulldogs’ fans rallied behind the program, filling the stands with an energy that matched the level of competition on the mat. As the excitement of the home opener buzzed throughout Stegeman Coliseum, a familiar voice from the world of gymnastics took note of the event’s significance—Cecile Landi, the former coach of Simone Biles.

Landi, who spent years helping shape Biles into the most decorated gymnast in history, has become a prominent figure in the gymnastics world. Her expertise, experience, and success in training athletes are unparalleled, and her insight on the Georgia Bulldogs’ performance and the significance of a sold-out home opener adds a unique perspective. Though Landi’s primary role today revolves around mentoring the next generation of gymnasts and continuing her impact on the sport, her connection to the Bulldogs’ success—and to the greater gymnastics community—cannot be overstated.

A Historic Moment for the Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs’ gymnastics program has always been a force in NCAA competition, with a rich history of success and a passionate fanbase. The team has produced numerous national championships, conference titles, and All-Americans, and its reputation as one of the premier programs in the country has only grown over the years. However, the significance of the 2025 season opener cannot be understated, as it represents a major milestone for both the team and its loyal supporters.

For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia’s first home meet was sold out. The pandemic had disrupted many sporting events, and the gymnastics community was not immune to its impact. Gymnastics fans had been deprived of the live experience for years, and the return to a full Stegeman Coliseum filled with Georgia fans marked a return to normalcy—and celebration.

For the Bulldogs, the home opener is more than just a competition; it’s a statement of resilience. The program had to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, which forced gyms and teams across the nation to adapt. The Georgia Bulldogs, under the leadership of head coach Courtney Kupets Carter, made sure their program not only survived but thrived despite those hardships. The sold-out opener was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and determination of the athletes, coaches, and support staff who made it happen.

Cecile Landi’s Perspective: A Voice of Experience

As a seasoned coach, Cecile Landi brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the gymnastics world. Having been Simone Biles’ coach for years, Landi has witnessed firsthand what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Her guidance was instrumental in Biles’ rise to stardom, and Landi’s ability to identify and nurture talent has set her apart in the gymnastics community. With a keen eye for technique, performance, and mental strength, Landi has helped countless gymnasts reach their full potential.

Landi, who now serves as a coach and mentor at the Texas Dreams Gymnastics program, is no stranger to high-level competition and what it takes to build a successful team. Her insights on the Georgia Bulldogs’ first home opener and the significance of their sold-out crowd reveal much about the state of the program and the energy surrounding the team.

While Landi was not directly involved with the Georgia Bulldogs, her deep understanding of what it takes to build a championship-level program and her familiarity with the challenges faced by gymnasts across the country give her a unique vantage point. As she responded to the news of the sold-out opener, Landi praised the Bulldogs for their resilience and acknowledged the impact that a full arena can have on the energy of a team.

Landi’s Take on the Importance of Fan Support

“I think it’s incredible to see Stegeman Coliseum packed with fans,” Landi says. “Gymnastics, at its core, is an individual sport, but the atmosphere at a meet can elevate the athletes to a new level. When you’re performing in front of a full crowd, there’s an energy that can push you further than you think you can go. That kind of support from fans can make all the difference.”

Landi’s perspective underscores the importance of fan engagement in the sport of gymnastics. While the athletes are ultimately the ones performing, the energy they receive from the crowd can be a game-changer. For the Georgia Bulldogs, having a sold-out crowd for the home opener means more than just the satisfaction of reaching a milestone. It means they have the backing of a passionate fanbase that believes in their potential and will support them every step of the way.

“I’ve seen firsthand how much a loud, supportive crowd can affect a gymnast’s performance. It’s not just about the gymnastics itself; it’s about the whole environment and the energy that comes with it,” Landi continued. “For Georgia, having that kind of turnout for their opener is a great indication of the incredible support they have from their community. This is a program that is not only competing at a high level but is also inspiring the next generation of gymnasts.”

The Bulldogs’ Program Under Courtney Kupets Carter

Landi’s comments also reflect an understanding of the program’s growth under the leadership of head coach Courtney Kupets Carter. Kupets Carter, herself a former gymnast at the University of Georgia and a two-time NCAA champion, has helped revitalize the Bulldogs’ program since taking over as head coach. She has built a team that consistently competes for championships and brings in top-tier recruits year after year. Under her leadership, the Bulldogs have experienced a resurgence, and their success has generated excitement both within the gymnastics community and beyond.

In her tenure, Kupets Carter has emphasized not only the physical training necessary for success but also the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest levels. The team’s success is a reflection of Kupets Carter’s vision for the program—one that blends talent, discipline, and camaraderie into a cohesive unit that can go toe-to-toe with any team in the country.

Landi’s comments are a testament to the program’s strength and the success that Kupets Carter has brought to Georgia. The Bulldogs have become a force to be reckoned with in NCAA gymnastics, and the sold-out home opener was proof of the excitement surrounding their growth.

The Broader Significance of a Sold-Out Opener

The Georgia Bulldogs’ sold-out home opener is significant not only for the program but for the sport of gymnastics as a whole. After years of uncertainty and the disruption caused by the pandemic, this event symbolizes a return to normalcy in college athletics. It marks a turning point in the recovery process for college programs that were impacted by the pandemic and a signal that fan support remains as strong as ever.

For the gymnasts, the sold-out crowd provides a boost of motivation and confidence. There’s a unique sense of pride in competing in front of a crowd that is not just there to watch a game but to support a program they believe in. The energy from a full arena can provide athletes with the momentum they need to push through challenging routines, knowing they have an entire fanbase cheering them on.

Beyond the physical aspects of the meet, the fans’ presence underscores the importance of community and unity. Gymnastics, particularly at the collegiate level, is often seen as a close-knit family, and the sold-out opener is a reminder of how the Georgia Bulldog community has rallied together to support their team.

Building the Future of Gymnastics

In addition to the immediate impact of the sold-out opener, the event holds long-term significance for the future of Georgia gymnastics and the sport as a whole. Events like this help create a lasting impression on future recruits and young gymnasts who may aspire to compete at the collegiate level. A strong fanbase, a successful program, and an energized atmosphere are key factors in attracting top talent, and the Bulldogs’ home opener is a testament to the program’s ability to do just that.

Landi, who has worked with gymnasts of all ages, sees the broader importance of the Bulldogs’ success as a way to inspire the next generation. “When I see a program like Georgia succeeding, it sends a message to young gymnasts everywhere that anything is possible,” she said. “It encourages them to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential. That’s what’s so special about college athletics—it’s about developing the future stars of the sport.”