MISSOULA — Helena native Reese Esponda won the floor exercise and finished fourth in the all-around Sunday at the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
Esponda, who now lives and trains in the Houston area, scored a 28.900 to win the floor title. She had a 108.900 all-around score, finishing behind champion Hezley Rivera (111.950), silver medalist Claire Pease (110.800) and bronze medalist Charleigh Bullock (110.550).
Watch Esponda's floor exercise on YouTube.
Following the championship meet, Esponda was named to the 2026-27 Senior National Team.
It's been an impressive rise for the Montanan, who got her gymnastics start at Gym 406 in Helena before moving to Missoula in 2020. She ultimately made the U.S. Junior National Team in 2023 and has continued climbing the ranks since.
Related: Learning alongside world's best has Montana gymnast Reese Esponda ready to fly
Esponda, 17, has had a banner 2026, helping Team USA win the 2026 Jesolo Trophy in March and claiming the individual all-around title at the 2026 U.S. Classic in July. She also placed second in the floor at the 2026 Winter Cup in February.
Esponda, who is set to graduate from high school in 2027, has committed to compete at LSU.
