Hunger To Be Great

Change is inevitable, especially in college athletics. New faces arrive, seniors graduate and roles change throughout an athlete's career.

With three All-Americans graduating from the Oklahoma men's gymnastics team in 2017, Levi Anderson knew his team needed him to step into a bigger role this season.

The talent has always been there, but Anderson struggled to put it all together early in his career.

“My freshman and sophomore year, Mark (Williams) was frustrated because he saw my ability to be up in the rankings on every event,” Anderson said. “It just wouldn't click for me.”

At the end of the 2018 regular season, it is safe to say it finally clicked. The junior has been a consistent presence as an all-arounder in the Sooners' lineup.

“I wanted to step up on every single event,” Anderson said. “I attacked my weaknesses. Freshman and sophomore year, you come in and contribute where you can, but now that I am a junior I am supposed to be a leader on this team. I am supposed to be doing everything I possibly can. It's not okay to just do high bar and floor and call that enough.”

The Houston, Texas, native's ability to rattle off smooth routines and high scores has been crucial for OU. Part of that success is because of work Anderson did in the offseason, where increased the level of difficulty on a few events and polished his routines.

"I wouldn't sell myself short. I definitely want to get my name out there as an all-arounder. I want to try to be an All-American in the all-around competition."
- Levi Anderson

“I took some things out of my pommel horse routine, so I can do it cleaner and more consistent,” Anderson said. “I've been trying to do a harder vault. On my usual events, I just made sure I cleaned everything up and it's been showing.”

Anderson's production improved drastically this season, and his numbers reflect that. Heading into the postseason, he is the fourth-ranked all-around gymnast in the country with an 82.200 average.

Anderson's work shined through in a midseason meet against Navy, where he put on a show at McCasland Field House. In one of the best performances of his career, he notched an 86.100 all-around score, the second-highest total in the NCAA this season, and an individual best on parallel bars (14.250).

Since the Navy meet, Anderson has been near the top of the all-around rankings, including a short stint at No. 1. He knows his national ranking is a huge accomplishment, but he remains focused on the team's ultimate goal.

“It feels good to be up there in the rankings, but I don't pay too much attention to that,” Anderson said. “It'll really matter when we are competing out in Illinois at the NCAA team final. All the rankings go away that day. It's who can show up that given day.”

The junior is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team, regardless of the individual accolades.

“I just want to do everything I can for the team,” Anderson said. “If I am not competing in all-around and that's what is best for the team than I am fine with that. If Mark thinks I should just focus in on two or three events and really kill those, then that's what I will do.”

If he does get the chance to be an all-arounder at the NCAA finals, Anderson has set high expectations for himself.

“I wouldn't sell myself short. I definitely want to get my name out there as an all-arounder. I want to try to be an All-American in the all-around competition.”

Next on Anderson's priorities however, is MPSF Championships. The Sooners travel to Colorado Springs, Colo., in search of their seventh consecutive conference title on April 7 at 6 p.m. CT.

Players Mentioned

Levi Anderson

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University of Oklahoma Athletics