Former Arkansas gymnast Joscelyn Roberson has officially announced her transfer to the University of Georgia, a decision she revealed on Thursday. Roberson's choice came after considering offers from Georgia, Florida, and UCLA, all of which she visited.

Reasons for Choosing Georgia

Roberson expressed her reasons for selecting Georgia, stating, “I felt like it was a good mix of all of the schools.” She highlighted the importance of the relationships she had built, the coaching staff, and the academic opportunities available. “It just felt more comfortable to me,” she added, noting that during her visit, she experienced a sense of relaxation and belonging, saying, “this is where I’m meant to be.”

Thought Process Behind the Transfer

The announcement of Roberson entering the transfer portal surprised many in the gymnastics community, although she had been contemplating the move for some time. Initially, she intended to transfer at the start of the 2026 season but decided against it, stating, “because I love Arkansas so much.” However, following the national championships in mid-April, she felt it was the right moment to make a change.

Roberson clarified that her decision was not influenced by the coaching staff at Arkansas, countering assumptions that her choice was a reaction to them. She also mentioned that she explored options at both Florida and UCLA before ultimately deciding on Georgia, emphasizing that she wanted to ensure she was making the right choice.

Criteria for Her New Home

Roberson outlined several key factors that influenced her decision. One was the desire to avoid starting fresh with a completely new coaching staff, which led her to schools where she had already established relationships. Additionally, as an exercise science major with aspirations of attending medical school, she prioritized good academic programs. Both Florida and UCLA have medical schools, while Georgia is set to open one this year. Another crucial factor was the presence of stable relationships with teammates, which all three schools offered, allowing her to reconnect with former teammates and friends.

Roberson also addressed her elite gymnastics aspirations, stating that she wanted an environment where her goals would be supported and celebrated. This consideration ultimately led her to eliminate LSU from her options, as she felt her elite ambitions might not receive the necessary focus there.

As Roberson embarks on this new chapter at Georgia, she brings with her two years of eligibility, setting the stage for an exciting future in her gymnastics career.