Jones Announces Captains for the 2026-27 Season

Nebraska women’s gymnastics head coach Nicole Jones announced Isabel Sikon, Olivia Burns and Grace Drexler as team captains for the 2026-27 season.

“We’re honored to announce Olivia Burns, Grace Drexler and Isabel Sikon as our tri-captains for the upcoming season. Together, these three women bring the leadership, character and competitive fire we need to ignite this team as we step into the next chapter of Nebraska Gymnastics,” Jones said. “They each lead in a different way, and that’s what makes this group so special. They care deeply about their teammates, they hold themselves to a high standard, and they understand that leadership is about what you give to the people around you. I’m excited to watch them set the tone, raise the standard and lead this team into what’s next.”

Sikon will enter her fourth season with the Cornhuskers in 2027, having made a significant impact in her last three years. During her junior season, she competed in the all-around in every meet for the Big Red. She posted new career highs in four events – 9.900 on vault, 9.850 on bars, 9.825 on floor and 39.175 in the all-around. Sikon has earned seven event titles throughout her career at Nebraska so far, with three of them coming in her sophomore season. Before Nebraska, Sikon was a three-time national qualifier and competed for the Polish National Team. The San Antonio, Texas, native is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten member and a three-time Tom Osborne Citizenship Team member.

Jones on Sikon: “Isabel brings a tremendous amount of maturity, perspective and thoughtfulness to our team. She is incredibly well-spoken, intentional in the way she approaches things and isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions or offer insight others may not see. Her experience and loyalty to the people around her make her someone who leads with a great deal of care and purpose. Isabel will be a steady and trusted voice for this team as we navigate everything this season brings.”

Burns is entering her fourth year with Nebraska. She competed in every meet on bars and beam during the 2026 season, earning career highs of 9.850 on bars and 9.875 on beam. Burns competed in three meets during her sophomore campaign, earning a career-high in the second round of NCAA Regionals. Before Nebraska, the Blue Springs, Missouri, native claimed the Missouri state title on beam in 2021 and the all-around title in 2022. Burns is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten and Tom Osborne Citizenship Team member.

Jones on Burns: “Olivia is a light in every room she walks into. She leads by example through her work ethic and the way she consistently shows up for her people. She listens without judgment, makes everyone feel included and has a special ability to bring people together. Our team will benefit tremendously from her voice and the example she sets every day.”

Drexler comes to Nebraska as a junior after spending two seasons at Arkansas. She did not compete for the Razorbacks in 2026, after competing on vault four times during her freshman campaign, achieving a season-high score of 9.875 in her collegiate debut against Florida. Before Arkansas, Drexler was a senior national qualifier in back-to-back years, claiming national all-around and floor titles in 2022. The Stratford, Wisconsin, native was the 2022 Minnesota state vault champion, with top-10 finishes in all events and the all-around.

Jones on Drexler: “Grace brings a fire and intentionality to everything she does. She is incredibly competitive, has an unbelievable attention to detail and isn’t afraid to step up and use her voice when her team needs her. What stands out most is how much she cares about the people around her. She has a genuine and grateful heart, puts her teammates first and constantly pushes those around her to be better. Grace is someone you want beside you when it matters most.”