Gymnastics Inks Vault Specialist Dakota Essenpries

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri gymnastics has signed Dakota Essenpries, a vault specialist and transfer from Arkansas, head coach Shannon Welker announced on Friday. 

The rising junior joins the Tigers after two impactful seasons in Fayetteville, appearing in every vault lineup during the 2025 season. She scored her personal best of 9.900 during the NCAA Championship Second Round at the Pennsylvania regional. During her time as a Razorback, she scored at least a 9.850 seven times. 

“Dakota brings high-level talent and character to our team,” Welker said. “She has SEC experience and a passion for Mizzou athletics, having grown up in the Show Me State and family ties to the university. We are excited to see her as a Tiger and represent the Black and Gold.” 

Essenpries began her collegiate career in 2024, making her debut against LSU. As a freshman, she earned a season-best score of 9.875 against Nebraska and appeared in nine meets on vault, including the 2024 NCAA Championship Semifinal.

Before college, the Adrian, Missouri native competed for Missouri Elite Gymnastics at level 10 beginning in 2019. She tied for second on vault in her division at the 2023 Developmental Program meet, took second on the apparatus at the Region 4 Championship with a 9.850 and had three top-five finishes at the 2023 Missouri state meet. She was the 2022 regional and state vault champion, finishing top-10 in all three additional events. 

Daughter to Toby and Bethany, she was born on July 12, 2005. Essenpries is carrying on her dad’s legacy at Mizzou, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Financial Management Services in 2001.

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