ASU Season Preview by Greg

In 2002, the ASU battled back from previous injuries to finish 18th nationally, missing out at a slot at Nationals by less than a tenth of a point.  Adding to the pain of the close miss, they were edged by cross-state rivals the U. of Arizona.  One of a select group of teams with Super Six experience, the Sun Devils are not looking to repeat that experience.  With most of last year's lineup returning, and a very talented crop of newcomers, ASU looks to have the ingredients to move quickly up the rankings.

The 2003 Sun Devils must make their move without the services of top all-arounder Laura Moon, a former All-American.  This consistent AAer was an individual qualifier as an AAer to the NCAAs last season.  Also departed is UB/BB standout Rhonda Robinette, who was injured in the later part of last season.

The Returners

The Sun Devils return three talented seniors, Ashley Ellsberry, Margaret Wojciak, and Cassidy Vreeke.  Ellsberry has gradually worked her way back in all four events (adding V this season), but shines brightest on BB with top notch skills (bhs, lo, lo; double tuck dismount) and precise execution.  Wojciak is a powerful athlete who also has battled back from injury to contribute on all events.  However, her primary strengths are on UB, where she lends experience and consistency to the lineup.  Her ability to have a breakout final season could be an important factor this season.  Cassidy Vreeke is probably best known for her terrific floor work (full-in mount), but has competed effectively on BB and V (Yurchenko layout full and 1/2 front layout).  She could also add UB to become an AAer this season.

The Juniors include Jada Cox, Carla DeMartini, Maggie Germaine, and Amber Giogianni.  Cox is a former walkon who has flourished under the Sun Devil system to earn a scholarship.  She excels on V and floor.  DeMartini transferred to ASU from OU last season and made an immediate impact on three events.  This season she's training to work into the BB rotation as well.  Her UB and V (Yurchenko 1/2 front layout) are her best events.  Tall (5'-8") and elegant, Maggie Germaine extends the tradition of graceful ASU gymnasts.  This AAer and 2001 All-American (V) can be a strong leader for the team, with a balanced set of skills and beatiful execution on all four events.  The fourth junior, Giorgianni, battled back from an ACL sustained the previous season to contribute on BB.  A capable AAer in her club days, Giogianni has the ability to help the Sun Devils out on all four events.

Two sophomores return for ASU, Kari Muth and Trisha Dixon.  Another beautiful gymnast with great lines, Muth was the team's standout rookie last season.  Competing all but V, she especially stood out for an unusual and difficult UB routine (including rarely-seen-in-the-NCAA Endo work).  Trisha Dixon had a standout club career, but has been limited by injuries.  Those problems threaten to continue into 2003, unfortunately.

The Newcomers

Coach Spini welcomes five frosh to the mix in 2003, with one of his most heralded recruiting class in years.  Headlining the crew is Ashley Kelly, a former elite US National Team member.  Among her achievements, Kelly finished 6th AA at the 2001 VISA American Cup.  Looking strong and ready in preseason training, Kelly will looked to step up immediately and help fill Moon's AA slot.

Tiffany Van Dusen is another elite gymnast, one who will be joining the team at mid year, in January.  Because of her late start, she may need some additional time to adjust to collegiate life and competition.  Once she does, fans will be in for treat, especially if she continues to compete skills like her bhs to full twisting back layout stepout.  The third signee for ASU is Lauren Powell, a recently qualified national elite.  She is a former JO National Champ on UB and shows top level skills elsewhere as well (arabian double front on FX).  However, injury problems may prevent her from contibuting this season.

The other two newcomers are Sarah Zigler and Shaena Friedman.  Zigler is a L10 from Westside in TN and is the product of two former ASUers.  Friedman is a L10 from the Spini's Desert Lights Gymnastics.  She is a standout on V and FX, winning past regional titles on V.

Outlook

In the increasingly competitive race for the spots at Nationals, ASU looks ready to stake their claim.  With a set of healthier and experienced returners, plus some dynamic frosh, the Sun Devils look to be ready.  For the Sun Devils in 2002, the BB was often the make or break event (as it is for many teams).  They will be looking to improve their consistency on the event, as they are capable of terrific routines when they hit.  Also key for the Sun Devils will be newcomers like Kelly and Van Dusen, both capable of big routines, especially on BB and UB.

Injuries have taken their toll on the Sun Devils, and the bite has been felt already this season.  However, with depth developing on all events, the team is even better able to handle these losses.  Nevertheless, this will be a concern, especially as it impacts the leg events.  The upside potential for the Sun Devils this season seems to be very high, and many are forecasting a large jump in the final rankings for them.  The ASU fans certainly hope that includes a trip to Lincoln this April.