13.  Oklahoma Sooners

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Head Coach:  Steve Nunno
Assistants:  Jenny Rowland, Nilson Savage
Starting Routines Returning:  14/24
Returning Starters (8):  Karina Agafanova (Sr), Tara Anderson (So), Nicole Gause (Jr), Katie Hostler (So), Erin LaBarr (Jr), Leah Mueller (RS Sr), Kasie Tamayo (Sr), Melissa Smith (So)
Other/Injured Returners (1): Kristen Cox (So) 
Graduated (2):  Patricia Aoki, Christy Gerard
Other Losses (3):  Meredith Fricke (TR), Kelly Haggerty (R), Allison Landis (?)
Newcomers (4):  Brittany Koncak, Elizabeth Tandy, Jillian Tinsley, Tiffany Willin

The 2004 Oklahoma team missed a shot at the National meet by just 0.05 of a point, in the tightest regional race yet.  Ahead of them finished two teams that tied for the 2nd regional slot at Nationals, underscoring the importance of every single routine in the lineup.  Coach Steve Nunno and his staff look to learn from the experience of 2003 and return to Nationals.  They will have to do it without the services of five starters, including the graduated Patricia Aoki and Christy Gerard.  But with nine returners to draw from, all with competition experience, the Sooners have a large potential pool of talent to choose from.  Four new frosh join the team, including sr. international elite Brittney Koncak, who was impressive in her debut at the Cancun Invitational.  At the meet, OU absorbed some low scores into their team total, especially on vault.  Getting their top lineup healthy and ready on this event will be a goal for later in the season.  

Leading the way for the Sooners are a trio of seniors, Karina Agafanova and Co-Captains Leah Mueller and Kasie Tamayo.   Tamayo led the way in Cancun, and is the school record holder in the AA.  Her best event is BB, where she competes a bhs-lo-lo series and scored a 10.0 last season.  Mueller has returned for a fifth year, following an injury limited season last year, and lends strength and leadership on UB    Agafanova, from the Ukraine, did not compete in Cancun but can contribute in up to four events.  Jr. Erin Labarr stepped up and shone in Cancun as an AAer, culminating an evolution from walkon to specialist on scholarship to AAer.  Fellow Jr. Nicole Gause has shone on V, BB, and FX for the Sooners.  

The sophomore class could be a key contributor for the Sooners this season, with a year of experience and adjustment under their belt.  The coaching staff has cited Tara Anderson as having a larger role this season.  She demonstrated excellent toe point and lines on UB last season.  Katie Hostler looks to have another big year, both athletically (V/FX) and academically (4.0 GPA last year).  Melissa Smith looks for another solid year, after not missing a single routine as a UB/BB specialist last season.  The fourth soph, Kristen Cox, though limited by a late start and back injury last season, will lend strength on vault (Yurchenko Full).

Koncak made an impressive debut in Cancun, tying for first on two events, despite coming back from surgery in the fall.  She placed 19th AA at the 2003 US Championships, showcasing top skills throughout, but especially on UB (Shaposhnikova, Tkachev, full in) and FX (full-in, triple full).  Injuries have somewhat limited her in the past, so a healthy Koncak will be a key to OU's prospects this year.  Another top recruit is Tiffany Willin, a dynamic vaulter and tumbler from Florida.  OU also welcomes Elizabeth Tandy and Jillian Tinsley.

After a solid start, OU looks to get a healthy and consistent lineup ready to make a post season run, led by a standout frosh and a more experienced overall squad.          

  14.  Auburn Tigers

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  18/24
Head Coach:  Jeff Thompson
Assistants:  Jay Ronayne, Rachelle Thompson
Returning Starters (9):  Kristi Boyte (Sr), Danielle Holtz (So), Annie Jenkins (Jr), Hannah Littrell (Sr), Olivia McDaniel (So), Robin O'Rear (Jr), Courtney Puckett (Jr), Kayce Stein (Jr), Kristin Thome (Jr) 
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Natica Johnson (So)
Graduated (2):  Cheryl Lancaster, Mary Nell Pate
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (7):  Nicole Barnett, Jessica Guettler, Kelly Gurney, Brittany Harris, Jackie Smith, Shanna Somero, Rachael Tarantino

The Auburn Tigers qualified to Nationals in 2003 on the basis of all 24 routines competed at the Regional meet.  Coach Jeff Thompson's team won the regional tiebreaker with Central Michigan, with all 24 scores adding up to a ticket to Nationals.  This season, Coach Thompson and his staff will look to seven newcomers to fill six lineup slots vacated by the graduated Cheryl Lancaster and team leader Mary Nell Pate.  Guiding the newcomers will be 10 returning gymnasts, including top AAer Courtney Puckett and Kayce Stein.  Coach Thompson is especially excited about the team's vaulting strength this season, with 10 10.0 SV vaults being trained right now.  The team also has worked hard to upgrade their release skills on UB, which may lead to some consistency problems early on as the skills are perfected.

2nd Team All American on UB a year ago, Courtney Puckett return as a key AA.  She has reportedly worked a series of upgrades for her sets, including a pike Jaeger on UB and a double pike on FX.  The other top AAer, Kayce Stein, started her career as a walkon.  Now, she is the team captain.  Stein's hard work, perseverance and improvement has continued in the off season, adding a new 10.0 SV vault, a pike Ilg.  

Two seniors excel on vault for the Auburn squad, Kristi Boyte and Hannah Littrell.  Both compete three events, with Boyte adding BB and FX and Littrell contributing UB and FX.  Junior Annie Jenkins, a former intl elite, overcame injury last season to contribute on UB.  Fellow Jr. Robin O'Rear lends depth on BB and FX.  The fifth member of the key junior class, Kristin Thome, returned last season on V and FX.  A trio of sophomores look to build on last year's experience.  Danielle Holtz contributed key routines on V, BB and FX, in a highly successful rookie campaign.  Olivia McDaniel focused last year on V and FX (double front), but contributed a key score at Nationals.  An ankle injury at the recent intrasquad will sideline her early in the season.  The third soph, Natica Johnson, was unable to compete at Nationals due to the untimely and tragic loss of her 13 year old sister Naperia.  The AU Freshman of the Year was a standout on UB, BB and especially FX.  

No less than seven frosh join the War Eagles this season.  Jessica Guettler, a L10 from Cape Code by way of Florida (a senior year move), finished 2nd AA at the 2002 L10 Nationals.  Kelly Gurney, a L10 from ACE Gymnastics, finished 7th (t) AA in the same division at the same meet.  Rachael Tarantino, who is especially noted for her FX, is another L10 from Florida (Gymnastics World).  Jackie Smith, a L10 walkon from the Georgia All Stars and fellow walkon Shanna Somero, a L10 nationals qualifier from South Carolina, also join the squad.  Two other walkons, Nicole Barnett and Brittany Harris, both suffered ACL injuries recently.

Having made Nationals and now reaching for more, the AU squad looks to use the early season to build the skills that will carry them higher in the post season.  With a deeper and more experienced squad, they are looking forward to this climb.

  15.  Washington Huskies

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Head Coach:  Bob Levesque
Assistants:  Heidi Coleman, Frank Lee
Starting Routines Returning:  18/24
Returning Starters (6): Carly Dockendorf (Jr), Tacia Labatte (Jr), Kim Lewis (Jr), Kelly McDonald (So), Amy Metcalf (Sr), Emily Pritchard (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): BJ Das (So), Molly Seaman (RS Jr/I)
Graduated (2):  Gharde Geldenhuys, Stacy Wong
Other Losses (5):  Courtney Canavan (I/R), Jenny Ehlers (R), Christina Pelaez (?),Tanya Powers (R), Carmen Jordan (R)
Newcomers (5):  Chelsea Bakken, Erika Knapp, Tori Quandt, Darcee Schiller, Nikki Waiss

Said Head Coach Bob Levesque in his team outlook, "...it is a very thin line between being really successful and really hurting because you didn't meet your goals".  As one of the five teams that missed a spot at Nationals by less than 0.05 of a point, his comment reflects the pain and motivation of a squad focused on moving forward to Nationals.  The Huskies gave an early warning shot to the nation with a big victory over higher ranked teams at the Cancun Invitational.  With an experienced squad that has formed the core of their scoring for years, the UW team knows what it takes to compete from the "get go".  However, with seven departed athletes, including Stacy Wong and AAer Tanya Powers, depth and injury are once again the focus.  Instead, Coach Levesque will focus on consistency and experience to pull his team through to Nationals.  Although only 6 routines are missing from two athletes, the losses and injuries have impacted Vault the most, leaving the Huskies a little thin.

Senior Emily Pritchard lead the way in Cancun with a 39.5 AA tally, showing her readiness after struggling through the 2nd half of the season in a limited role due to kidney stone/infection problems.  She especially shines on UB, where her precise form and big skills (giant full to Gienger, "Pritchard" salto, full-in) made her an NCAA Regional Champion in 01.  Fellow senior Amy Metcalf, a performer last season in any event, will be limited to BB and FX due to off season wrist surgery.  However, the Huskies get the services of senior (RS Jr) Molly Seaman back.  Rebounding remarkably from three knee surgeries, Seaman competed three events in Cancun (9.825+) and will anchor the BB.  Another RS Jr, AAer Tacia Labatte is reportedly in outstanding form this season, after qualifying as an individual AAer to Nationals last year.  With upgrades planned, the coaches feel she is ready to take it to the next level and challenge for a top AA spot.

Two sport star Carly Dockendorf had a breakthrough season as an AAer last year, winning two NCAA Regional titles and achieving 2nd Team "All American" honors on UB.  Canada's #7 ranked Pole Vaulter also excels on FX (double arabian, unique choreography).  Fellow jr. Kim Lewis looks to step up in three events this season, already hitting career highs on UB and BB in the first meet.  She also excels on FX (triple full).  Sophomore Kelly McDonald hopes to improve her consistency this season, after hitting 39.675 as an AAer last season.  Achilles problems may limit her however, especially on FX (double layout).  Soph BJ Das has battled injuries, but hopes to compete BB and FX.

Five frosh will get more competition time than expected and Chelsea Bakken has already responded with three events in Cancun.  The Desert Devil placed 6th AA at the 2002 L10 Nationals.  Unfortunately, a leg injury may force Nikki Waiss, the NCAA's youngest competitor at age 16, to redshirt.  If she is ready, this '02 JO National Team member could lend a late season boost on V and UB (L10 National Champ in 02).  Rohnert Park L10 Tori Quandt has already seen her first vault action, and Canadian Darcee Schiller, a former jr. high performance (elite) athlete could contribute on any event.  Erika Knapp, a L10 from the Las Vegas GymCats, will compete in FX and BB.

The 2004 Washington team will look to build on their consistency and raise their vault scores as the season progress.  By avoiding further injury and staying consistent, the experienced Husky team should remain in a front running position for a slot.

  16.  Iowa State Cyclones

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Head Coach:  K.J. Kindler
Assistants:  Lou Ball, Kristen Hoeferlin
Starting Routines Returning:  20/24
Returning Starters (9):  Chieko Calina (Sr), Krystal Carney (So), Erin Dethloff (So), Gabrielle Layne (Sr), Kacey Oiness (So), Jessica Oney (So), Laura Kay Powell (So), Abigail Richey (Jr), Susan Stock (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (0):  N/A
Graduated (2):  Karen Kuplicki, Courtney Sarrett
Other Losses (2):  Sarah Caruthers (R), Stephanie Misenor (R)
Newcomers (6):  Ashley Alden, Janet Anson, Jade Kvach, Katie Lasher, Rachael Parker, Emily Rinaldo    

Youth was well served in 2003 for the Iowa State Cyclones.  In a year of ultra-close Regional finishes, its easy to overlook just how close the ISU squad came to making the National meet.  Head Coach K.J. Kindler took her young squad to a third place regional finish, just three tenths of a point from the Regional Championship.  Finishing just 0.2 points behind 2nd place ASU, ISU hit 24/24, and pushed both favored teams to the limit.  ISU ceded valuable points in the vault at Regionals, an event they will look to improve in 2004.  Remarkably, they lose just four routines, three from the graduated Karen Kuplicki, and yet gain six newcomers.  With another year of experience under their belts, the Cyclones look to complete their journey this season and make Nationals.

Leading the way will be sophomore AAer Erin Dethloff, the Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Year and a 2nd team All American.  Dethloff, the team MVP last season, will be counted on for big scores and big routines once again this season.  Last year, she competed with power and confidence, especially on UB and FX (front to double pike).  Sr. Chieko "Chee Chee" Calina rebounded remarkably last season from major injuries over the previous summer to contribute strongly on three events (no FX).  She attacked the vault (pike front) with an aggressiveness seldom seen by athletes coming back from such an injury.  The other three event (no UB) senior, Gabby Layne, was a regular on FX, hitting a career high 9.9 last season.  Jr. Abigail Richey, a potential AAer, was the Big 12 vault champion, with a Hristakaeva.  She also tied for 5th on BB at the Regionals.  Another standout vault and BBer, junior Susan Stock, was voted Most Improved by her teammates last season.

Besides Dethloff, the rest of the Cyclone sophomore class had an equal part in the success of the team last season.  This season, with another year of experience, they could contribute even more.  Canadian Laura Kay Powell hit a 39.55 AA last season, and showcased her outstanding lines and execution on BB and FX.    Krystal Carney, a potential AAer, is especially known for expressive routines on FX.  AAer Kacey Oiness was another regular on FX, but is also a potential standout on BB.  Jessica Oney provided strength on vault last season.

The youth wave continues at ISU, with six talented frosh coming on board.  Ashley Alden, a L10 from American Academy, will contribute on UB and BB (front tuck, bhs lo, gainer lo).  Janet Anson, 12th AA (t) and 2nd on VT (t) at the 2003 L10 Nationals, can contribute on any event.  Local product Jade Kvach, a frequent top 10 finisher at L10 Nationals (9th AA, 7th BB and 2nd (t) on UB in 2003), could make an impact in the AA as well.  Katie Lasher, from Omaha, is a thee time L10 Nationals qualifer who placed 19th AA in 2003.  Rachael Parker, a walkon, was the Minnesota HS state champ in 2002 and runnerup in 2003.  Another walkon, Emily Rinaldo, a five time JO Nationals qualifier, turned down scholarship offers to attend ISU.  She won the 2003 National HS AA title.  

A still very youthful ISU team looks to build on the experience gained from last year's successful campaign.  A potential key to a trip to Nationals will be further improvements on UB and/or VT, to balance their strength on BB and FX (#4 RQS last season).

  17.  Arizona Wildcats

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  22/24
Head Coach:  Bill Ryden
Assistants:  John Court, Rose McLaughlin
Returning Starters (10):  Monica Bisordi (Jr), Jamie Duce (Jr), Stevie Fanning (Jr), Kristine Harper (Jr), Sheehan Lemley (Sr), Andi McCabe (Sr), Erin Muirhead (So), Abby Pearson (So), Jessamyn Salter (So), Jamie Schell (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Amanda Goins (Sr), Katie Johnson (So)
Graduated (1):  Nikki Beyschau
Other Losses (3):  Sarah Galecki (R), Alli Hay (R), Meagan Killpack (R)
Newcomers (3):  Jamie Holton, Aubrey Taylor, Danyra Varela

Injuries hit the Wildcat team hard last season, after a successful trip to Nationals in 2002.  Head Coach Bill Ryden is now pleased to welcome back his injured athletes, his experienced returnees, and a trio of promising frosh.  Coach Ryden notes the athleticism of the team, stating in a release, "The level of athleticism and the skill level have all been raised, which will make this one very exciting team to watch."  Arizona lost four athletes from last season, but just one starter, Nikki Beyschau.  With such experience and depth, Arizona is well set to build throughout the season into a trip to Nationals.

One athlete that struggled with injuries last season was senior AAer Andi McCabe.  Her powerful tumbling (pike full-in) and vaulting (Yurchenko Full) were hampered by her ankle injuries.  Another senior who has battled injury, Sheehan Lemley, stepped up to contribute every meet last season.  The former elite can go AA, but shined on UB (toe on-toe off 1/2 to Jaeger) and BB.  A third senior, Amanda Goins, lends depth on V.  

The Junior class was large force behind the Wildcats trip to the 2002 Nationals.  AAer Monica Bisordi looks to bounce back from a broken foot suffered this fall to once again lead the AA charge.  Powerful and clean on every event, her balanced capabilities make her an ideal AA leader and she has already shown her fast recovery at the intrasquad meet.  Jamie Duce, a sometime AAer, especially excels on UB (Shoushounova, double layout).  Arizona native Stevie Fanning was a 2002 Pac-10 Co-Champ on BB (bhs, bhs, lo) and was a regular on FX.  Kristine Harper, a three eventer, shines brightest on BB and FX (2 1/2 twist).  Another potential AAer, Jamie Schell, hit for a 39.325 AA in her first try last season.  Finally, Katie Johnson has now fully recovered from her torn ACL.  She posted huge scores as a frosh on FX (2 1/2 punch front) and was named Pac 10 Frosh of the Year.

Coach Ryden and his staff are expecting bigger things from their sophomores this year, after a summer of hard work and recovery from injuries.  Abby Pearson still hit a 10.0 on V last season, but this former Canadian National Team member is capable of even more.  Erin Muirhead competed primarily on vault, but looks to add other events this season.  Jessamyn Salter, a regular on FX, will build on her year of experience into an expanded role, particularly on UB.  The three frosh join the sophomores for potentially impactful underclass.  Canadian Aubrey Taylor is a potential threat to go AA, and adds strength on vault, an event impacted last year by injury.  Jamie Holton, a walkon, has impressed early on, especially on FX.  Danyra Varela, like Holton is an in-state L10 also capable of contributing on any event.      

With depth, experience and exciting new talent, a healthier Arizona squad looks for a return ticket to Nationals.  

  18.  Denver Pioneers

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Head Coach:  Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants:  John Figueroa, Carl Leland
Starting Routines Returning:  9/24
Returning Starters (3): Emily Bankhead (Sr), Ashley Shible (Sr), Cassidy Willingham (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Rose Kiernan (Sr), Stephanie Lorber (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Michelle Kasuga, Jamie Martini, Jacqueline Young
Other Losses (4):  Karyssa Ancellotti (R), Lindsey Fitzgerald (R), Jessica Kennedy (R), Courtney Young (R)
Newcomers (6):  Katie Andrews, Casey Dobyns, Meredith Fricke (So/TR), Amanda Heinly, Heather Huffaker, Tiffany Tello

With just nine routines returning from last year's #18 team, Head Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart has a large challenge on her hands to bring along her youthful charges.  That includes her new baby, as she and her husband are expecting in early January (congratulations!).  She and the rest of the staff will rely upon five experienced returnees and one transfer to help guide the five frosh in their first campaign.  With just 11 athletes and three returning starters, the Pioneers will focus on staying healthy and building experience and scores as the season progress.  With seven departed scholarship athletes, including top AAer Michelle Kasuga, there are unquestionably gaps in the lineup and depth chart.  But with a talented core group of athletes, raw talent, and the advantage of hosting a regional, DU looks to put itself in position to qualify for Nationals at the end of the season.

Coach Kutcher-Rinehart will depend heavily on a pair of senior AAers.  Emily Bankhead and Ashley Shible have contributed the bulk of DU's scoring for the last several years.  Bankhead hit career highs on each of the four events last season, but is especially known for her FX (triple full).  Shible is best known for her namesake vault (1/2 on 1/2 off front with full twist) where she hit for a 10.0 last season.  However, its her strength in the AA that the team will count on this season.  Both have reportedly learned new skills and have improved their execution.  The third senior, Rose Kiernan, will be counted on for her experience on UB and BB.  Jr Stephanie Lorber has been somewhat limited by a knee injury suffered as a frosh.  She looks to break into the lineup in any one of the events.  Sophomore Cassidy Willingham will look to improve her consistency and use her power to great effect on vault and FX, while training all four events.  Sophomore transfer Meredith Fricke is a FX ace (2 1/2 twist punch front) and can be counted on for BB and VT as well.  

Five talented frosh will get plenty of experience this year, and will be asked to adapt quickly to the collegiate scene.  Katie Andrews, a L10 from Wright's American, has finished in the top 10 at L10 Nationals three times.  Casey Dobyns, a L10 from Cascade Elite, finished 2nd on VT at the 2001 L10 Nationals.  Amanda Heinly, a L10 from Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy, placed 10th AA and 2nd on UB at the 2001 L10 Nationals.  Perhaps the most heralded frosh is Heather Huffaker, a L10 from Texas.  She placed 3rd AA, 4th FX and 1st (t) on vault at the 2003 L10 Nationals.  She could join the AA seniors as an early standout.  The fifth frosh is Tiffany Tello, a two time North Dakota state champ.

Although some could call this a rebuilding year for the Pioneers, Coach Kutcher-Rinehart and her staff will look to complete the process through the course of the season, and put themselves in contention for a National slot.  With a pair of strong senior AAers, and a quintet of talented frosh, they may very well surprise this season.