2014 Top 25 Capsule Previews

 The Capsule Previews Top 25 Women's Teams as determined by the Preseason Coaches' Poll are now available.  In each case, we summarized the rosters and list of newcomers, and we've quickly summarized their propsects and challenges.  Defending Champion Florida seeks to retain their title.  But who will challenge?  And which 12 teams are in the best position to make Nationals this April?

 

Season Preview Capsules

This past April, Florida became just the fifth school in NCAA history to win a team title in the sport of Women's Gymnastics.  Will they be able to defend their title?  The Coaches think so, and they've voted them #1 in the Preseason poll.  2012 Champ Bama is 2nd, but they received no first place votes.  OU received the most first place votes, other than Florida, of any other squad, and are thus the favorites of some coaches to become the 6th team to win the title.

The battle for the spots in the Super Six will be intense.  Just making the Super Six could land the team into contention for the National title.  All summer long, teams have been hard at work to close the gap on Floriday.  Have they succeeded?  We'll see as the months go by.

Just getting to Nationals is an achievement.  As of late, there have been at least 20 teams with a strong shot at making Nationals.  Every season, we see some expected qualifier or higher ranked favorite struggle at Regionals and get "knocked out" by an upstart program.  We also see new programs move to the forefront, and stake a claim early on to the Top 12 teams.  To qualify, It takes talent, depth, consistency under pressure and hard work.  But it also takes a bit of luck in the Regional placement and being able to avoid the injury bug.  These wildcards and a Code that has not kept pace with a rising level of talent means the final 12 are going to be tough for anyone to call.   

The tables below are as complete as we know at this point in the season.  The tables will be updated as the season gets closer and new information becomes available.  Also, check out the Key to the Tables at the right to interpret the codes we use in the capsules.

Key to the Tables:

 

Ranking: By 2014 Preseason Coaches' Poll

Coaches: Only regular, paid coaches are listed.

Starting Routines: Defined by starting lineup in last meet of the post season.
Returning Starters:
Defined by starting lineup in the last competition (i.e.. Super Six finals, Prelims or Regionals)
Year in School:
(Is listed as reported on the school's roster)

Fr = Freshman
So = Sophomore
Jr = Junior
Sr = Senior

Status Codes for Returners:

I = major season ending injury in 2013 or in preseason
R = retirement/not competing (for any other reason than transfer or injury)
TR = Transfer
RS = Redshirt (note:  not all eligible gymnasts will employ or are awarded a redshirt year)
?=unconfirmed/unknown information

 Table:  Teams #1 to #12

Table:  Teams #13 to #25

 
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