Table:  Teams #1 to #12

Table:  Teams #13 to #25

13.  Penn State Nittany Lions

14. Boise State Broncos

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Thompson
Associate Head Coach:  Rachelle Thompson
Assistant:  Randy Monahan
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (8): Whitney Benscko (Sr), Kristin Blades (So), Natalie Ettl (Sr), Daryl Konsevick (Sr), Madison Merriam (Jr), Lindsay Musgrove (So), Sharaya Musser (Jr), Alex Stine (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Stephanie Brock (So), Kassidy Stauder (So)
Graduated (2): Danielle Hover, Heather McElwee
Other Losses (1):  Cassidy Bogar (So/?)
Newcomers (3):  Lexi Carroll (Fr), Krystal Welsh (Fr), Alex Witt (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  Last season, PSU just missed making the National meet in a tight finish at the Tuscaloosa Regional.  This season, they add three strong frosh, with Welsh leading the way in the preseason.  Overall, the team will be led by superstar Sharaya Musser, who finished the 2011 season with the nation's top AA Regional Qualifying Score (RQS).  She, along with Benscko, Merrriam and UB ace Ettl should provide a strong base at the "end of the lineup".  With strong contributions from the rest of the squad, PSU will be in the mix for a ticket to Nationals.

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Neil Resnick and Tina Bird
Assistants: Patty Resnick
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (8):  Kelsey Black (So), Hailey Gaspar (Jr), Bekah Gher (So), Amy Glass (Sr), Lindsay Kazandjian (Sr), Lacee Lang (Jr), Amanda Otuafi (So), Brittany Potvin-Green (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Chelsea Apple (Sr), Alessandra Cinfio (So), Cristy Dahlquist (Sr), Erin Wipperman (Jr)
Graduated (5):  Mallory Dziawura, Kelsey Lang, Hannah Redmon, Sarah Smith, Katie Tuller
Other Losses (1):  Kristin Lieberman (So/TR/Illinois State)
Newcomers (4): Caitlin Mann (Fr), Kelsey Morris (Fr), Erica Oswalt (Fr), Ciera Perkins (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  The Broncos missed denying preseason favorite Florida a spot at Nationals by just 0.025 in 2011.  The core group of experienced returnees, led by Amy Glass, will be hungry to take that last step.  Boise State loses five experienced athletes, including star Hannah Redmon.  But in their place, the coaching staff has assembled what is perhaps the Bronco's strongest recruiting class of all time.  How fast these four potential stars adjust to college competition could determine just how high Boise State finishes.

15.  Illinois Illini

16.  Washington Huskies

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Kim Landrus
Associate Head Coach:  Jay Santos
Assistant: Rodney Gust
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Returning Starters (5):  Sarah Fiedler (So), Kelsey Joannides (Sr), Jaclyn Kantecki (Jr), Amber See (So), Alina Weinstein (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Elise Gill (Jr), Macy Hyatt (Jr), Elizabeth McNabb (So/I)
Graduated (4):  Allison Buckley, Melissa Fernandez, Lashlee Morris, Samantha Perino
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):  Kelsi Eberly (Fr), Sunny Kato (Fr), Nikki McGarel (Fr), Jordan Naleway (Fr), Gabriella Nguyen (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  Last season, the Illini overcame some preseason challenges to return once again to Nationals.  They face another challenge this season, as they lose four gymnasts to graduation, including star All-Americans Buckley and Fernandez.  To return to Nationals, Illinois will need contributions beyond their five returnees.  Several new stars from either the recruits or the underclassman will need to step up to replace the missing "end of lineup" routines from the departed stars.

17.  Auburn Tigers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Graba
Assistants: Kurt Hettinger, Jenny Rowland
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (8):  Justine Foster (Sr), Toi Garcia (Jr), Abbey Habicht (So), Laura Lane (Sr), Allyson Sandusky (Sr), Kylie Shields (Sr), Leah Vining (RS Sr), Petrina Yokay (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Kareen Kaveh (Sr), Kendall Swartz (Sr)
Graduated (3):  Lauren Brzostowski, Katie Hurley, Rachel Inniss
Other Losses (1):  Lindsay DiSalvatore (Jr/?),
Newcomers (6):  Nicole Galluzzo (So/TR/Pitt), Brianna Guy (Fr), Caryn Kadous (Fr), Kelsey Thomasson (Fr), Megan Walker (Fr), Brittany Webster (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  Auburn returns a veteran squad this season, and has a full complement of talented newcomers, led by the dynamic Brianna Guy.  In the past, injuries and inconsistency have kept the team from reaching its full potential.  By staying healthy and using the team's experience to its advantage, Auburn could be well set up by the time the end of the season arrives.  AAers Toi Garcia and Kylie Shields both return, but any number of other veterans or newcomers could emerge in that role.

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Carey Fagan
Assistants: William Lorenz, Meredith Yonushonis
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (7):  Colleen Dean (Jr), Alex DeLuca (So), Taylor Jones (Sr), Nicole Krauter (Sr), Sarah Miller (So), Melanie Shaffer (So), Casey Williamson (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Victoria Aepli (So), Miranda Der (Sr), Taylor Fasel (So)
Graduated (2):  Rebecca Best, Karissa Lam
Other Losses (2):  Mallory Miller (So/?), Amber Parsley (Jr/?)
Newcomers (4):  Sarah Grady (Fr), Alyssa Marohn (Sr/TR), Alexis Schmidt (Fr), Morgan Zlotolow (Fr),
Quick Assessment:  Ohio State just missed Nationals last season, finishing behind Kent State by just 0.1 in an ultra close Regional -- one where 2nd finished just 0.65 points ahead of 6th.  Gone is star AAer Rebecca Best, but it was the sophomore class that matured quickly and lifted the Buckeyes last season.  They are back, along with upperclassmen AAers Dean and Jones.  Add in three frosh and a transfer, and the Buckeyes look set again to challenge for a spot at Nationals.  They shine on BB and FX, with some strong tumbling.  To finish even higher, they'll look to improve on the UB, which was their weakest event last season.

20.  Denver Pioneers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Head Coach: Bill Ryden
Associate Heach Coach:  John Court
Assistants: Randi (Liljenquist) Acosta
Returning Starters (9):  Rebecca Cardenas (RS Jr), Aubree Cristello (Jr), Mykle Douglas (Jr), Deanna Graham (Sr), Britnie Jones (Sr), Katie Matusik (Sr), Molly Quirk (Jr), Shana Sangston (Fr)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Barbara Donaldson (So), Chelsea Perna (So), Ellen Pitluck (RS So), Ali Stakem (So)
Graduated (1):  Miranda (Randi Jo) Russell
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Danielle Buchanan (Fr), Allison Flores (Fr), Kristin Klarenbach (Fr), Amber Wobma (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  The Wildcats return one of the Top 25's most veteran squads, only losing standout Russell.  To this they add a standout incoming class, including a Canadian National Team member (Klarenbach) and a 2011 L10 National AA co-champ (Flores).  To move up the standings, the Wildcast will depend on the added depth, while seeking to avoid injury and working to improve their UB.  Senior Graham and junior Cristello look sharp in the preseason and will lead the veterans. 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Jay Hogue, Carl Leland
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (8):  Simona Castro (Jr), Jorie Hall (So), Moriah Martin (So), Louise Mercer (Sr), Kaitlin Moorhead (So), Melodie Pulgarin Linero (So), Brianna Springer (Sr), Jaleesa Wilson (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Paige Tollefson (RS Fr)
Graduated (4):  Kristina Coccia, Amanda Johanson, Annamari Maaranen, Taylor Sanford
Other Losses (1):  Alexa Riech (So/TR to Pitt)
Newcomers (5):  Alix Angelopulo (Fr), Kayla Carlsen (Fr), Nina McGee (Fr), Ellese Sakai-Hart (Fr), Emily Warfield (Jr/TR/ASU)
Quick Assessment:  The DU staff coached another strong performance from their squad, and look to replace the four departed seniors with five newcomers.  Once again, the core of the team will be built around AAers Pulgarin and Springer and NCAA Regional BB champ Hall.  Castro is coming off a strong elite showing at Worlds and will provide a boost this season.  Frosh Sakai-Hart is looking strongest in preseason among the newcomers.  Injuries and depth will be an area of concern, especially among the stars. 

21.  Kent State Golden Flames

22.  Minnesota Gophers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Brice Biggin
Assistants: Craig Ballard, Sharon Sabin
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (7):  Marie Case (So), Rachel Goldenberg (Sr), Rachel Guida (Sr), Nikki Moore (So), Lindsay Runyon (Jr), Brianna Skiffington (Sr), Lauren Wozniak (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Shirley Bradley (So), Jaimee Caldwell (Sr), Felicia Charles (Jr), Mary Lou Renzi (So), Erin Rothrock (Sr), Stephanie Smart (Jr), Ashley Transue (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Christine Abou-Mitri, Danielle Durbin, Christina Lenny
Other Losses (1):  N/A
Newcomers (7):  Stephani Comini (Fr), Chelsea Drooger (Fr), Whitnee Johnson (Fr), Kelsey Lawless (Fr), Amiah Mims (Fr), Nicole Radon (Fr), Shelley Rider (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  Last year's Cinderella team, Kent State, went from unranked in the preseason to qualifying for their first nationals -- a meet they happened to be hosting.  The dream season was led by the now departed Abou-Mitri and Lenny.  These two stars were the core of the Kent State squad for several seasons, and the entire squad was fueled by the prospect of hosting Nationals.  The returning 14 gymnasts, including seven starters, will be joined by a large class of talented frosh.  Marie Case will lead the way, as the large squad looks to prove that last year's feat can be repeated.

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Meg Stephenson
Associate Head Coach:  Jenny (Alf) Hansen
Assistant: Louie Johnson
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Returning Starters (8):  Janell Campbell (Jr), Justine Cherwink (So), Kendra Elm (Sr), Lucy Ennis (Jr), Shannon Golich (Jr), Amber Hammerschmidt (Sr), Dusti Russell (So), Kayla Slechta (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Megan Alvarez (So), Alex Feeken (So), Briana Jones (Sr)
Graduated (5):  Ana Balboa, Jamie Bullock, Kendra Elm, Kristin Furukawa, Yuri Nagai
Other Losses (1):  Jasmine Brown (Jr/?),
Newcomers (3):  Jenny Covers (Fr), Kylie Schermann (Fr), Cierra Tomson (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  The Gophers return a strong central core of veterans from a squad that tied for fourth at the Regional meet, just 0.225 behind Kent State.  Leading the way are a pair of super sophs; Slechta was an NCAA qualifier while Russell was another rookie standout.  Combined with Campbell, Ennis and Golich, the Gophers have some veterans that will be relied on heavily this season.  Three frosh join the squad this year, and the Gophers will look to them to have the same impact as last year's class of newcomers. 

23.  Kentucky Wildcats

24.  Iowa State Cyclones

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Assistants: Chuck Dickerson, Mary McDaniel
Starting Routines Returning: 10/24
Returning Starters (5): Caitlyn Ciokajlo (Jr), Holly Cunningham (So), Audrey Harrison (So), Storey Morris (Sr), Kayla Sienkowski (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Kayla Hartley (So), Paige Krall (So), Whitney Rose (Sr), Caitlin Satkowiak (Jr)
Graduated (4):  Jasmine Minion, Andrea Mitchell, Phylicia Reshard, Colleen Williams
Other Losses (2):  Brittany Canfield (So/?), Karissa Carpenter (So/?)
Newcomers (6):  Liz Ames (So/TR/DU), Angie Goodwin (Fr), Alexis Gross (Fr), Kenzie Hedges (Fr), Shannon Mitchell (Fr), Jessie Staples (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  The Wildcats return just 10 routines from a squad that posted UK's highest ever postseason score.  New Coach Tim Garrison, a former assistant Nebraska, will be focusing on developing consistency and improving his overall depth this season.  Senior Morris is looking in her best shape ever in preseason, and the squad hopes to get back Rose at her full capabilities.  The remaining routines will need to come from the underclassmen; the talent is there, but past injuries and the adjustment to college can be tricky. 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jay Ronayne
Assistants:  Kristen Maloney, Katie (Teft) Minasola
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Returning Starters (8): Shea Anderson (Sr), Michelle Browning (Sr), Milan Ivory (So), Hailey Johnson (So), Celine Paulus (Sr), Camille Santerre-Gervais (Jr), Michelle Shealy (So), Elizabeth Stranahan (Hr)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Henrietta Green (So), Megan McDonald So), Jessica Rizzi (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Alexandra Grant, Jacquelyn Holmes, Jody McKellar
Other Losses (1):  Rebecca Ellis (Jr/?)
Newcomers (1): Caitlin Brown (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  The Cyclones return an experienced core set of gymnasts, a squad bolstered by solid upperclassmen leadership and a maturing sophomore class.  AAers Michelle Browning and Michelle Shealy will lead the squad, along with Celine Paulus (if healthy).  The Cyclones counted a fall at the Ann Arbor Regionals, or they would have been right in the mix with the other four teams that battled for the last spot at Nationals.  ISU welcomes just one frosh, but she should make an impact immediately, particularly on BB.   

25.  Iowa Hawkeyes

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Larissa Libby
Coaches: Caleb Philips, Linas Gaveika
Starting Routines Returning: 13/24
Returning Starters (8):  Tesla Cox (So), Jessa Hansen (Sr), Emma Stevenson (Jr), Annie Szatkowski (Sr), Kaitlynn Urano (Jr), Maya Wickus (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Rachel Corcoran (Sr), Jordan Eszlinger (Sr),
Graduated (4):  Houry Gebeshian, Andrea Hurlburt, Rebecca Simbhudas, Arielle Sucich
Other Losses (2):  Nicole Pineau (So/R), Jennie Schurman (Sr/?)
Newcomers (6):  Emily Bigras (Fr), Miranda Meyer (Fr), Jessica Morreale (Fr), Gail Murphy (So), Emma Willis (Fr), Sarah Wolford (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  The Hawkeyes lose 11 routines from last season, including standout NCAA qualifiers Houry Gebeshian and Rebecca Simbhudas.  Losing such firepower would be a challenge for any squad.  The Coaches' however elevated this squad three spots from this finish in 2011, likely due to the strength of their incoming class.  Sr. Hansen will lead the way for the returnees, but a large class of L10s and Canadian elites could make an immediate impact.  Look especially for Willis and Meyer to be early standouts, if they are healthy and can make the elite to college adjustment quickly.

Key to the Tables:

Ranking: By 2012 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 last competition
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 2011
R = retirement/not competing (for any other reason than transfer or injury)

S = Under suspension
TR = Transfer
RS = Redshirt (note:  not all eligible gymnasts will employ or are awarded a redshirt year)
?=unconfirmed/unknown information

Season Preview Capsules

All through the off season, the teams have been training and preparing for their shot at a trip to Georgia for the NCAA Nationals. Here's a quick look at the teams, as we head into the final preperations before the start of the season.

Last season Bama entered the campaign needing to replace 10 routines from some key veteran champion athletes.  But, bouyed by one of the top recruiting classes in the country, Bama finished the season on top, winning yet another National Championship.  Could they repeat?  They certainly have the firepower.  They lose just four routines from last year (from star Kayla Hoffman) but have a strong incoming class that features three elites, including one former World Champion Kayla Williams. 

However, a host of old and new challengers for the title are back and ready to take on the Tide.  Last year's runnerup UCLA is back and potentially stronger, with the return of star Vanessa Zamarripa and a standout frosh class that includes National Team members Mattie Larson and Cassie Whitcomb.  NCAA BB champ Samantha Peszek and Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs lead a strong and deep veteran core.

Only a select few teams have ever won a National Title:  Bama, UCLA, UGA and Utah.  Could another team join that club?  Florida boasts another strong class of frosh, and will use the added strength while seeking to bolster their consistency.  Beam was a problem area last year and they'll look to build a strong lineup on the event.  OU's well-coached crew maximizes their potential on each event.  The experienced core is looking strong, led by Megan Ferguson, Natasha Kelley and Kayla Nowak, but they may need to boost their dynamics on VT and FX to maximize their chances.  This could come from their frosh, especially Erica Brewer and elite Rebecca Clark.   

Utah has a large incoming class of L10s and former elites, let by potential standout Georgia Dabritz.  The Utes will also get back the services of Kyndal Robarts.  These additions should give an "end of the lineup" boost and added difficulty on VT and FX, while providing for a very deep lineup.  A number of other teams will be making a run for the Super Six this season, but first, all the teams will have to try to earn one of 12 spots at Nationals. 

Overall, the frosh have a huge potential to boost various teams into National meet contention.  We'll see teams that finished outside the Top 18 last season being now able to push the returning teams for a spot at Nationals.  In all likelihood, at the end of the season we may have at least 20 programs in contention for the 12 spots at the National meet.  We'll have our ranking of incoming classes published later this month.  The final ranking will be a tough decision, with many excellent and impactful recruiting classse in the mix.  A full list of the newcomers is posted here.  .

This season is unusual in the number of high level US and foreign elites entering school this season.  This bumper crop of talent is usually seen in a post-Olympic year.  Other elite standouts (on other squads) include National Team members Ivana Hong and Samantha Shapiro at Stanford, Chelsea Davis at UGA and Jessie DeZiel at Nebraska.  The class also includes former VISA Championships senior international elite qualifiers Rheagan Courville at LSU, Annette Miele at Michigan, Jackie McCartin at Washington, and Morgan Steigerwalt at ASU.  Foreign elites (like Emma Willis at Iowa), former junior international elites (like Randi Lau at LSU) and top L10s (like '11 Sr D co-champ Allison Flores at Arizona) should also make a big impact.  Add to this rising talents in the L10 ranks and improvements among the returning veterans and most teams will feature improved squads this season.

Last season, we saw a number of nail-biting finishes at Regionals.  Traditional powers like Florida and Utah saw strong challenges in their Regions, and the Tuscaloosa Regional saw just 0.65 separate 2nd from last.  The increasing parity is partially due to a rising pool of talent, a higher level of coaching talent, and a relatively static NCAA code (by which routines are evaluated).  This combination creates the potential that at least one of the preseason Top 12, and possibly a traditional top qualifier, will once again not be qualifying to Nationals.  Last season, Stanford went from Super Six to the sidelines, and in prior seasons, both UGA and UCLA missed the National meet.   

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 2012 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 last competition
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 2011
R = retirement/not competing (for any other reason than transfer or injury)

S = Under suspension
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