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For the past several seasons, we've made an attempt to rank the incoming recruiting classes for teams from across the nation. Some teams, in particular the perennial  superpowers, seem to appear in the rankings each season. But as for the others, you've probably noticed new teams appear as the tides of recruiting ebb and flow. With recruiting occuring earlier and earlier, predicting the progress of future recruits is becoming more and more difficult. Unexpected injuries, changes in training pattern and other personal events sometimes impact an athlete's ability to come in and contribute right away. So which school has scored the top incoming class? It was close, but read ahead to find our ranking.

Thursday, 16 December 2010 22:34

Updated: Check Out the Preseason Progress

Be sure to checkout the article featuring links to preseason videos from some of your favorite teams.  Links that have been updated since the initial publication are noted!  Some of the latest updates include UCLA, Illinois and Penn.

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Friday, 26 November 2010 15:02

2010-2011 Capsule Previews For the Top 25

Short preview capsules for the Top 25 teams (updated 12/2 to reflect the preseason Poll), are now available by choosing News from the menu at the top of each page, then Features, then Capsule Previews. 

Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:52

2011 Capsule Previews #13 to #25


 

13. Missouri Tigers


14. Penn State Nittany Lions

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Rob Drass
Assistants: John Figueroa, Amy Smith
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Returning Starters (6): Mary Burke (Jr), Alex Gold (Sr), Allison Heizelman (Jr), Sandra Ostad (So), Tori Howard (So), Lauren Swankowski (So)
Other/Injured Returners (1): Brittany Bendoff (So)
Graduated (3): Danielle Guider, Becky Scholle, Sarah Shire
Other Losses (2): Brooke Boemer (Sr/?),Tara Foster (So/?)

Newcomers (6): Cathryn Aliceaacosta (Fr), Mackenzie McGill (Fr), Taylor Medrea (Fr), Brittani Price (Fr), Alex Skinner (Fr), Katelyn Trevino (Fr)
Quick Assessment:
The Tigers lose 10 routines, including top AAer Sarah Shire.  Six newcomers are set to compete for lineup spots, while the newcomers and veterans alike will need to step it up if Mizzou is to return to Nationals.



Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Thompson
Assistants: Rachelle Thompson, Randy Monahan
Starting Routines Returning: 12/24
Returning Starters (4): Natalie Ettl (Jr), Danielle Hover (Sr), Madison Merriam (So), Sharaya Musser (So)
Other/Injured Returners (
5): Whitney Benscko (Jr), Daryl Konsevick (Jr), Heather McElwee (Sr), Susan Martens (So), Alex Stine (Jr)
Graduated (5): Alexandra Brockway, Brandi Personett, Casey Rohrbaugh, Allie Southard, Rosie Smith
Other Losses (1): Melissa Klein (Sr/?),

Newcomers (5): Kristin Blades (Fr), Cassidy Bogar (Fr), Stephanie Brock (Fr), Lindsay Musgrove (Fr), Kassidy Stauder (So)
Quick Assessment:  The new coaching staff will be challenged to replace half of the routines from last season, including some key end of the lineup scores.  A Brandi Personett is a tough gymnast to replace. 

 

 

 

15.  Auburn Tigers


16.  Denver Pioneers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Graba
Assistants: Kurt Hettinger, Jenny Rowland
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (9): Lauren Brzostowski (Sr), Justine Foster (Jr), Toi Garcia (So), Katie Hurley (Sr), Rachel Inniss (Sr), Allyson Sandusky (Jr), Kylie Shields (Jr), Kendall Swartz (Jr), Petrina Yokay (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Lindsay DiSalvatore (So), Kareen Kaveh (So), Laura Lane (Jr), Leah Vining (Sr)
Graduated (2): Carmen Nelms, Krissy Voss
Other Losses (4): Alex Christopher (SO/?), Kelsie Montgomery (Jr), Pamela Sanasith (So/?), Maya Wickus (So/TR Iowa)
Newcomers (1): Abbey Habicht (Fr)
Quick Assessment: With a new coaching staff in place, the team will look to improve on last year's result.  Voss was a key loss, but a strong set of returners will look to close the gaps in the lineup.


Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Jay Hogue, Carl Leland
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (8): Brianna (Springer) Artemev (So), Simona Castro Lazo (So), Kristina Coccia (Sr), Amanda Johanson (Sr),Annamari Maaranen (Sr), Louise Mercer (Jr), Taylor Sanford (Sr), Jaleesa Wilson (So)
Other/Injured Returners (0):  N/A
Graduated (3):
Lauren Garan, Kelley Hennigan, Ellen McCarthy
Other Losses (2): Elizabeth Ames (So/?), Emily Reichert (So/?)
Newcomers (6): Jorie Hall (Fr), Moriah Martin (Fr), Kaitlin Moorhead (Fr), Melodie Pulgarin (So), Alexa Reich (Fr), Paige Tollefson (Fr)
Quick Assessment: Another strong and consistent finish for the Pioneers last season has set them up for another strong campaign.  The loss of Henningan is the biggest obstacle, but there are six frosh in the wings.




17.  Illinois Fighting Illini


18.  Boise State Broncos

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Kim (Mazza) Landrus
Assistants: Amy Kruse, Jay Santos
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Returning Starters (6): Allison Buckley (Sr), Melissa Fernandez (Sr), Kelsey Joannides (Jr), Jaclyn Kantecki (So), Samantha Perino (Sr), Alina Weinstein (So)
Other/
Injured Returners (4): Elise Gill (So), Macy Hyatt (So), Lashlee Morris (Sr), Hannah Welker (Jr)
Graduated (3): Nicole Cowart, Sarah Schmidt, Laura Woolf
Other Losses (1): Abbie Leber (So/?)
Newcomers (3): Sarah Fiedler (Fr), Elizabeth McNabb (Fr), Amber See (Fr)
Quick Assessment: The preseason loss of Head Coach will just be one obstacle for this squad to overcome; they also need to replace eight routines, including standout Schmidt.  A very strong frosh class is capable; See competes some unusual high difficulty skills.


Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Tina Bird and Neal Resnick
Assistants: Patty Resnick
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (9): Mallory Dziawura (Sr), Hailey Gaspar (Fr), Amy Glass (Jr), Lindsay Kazandjian (Jr), Kelsey Lang (Sr), Brittany Potvin-Green (Fr), Hannah Redmon (Sr), Sarah Smith (Sr), Katie Tuller (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5): Chelsea Apple (Sr), Cristy Dahlquist (Jr), Lacee Lang (So), Cassie Tycast (Sr), Erin Wipperman (So)

Graduated (3): Taylor Jacob, Yvette Leizorek, Raquel Turnbow
Other Losses (1): Fiona Leslie (Jr/?)

Newcomers (5): Alessandra Cinfio (Fr), Bekah Gher (Fr), Jessie Leko (Fr), Kristen Lieberman (Fr), Amanda Otuafi (Fr)
Quick Assessment:
Boise State continues their march up the rankings.  Five frosh will compete with a large roster to replace four routines.  Glass and Redmon, both seniors, lead the search for a spot at Nationals.




19.  Arizona Wildcats


20.  SUU Thunderbirds

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Head Coach: Bill Ryden
Assistants: Randi (Liljenquist) Acosta, John Court
Returning Starters (8): Aubree Cristello (So), Mykle Douglas (So), Colleen Fisher (Sr), Deanna Graham (Jr), Britnie Jones (Jr), Katie Matusik (Jr), Molly Quirk (Jr), Miranda (Randi Jo) Russell (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Rebecca Cardenas (Jr), Ellen Pitluck (So)
Graduated (1): Sarah Tomczyk
Other Losses (1): Talyn Curry (Jr/?)
Newcomers (5): Barbara Donaldson (Fr), Chelsea Perna (Fr), Shana Sangston (Fr), Ali Stakem (Fr), Jordan Williams (Fr)
Quick Assessment: The Wildcats lose key AAer Tomczyk but look to move into contention for a spot at Nationals.  Vault is the preseason depth concern, with some lower body injuries lingering from past season in both the returners and among the frosh.


Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Scott Bauman
Assistants: Jeff Hunt, Kari (Lords) Louthan
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (9): Brooke Cersosimo (Jr), Ayssa Click (So), Shannon Coughlin (Sr), Lauren Jeffrey (Jr), Caitlin Kennedy (So), Ariel Lamb (Sr), Bailey Baker Pendley (Sr), Lindsey Schultz (Sr), Jenna Vogt (Sr)
Other/
Injured Returners (2): Michaela Chernoch (So), Anna Schumacher (Jr)
Graduated (2): Melissa Johnson, Elise Wheeler
Other Losses (0): N/A
Newcomers (3): Rebecca Moore (Fr), Jennifer Nguyen (Fr), Doniele Volopich (Fr)
Quick Assessment: SUU loses a very key AAer in Wheeler, but look strong in the preseason.  She and Johnson contributed key end-of-lineup scores.  After the intrasquad, Bauman notes that UB could be a key event for them.

 

 




21.  Washington Huskies


22.  Iowa State Cyclones

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Joanne Bowers
Assistants: David McCreary, Shanna (Duggan) Hannan
Starting Routines Returning: 23/24
Returning Starters (10): Hatsune Akaogi (Jr), Paige Bixler (So), Haley Bogart (Sr), Amanda Cline (Jr), Ruby Engreitz (Jr), Anna Epps (Jr), Kristen Linton (Sr), Lauren Rogers (So), Phoebe Tham (So), Sam Walior (Sr)
Other/
Injured Returners (1): Kylie Sharp (So)
Graduated (1): Karen Cain
Other Losses (1): Kailey Hansen (So TR/CSUS)
Newcomers (3): Lara Albright (Fr), Aliza Vaccher (Fr), Meg Whitney (So/TR from Utah)
Quick Assessment: Minimal losses and a strong preseason bode well for the experienced Huskies.  Overall consistency and depth on Vault will be key, with Vaccher and Whitney needing to adjust quickly.

 


Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jay Ronayne
Assistants: Jessica Bartgis
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Returning Starters (8): Shea Anderson (Jr), Michelle Browning (Jr), Rebecca Ellis (So), Alexandra Grant (Sr), Jacquelyn Holmes (Sr), Jody McKellar (Sr), Celine Paulus (Jr), Elizabeth Stranahan (So)
Other/Injured Returners
(1): Jessica Rizzi (So)
Graduated (7): Megan Barnes, Nikki Dilbert, Ashley Kent, Ceilia Maccani, Anna Robey, Katie Sweetin, Melanie Tham
Other Losses (1): Jasmine Swynningan (Sr/?)
Newcomers (6): Henrietta Green (Fr), Milan Ivory (Fr), Hailey Johnson (Fr), Megan McDonald (Fr), Camille Santerre-Gervais (Fr), Michelle Shealy (Fr)
Quick Assessment: The eight gymnasts now departed from the roster included several with key competitive roles.  The loss of 9 routines understates the full loss of the eight athletes.  Browning leads a strong core set of returners.




23.  Minnesota Gophers


24.  Kentucky Wildcats

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Meg Stephenson
Assistants: Jenny (Alf) Hansen, Louie Johnson
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (9): Ana Balboa (Sr), Jasmine Brown (So), Janell Campbell (So), Kendra Elm (Sr), Lucy Ennis (Jr), Shannon Golich (So), Amber Hammerschmidt (Jr), Briana Jones (Jr), Yuri Nagai (Sr)
Other/
Injured Returners (2): Jamie Bullock (Sr), Kristin Furukawa (Sr)
Graduated (1): Alexis Russell
Other Losses (2): Kylie Smith (Jr/?), Jenny Weber (So/?)
Newcomers (5): Megan Alvarez (Fr), Justine Cherwink (Fr), Alex Feeken (Fr), Dusti Russell (Fr), Kayla Slechta (Fr)
Quick Assessment: The Gophers lose a key AAer in Alexis Russell but welcome a strong set of newcomers, including Cherwink and Dusti Russell (no relation).  Furukawa is potentially a key returning ingredient on UB and BB.


Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Coaches: Chuck Dickerson and Heather Hite
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Returning Starters (6): Caitlyn Ciokajlo (So), Jasmine Minion (Sr), Andrea Mitchell (Sr), Storey Morris (Jr), Phylicia Reshard (Sr), Whitney Rose (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners
(2): Caitlin Satkowiak (So), Colleen Williams (Sr)
Graduated (5): Jacque Behrendt, Hillary Ferguson, Emily Green, Jamie Reimann, Emilie Rymer
Other Losses (0): N/A
Newcomers (7): Brittany Canfield (Fr), Karissa Carpenter (Fr), Holly Cunningham (Fr), Audrey Harrison (Fr), Kayla Hartley (Fr), Paige Krall (Fr), Kayla Sienkowski (Fr)
Quick Assessment: Another team impacted by offseason coaching changes.  The interim coaches will need to replace 10 routines, including some from key end-of-the lineup performers in Green and Ferguson.




25.  ASU Sun Devils


 

 

 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: John Spini
Assistants: Mike Lorenzen, Kari Ward
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Returning Starters (12):  Mary Atkinson (Sr), Amanada Davies (Jr), Stephanie Hangartner (Jr), Nickie Johnson (So), Carly McMahaon (Sr), Francesca Mercurio (Sr), Kohoku Palaforx (Jr), Callie Price (Jr), Amelia Rew (So), Christina Salavec (So), Brittany Schuett (Sr), Madison Snowden (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Skye Gentile (Sr), Beate Jones (Sr/I), Kelly Reilly (Jr),
Graduated (1):  Kaitlynn Bormann,
Other Losses (1):  Jordyn McIntyre (So/?)
Newcomers (4):  Paige Castillo (Fr), Nicole Robinson (Fr), Samantha Seaman (Fr), Emily Warfield (Fr)
Quick Assessment:  The Sun Devils return the vast majority of their lineup from last season, except for Bormann, who was a top scorer.  The return of AAer Jones will provide a boost, as well as top frosh Seaman. 

Wednesday, 17 November 2010 00:07

NLI: Stanford (M) Signs Two

Stanford (M) has announced the inking of two recruits to NLIs for 2011-2012, Brian Knott and Alex Strait. 

Knott trains at NYC's Chelsea Piers club. He placed 20th AA at the 2010 JO Nationals.

Strait trains at Champions in Texas.  He finished 9th AA, 4th HB and 4th(t) FX at the 2010 VISA Championships, Junior Men 16-18 division.

Link:  Stanford Release and YouTube Channel for Strait

Saturday, 13 November 2010 08:39

Gallery of NLI Signees *Updated 04/17/11*

Friday, 12 November 2010 08:28

NLI: Iowa State Signs Brown

Iowa State has signed Caitlin Brown, as expected.  The L10 from TAGS South tied for 13th AA at the 2010 L10 Nationals.

Link:  Iowa State Release

Friday, 12 November 2010 00:19

Recruits Signing NLIs Across the Country

The official early period for signing a National Letter of Intent for Gymnastics started on November 10th and runs through the 17th.  See the Women's Commits and Men's Commits page for a list of who is expected to sign where.  Watch the site, newsfeeds, and Twitter for the latest news.  There are a few surprises and unannounced signings out there!

Congratulations to all the National Letter of Intent Signees.  A few submitted pictures are in the gallery at this link.  Athletes and Parents are invited to contribute their pictures. 

Athletes, club coaches and parents can submit their signing photos to be featured in a special photo gallery.  Snap a photo and share!  Congratulations to all of the athletes.  Email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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