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CollegeGymFans.com Top Recruiting Classes of 2021-2022
This year's recruiting class has been impacted by two major forces: the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics and the NCAA's new rules for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). Normally, an Olympic year causes a relatively small number of potential high impact gymnasts to defer entry until the Games are completed. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics were pushed out by another year, causing an additional year of top athletes to defer entry. In addition, new rules on Name, Image and Likeness mean that athletes that may have foregone their NCAA eligibility are now able to continuing their careers in the NCAA, without foregoing lucrative opportunities to earn money. As a result, for the first time, a reigning Olympic AA champion has entered the NCAA as a frosh. See how all the top teams stack up in the 2021-2022 edition of our annual look at the Top 10 Recruiting Classes.
Men's: Stanford Signs Top Recruit Asher Hong
Stanford has signed top recruit Asher Hong of Cypress for 2022-2023. At the 2021 Winter Cup, he won the AA, FX, PH, SR and PB. They are also expected to sign #8 recruit Arun Chhetri (Gymnatsics Olympica), Kaien Orion (Gymnastics Olympica) and Marcus Kushner (Stanford Boys). Their class was named the top men's recruiting class by the College Gymnastics Association, the men's coaching association. They also selected Hong as the top recruit.
Link: Release
Men's: Ohio State Signs Six
Ohio State capped off a superb recruiting class with six signees: Justin Ciccone (Bright Raven), Kristian Grahovski (RGA), Maximilian Olinger (Lakeshore), Jesse Pakele (HITS), Caden Spencer (Bozhi's), and Parker Thackston (Gymland Arena)
Link: Ohio State Release
Pitt Signs Ferzoco, Jakab and Pawlak for 2022-2023
As expected, Pitt has inked Carla Ferzoco (Elite Gymnastics Academy/L10), Lucia Jakab (Okanagan/Canada sr. high performance) and Natalia Pawlak (Metroplex/L10/former jr. Polish elite) for 2022-2023.
Link: Release
PSU (W) Signs Herring and Piedrahita
PSU has confirmed the signing of Amani Herring (L10/North Stars) and Ava Piedrahita (L10/Hill's) for 2022-2023.
Link: Release
Stanford (W) Ink Four for 2022-2023
Stanford has signed Ashley Carter (L10, Charter Oak), Claire Deal (L10/former jr. international from East Bay), Taralyn Nguyen (L10/Technique) and Anna Roberts (L10/Metropolitan) for 2022-2023, as expected.
Link: Release
LSU Signs Beard, Lippeatt and Wilson
LSU has signed Annie Beard, Lilly Lippeatt and Bryce Wilson for 2022-2023. Beard is a former junior international elite and L10 from Texas Dreams. Lippeat is an international elite from Cincinnati Gymnastics. Wilson is a L10 from Pearland Elite.
Link: Release
National Letter of Intent Week Starts November 10th
Watch this space and follow along on Twitter as we post signings and releases from all the teams. Gymnasts/coaches/families: If you have a signing photo you'd like to share, send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Check out our list of 2022 commits right here: LINK
Men's 2022-2023: Thackston to Ohio State
Parker Thackston has committed to Ohio State for 2022-2023, according to his club, Gymland/Arena (NJ). At the 2021 Developmental Nationals, he placed 1st on PH, 4th on HB and 6th AA in the Level 10, 17+ division..
World Championships: Women's Preliminaries
Russia's Angelina Melnikova placed 1st in the preliminaries at the 2021 World Gymnastics Championships in Japan. Florida's Leann Wong and Florida commit Kayla DiCello qualified for the AA final and two events each. Wong was 2nd and DiCello 3rd in the AA, and both advanced to the finals on BB and FX. Nebraska commit Csenge Bacskay of Hungary qualified to the VT final in 5th place. She also just missed the AA final and is the first reserve.
Cal commit EmJae Franzier missed the FX final due to the 2 per country rule, while LSU commit Konnor McClain also just missed the BB final after finishing 8th.
Link: USA Gymnastics