Tuesday, 16 December 2014 00:00

2015 Capsule Previews: Teams #13 to #25

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13.  Arkansas GymBacks

 

14.  California Golden Bears

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Head Coach: Mark Cook
Assistants: Samantha (nee Cortez) Snider, Jaime Pisani
Returning Starters (7):  Stephanie Canizaro (Sr), Sydnie Dillard (Jr), Heather Elswick (Jr), Erin Freier (Jr), Keara Glover (Jr), Samantha Nelson (So), Amanda Wellick (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Cailee Ellsworth (Sr), Paris Ryder (So)
Graduated (3):  Katherine Grable, Shelby Salmon, Bailee Zumwalde
Other Losses (2):  Emily Bates (So/?), Scarlet Williams (RS Sr, TR/LSU)
Newcomers (5):  Mia Bargiacchi, Leah Macmoyle, Braie Speed, Kathleen York, Paige Zaziski
Quick Assessment:  Arkansas placed 3rd in their Region last season, falling just short of a spot at Nationals.  Shakiness on the beam eventually kept them from taking advantage of UCLA's falls.  Gone from that squad is superstar Katherine Grable, a two-time NCAA champion last year and one of the leaders of the squad for the last several years.  An athlete of her skill level and polish is tough to replace.  In total, the departed athletes accounted for 9 routines from last year's Regionals squad.  However, none were more important than Grable's consistent 9.9+ routines.  If that wasn't enough, Arkansas' coaching staff was split up this off-season, with Rene Lyst taking the top spot at ASU.  However, there is still plenty of talent on this roster.  Leading the way for the Gym Backs is sophomore AAer Amanda Wellick, who made the NCAAs as an individual.  She'll be capably supported by a strong set of returners, including senior Stefanie Canizaro.  Arkansas will look for immediate contributions from the five frosh. They are led by former elite Braie Speed and L10 Paige Zaziski.  The latter had a stellar senior season, taking the National JO L10 vault title in her age group and making the JO National team. 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Justin Howell
Assistants:  Elizabeth Crandall, Jessa Hansen
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (7):  Zoe Draghi (So), Kristina Heymann (Jr), Jessica Howe (So), Serena Leong (Jr), Charlie Owens (So), Desiree Palmores (So), Crystal Paz (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Isabelle Castillo (So/i), Dana Ho (So), Maddie Kratzke (Sr), Amber Takara (So), Jordan Widener (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Leilani Alferos,Alicia Asturias, Dallas Crawford
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Alicia Gallarzo, Ariana Robertson, Yuleen Sternberg, Toni-Ann Williams
Quick Assessment:  The progress Cal made the prior season continued again last season, as the Bears finished with a 3rd place finish at the Pac 12s and a 4th place finish at Regionals.  From that squad, they lost some key individuals, including AA star Alicia Asturias and fellow NCAA qualifier Dallas Crawford.  Perhaps most important, Cal lost half their lineup to graduation on bars, and it's an event that they struggled on with depth last season.  Leading the way in 2015 are potential AAers Jessica Howe and Charlie Owens, plus three event standout Serena Leong.  They'll also look to get more contributions from their other returners as they work their way back from injury, including Dana Ho and Amber Takara.  Of the other returners, Emily Richardson has stood out during the fall training with some big improvements from last season.  The frosh could also contribute immediately, especially on floor and bars.  Toni-Ann Williams is a L10 with international elite experience (Jamaica) and some big skills (double layout on FX, double front off BB).  She'll be a major impact gymnast for the Bears.  Will the Bears be able to break through this season?  Finding a strong UB lineup and building consistency on all events will be a key.  However, the pieces are all in place for the Bears to continue their upward trajectory. 

 

 

 

15.  Illiois Fighting Illini

 

16.  Penn State Nittany Lions

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Kim Landrus
Assistants:  Jacob Lee, Chad Wiest
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Returning Starters (7):  Erin Buchanan (So), Kelsi Eberly (Sr), Heather Foley (Jr), Mary Jane Horth (So), Sunny Kato (Sr), Jordan Naleway (Sr), Giana O'Connor (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Tori Fujinami (Jr), Suren Kanchanavaleerat (So), Sarah Lyons (So/I), Gabriella Nguyen (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Sarah Fiedler, Elizabeth McNabb, Amber See
Other Losses (1):  Emily Lennon (?)
Newcomers (2):  Jordyn Givens, Bridget Hodan
Quick Assessment:  The Illini once again battled through the the logjam of teams attempting to qualify to Nationals and made it through, finishing 11th overall.  They got there by holding off Minnesota for the second spot.  Gone from that squad are a trio of key graduates (Sarah Fiedler, Amber See, Elizabeth McNabb) plus sophomore Emily Lennon.  They'll miss these nine routines, especially AAer Fiedler and VT/FX ace See.  With half the BB lineup gone, the Ilini have some holes to fill on that pressure-packed event.  They'll be led this season by junior All-Arounder Giana O'Connor and senior UB/BB ace Sunny Kato.  They'll also look to big contributions from sophomores Erin Buchanan and Mary Jane Horth, either of whom could step into AA roles.  They also welcome two frosh, Jordyn Givens and Bridget Hodan.  Both are Level 10s and will give the Illini a much needed boost in depth.  Several members of the roster have not competed all four events (some due to injury) and so depth and experience on certain events like vault is a potential issue.  To make Nationals once again, the Illini will have to work hard to close the these gaps.  However, the Illini have been making a habit of making this type of thing happen.   

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Thompson
Associate Head Coach:  Rachelle Thompson
Assistant:  Jeff Richards
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Returning Starters (6):  Nicole Medvitz (So), Samantha Musto (Jr), Sidney Sanabria-Robles (Sr), Emma Sibson (So), Krystal Welsh (Sr), Alex Witt (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2
):  Lexi Carroll (Sr/I), Tina Postiglione (So/I)
Graduated (2):  Lindsay Musgrove, Kassidy Stauder
Other Losses (6):  Taylor Alotta (Jr/R/Student Coach), Alix Faden (Jr/?), Hannah Kobman (Jr/?), Jenny Lash (So/?), Randi Lau (Sr/TR), Savannah Soares (Jr)

Newcomers (4):  Lauren Li, Chanen Raygoza, Oni Timothy, Brannah Tsang
Quick Assessment:   Penn State overcame the challenges of graduation losses in 2013 to make the most of their Regional host position in 2014 and qualify to Nationals by capturing the second qualifying spot.  They ended up finishing 12th, capping a strong season overall.  They are facing a similar challenge heading into 2015, notably, the loss of 9 routines, including key AAer Kassidy Stauder, three event standout Randi Lau and VT/FX specialist Lindsay Musgrove.  PSU looks set to take on the challenge, however, led by Senior AAers Sidney Sanabria-Robles and Krystal Welsh.  The Nittany Lions will also look to the continued improvements from sophomores Nicole Medvitz (who was slowed by a shoulder problem) and Emma Sibson.  The good news doesn't end there.  The squad will look to a very strong and talented frosh class for immediate contributions, especially on floor and vault, where PSU has lost half of their lineup and may lack some depth due to prior injuries.  This incoming class boasts athletes with some big E skills (double layout, pike full-in on FX) and big vaults (Yurchenko 1 1/2 from Briannah Tsang, one of Canada's top vaulters).  For PSU this season, a quick frosh transition and the avoidance of injury to the vault lineup could be keys. 

 

 

 

17.  Minnesota Gophers

 

18.  Ohio State Buckeyes

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jenny (Alf) Hansen
Assistants:  Geralen Stack-Eaton, Rich Stenger
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Returning Starters (7):  Jenny Covers (Sr), Rachel Haines (So), Madie Hanley (Jr), Bailie Holst (So), Lindsay Mable (Jr), Hanna Nordquist (Jr), Cierra Tomson (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Bailey Abernathy (So), Athena Geisness (So), Kaitlin Rahon (So)
Graduated (3):  Justine Cherwink, Dusti Russell, Kayla Slechta
Other Losses (1):  Kylie Schermann (Sr/R)
Newcomers (5):  Abby DeMuse, Bailey Gardner, Ciara Gardner, Hannah Hitchcock, Rachel Rowland
Quick Assessment:   The Minnesota program has gone through some difficult turmoils in the off-season, leading to the resignation of former Head Coach Meg Stevenson.  Jenny Hansen takes over the reigns, along with a new staff of assistants.  Last year, the Gophers set aside the distractions and turmoil to place 3rd in their Regional, after a solid season.  They have the personnel to challenge once again, led by their superstar junior, Lindsay Mable.  Mable will once again challenge the top AAers in her conference, and in the nation.  She'll be capably supported by seniors Jenny Covers and Cierra Thompson, along with junior beam ace Hanna Nordquist.  This solid core of experienced athletes will form the basis of the Gophers' push to return to Nationals.  The Gophers also welcome five new frosh, led by a pair of standouts with the same last name, but who are not related.  Bailey Gardner and Ciara Gardner were L10 standouts, each placing in the top 6 AA in prior years at JO Nationals.  The former is especially known as a standout vaulter, while the latter, while missing the last season, bears the hallmarks of her WOGA training.  For Minnesota, the keys to the season in the gym are getting strong contributions from the frosh, and continuing to work to address their weak event, the UB.    

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Carey Fagan
Assistants:  Taylor Jones, Randy Monahan
Starting Routines Returning: 12/24
Returning Starters (5):  Maggie Dunn (Jr), Sarah Grady (Sr), Samantha Kent (Jr), Tenille Funches (So), Jaine Van Putten (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Rachel Abrams (Jr), Michelle Burns (So), Erin Malone (So)
Graduated (4):  Victoria Aepli, Alex DeLuca, Sarah Miller, Melanie Shaffer
Other Losses (4):  Maddie Herr (Jr, I/TR/San Jose State), Anna Hill (So, ?), Audrey Tolbert (Jr, TR/WVU), Andrea Vazquez (Jr/I/R)
Newcomers (5):  Megan Feltham, Taylor Harrison, Kaitlyn Hofland, Alexis Mattern, Stefanie Merkle

Quick Assessment:  Ohio State enters the season facing the loss of some key iconic athletes and a change in the coaching staff.  Sarah Miller and Melanie Shaffer produced some of the top scores on the team, and had some of the highest level of difficulty on the squad.  In total, the graduated and departed athletes accounted for 12 routines and a good portion of the squad's depth.  There are just five returnees from last season's fourth place Regional squad.  Leading the way for the returnees is sophomore Tenille Funches, potentially a dynamic AAer who was slowed by injury last season.  Also taking on bigger roles this season will be senior Sarah Grady and junior Maggie Dunn.  Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they welcoming not only one of their strongest incoming classes in five years, but one of the top in the nation.  The class includes 2014 JO National AA Champ Taylor Harrison and Canadian National Team member Stefanie Merkle, plus former Canadian National Team member Kaitlyn Hofland (working her way back from injury) and standout L10 Alexis Mattern.   How quickly these frosh can adjust and take on key roles in the lineup will tell how competitive for a spot at Nationals the Buckeyes can be this season. 

 

 

 

19.  Boise State Broncos

 

20.  Denver Pioneers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Neil Resnick and Tina Bird
Assistants: Patty Resnick
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (8):  Brooke Graham (So), Krystine Jacobsen (Jr), Maddie Krentz (Jr), Diana Mejia (So), Kelsey Morris (Sr), Ciera Perkins (Sr), Paige Urquhart (So), Marissa Wossner (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Mackenzie Bennion (So/I), Mary Frances Bir (So), Sandra Collantes (So/I), Molly McFarland (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Kelsey Black, Alessandro Cinfio, Amanda Otuafi
Other Losses (1):  McKenna Bird (So/?)

Newcomers (4):  Alex Esmerian, Lianne Josbacher, Ann Stockwell, Abby Webb
Quick Assessment: 
The Broncos enters the season with the #19 ranking and 19 of their 24 routines from their Regional effort.  They placed 5th in that Region, with a counting fall on BB that was enough to knock them well down the standings in a competitive region.  In prior seasons, they had narrowly missed a spot at Nationals. Gone from the 2014 squad are five routines, including key VT/FX routines from Kelsey Black and Amanda Otuafi.  Leading the charge in 2015 are a pair of talented seniors, Kelsey Morris and Ciera Perkins.  Morris is a consistent AAer for the Broncos while Perkins brings big scores on three events, plus a nice full-in on FX.  They'll be capably supported by juniors Krystine Jacobsen and Maddie Krentz.  Adding to a strong core of experienced athletes are four newcomers, led by L10 Lianne Josbacher.  Josbacher swept the events and the AA at the 2014 Region VI L10 Regionals.  Both Alex Esmerian and Ann Stockwell excel on vault, and any combination of the three could potentially fill the lineup spots vacated by the departed veterans.  With some added depth and some additional work on BB consistency, the Broncos could put themselves back in the mix once again.    

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Linas Gaveika, Carl Leland
Starting Routines Returning: 13/24
Returning Starters (6):  Rachel Fielitz (So), Leah Lomonte (So), Nina McGee (Sr), Katie Menhinick (Jr), Julia Ross (So), Ellese Sakai-Hart (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (6) Alix Angelopulo (Sr), Emily Barrett (Jr), Rachel Feeken (Jr), Maggie Laughlin (Jr), Emily Novotny (Jr), Morgan Tolman (Jr)
Graduated (6): 
Jorie Hall, Moriah Martin, Kaitlin Moorhead, Melodie Pulgarin Linero, Emily Warfield, Paige Tollefson
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (3):  Nikole Addison, Brittany Franklin, Claire Hammen,
Quick Assessment:  Denver enters the 2015 facing the need to replace some key team leaders and top scorers.  They finished the 2014 campaign ranked 18th, having placed 3rd in the Region.  Gone from that squad are a number of key gymnasts, including AAer and All-American Moriah Martin, former NCAA BB qualifier Jorie Hall, and AAer Melodie Pulgarin Linero.  In total, the graduated gymnasts accounted for 11 of DU's 24 routines at Regionals.  From that squad, Denver returns six competitors, led by senior AAer Nina McGee and sophomore Leah Lomonte, who is another potential AAer.  The Pioneers will also look to some gymnasts who had reduced roles last season (for one reason or another).  In particular, Maggie Laughlin is a potential AA candidate while Emily Barrett has the potential to break into more lineups. Joining them are a trio of frosh, led by L10 powerhouse Nikole Addison.  All three have the potential to break into lineups and supplement the depth chart.  The key for DU is to gain experience and to find the end of the lineup gymnasts that will pull the higher scores.  With the field to get to Nationals getting deeper and deeper, a few standout routines can help give a team that extra added edge to earn that spot at Nationals.    

 

 

 

21.  Arizona WIldcats

 

22.  Kentucky Wildcats

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Head Coach: Bill Ryden
Associate Heach Coach:  John Court
Assistants: Randi (Liljenquist) Acosta
Returning Starters (10):  Shelby Edwards (Jr), Selynna Felix-Terrazas (So), Allison Flores (Sr), Shay Fox (Sr), Krysten Howard (So), Kristin Klarenbach (Sr), Gabby Laub (So), Lexi Mills (Jr), Jessie Sisler (Jr), Amber Wobma (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Danielle Buchanan (Sr)
Graduated (3):  Barbara Donaldson, Shana Sangston, Ali Stakem
Other Losses (3):  Mackenzie Valentin (So, TR/Bama),Jordan Williams (GR, TR/UCLA), Krishna Yemany (Jr/I/R)
Newcomers (3):  Madison Cindric, Victoria Ortiz, Kennady Schneider
Quick Assessment:  Arizona placed sixth at Regionals last year, running into issues (falls) on UB that pushed their final ranking down to 24th.  They've been elevated in the Preseason poll, perhaps in recognition of the large set of experienced returnees.  They return 20 of 24 routines from 10 different athletes, a rare veteran squad in this year's Top 25.  They'll be led once again by seniors Allie Flores, Kristen Klarenbach and Amber Wobma along with junior Shelby Edwards.  Flores is a solid AAer, while Klarenbach draws big scores on FX (double Arabian) and VT.  Edwards has a powerful vault and excels on BB and UB.  It's the UB where the Wildcats will be focusing in the offseason, not only to improve execution but to improve consistency.  Having another year of experience for the sophomores will help, as will a trio of frosh newcomers.  The frosh are led by Madison Cindric, a L10 and former JO National Team member (2013).  Kennady Schneider is a L10 from Gymcasts who placed 28th AA at the 2014 JO Nationals.  She and classmate Victoria Ortiz both excel on the UB, a clear focus area for the Wildcats.  Blending a very experienced core with some talented newcomers, the Wildcats will look to put themselves in the mix. 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Assistants: Chuck Dickerson, Mary McDaniel
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Returning Starters (8):  Kayla Hartley (Sr), Shelby Hilton (Sr), Shannon Mitchell (Sr), Tiara Phipps (Jr), Taylor Puryear (So), Amy Roemmele (Jr), Sara Shipley (Sr), Montana Whittle (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Marissa Beucler (Jr), Alyssa Bertoni (RS Fr/I), Kirsten Canini (So), Alexis Gross (Sr)
Graduated (3):  Holly Cunningham, Audrey Harrison, Kayla Sienkowski
Other Losses (2):  Kenzie Hedges (Sr/?),Shannon Reynolds (Sr/?)
Newcomers (5):  Katie Carlisle, Brittany Furuyama, Khadijah Hudson (Jr, TR/EMU), Cori Rechenmacher, Syndey Waltz
Quick Assessment:  Kentucky posted their highest ever Regional mark to finish fourth in their Region in 2014.  Lost from that squad is their top AAer, Audrey Harrison, and key specialists Holly Cunningham, Kayla SIenkowski and Kenzie Hedges.  All told, the lost gymnasts accounted for 8 routines on that Regional squad, as well as strong leadership and experience.  Kentucky will look to a variety of returners to step up and fill the void, with a total of 8 starters and 12 gymnasts to choose from.  Leading the way is senior Kayla Hartley, a three event standout last season who excels on the floor.  Classmates Shannon Mitchell and Shelby Hilton should also contribute strongly once again, particularly on vault, where the Wildcats must replace half the lineup.  UK will also welcome back Marissa Beucler and Alexis Gross, who did not compete last season but were regular starters in prior seasons.  Supplementing this experienced core are five newomers, led by Sydney Waltz.  Waltz placed 8th AA at the 2014 and 2013 JO Nationals.  Also providing a needed boost will be Brittany Furuyama, a stronger vaulter who placed 14th at the 2013 JO Nationals.  With a strong returning core and some talented newcomers, the Wildcats are poised to continue their march up the standings.        
  

 

 

 

23.  Central Michigan Chippewas

 

24.  Washington Huskies

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Jerry Reighard
Associate Head Coach:  Christine MacDonald
Assistants: Vince Smurro
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Returning Starters (9):  Taylor Bolender (Jr), Becca Druien (Sr), Kylie Fagan (Sr), Preslee Harrald (Sr), Halle Moraw (Sr), Taylor Noonan (Sr), Kirsten Petzold (Sr), Kirsten Stambaugh (So), Karlee Teet (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Rachel Carr (So), Jordan Charrette (Jr), Caroline Fitzpatrick (So), Tori Garcia (Sr), Megan Lamphere (Jr), Shaila Segal (So)
Graduated (2):  Emily Heinz,Brittany Pezold
Other Losses (0):  N/A

Newcomers (6):  Courtney Campbell, Katy Clements, Macey Hilliker, Bryttany Kapplan, Jodie Plescow, Miranda Wieczorek
Quick Assessment:  Central Michigan excelled again at Regionals, placing 3rd in their Region and placing 17th in the Final rankings.  This hardworking squad continued to pile up impressive scores during the regular season, and finished their regional 0.775 points away from a spot at Nationals.  They enter 2015 missing six routines from two graduated stars, Brittany Petzold and NCAA qualifier Emily Heinz.  CMU looks set to challenge once again, led by NCAA qualifiers Halle Moraw and Taylor Noonan, both seniors.  Along with senior AAer Becca Druien, beam ace Kylie Fagan and Preslee Harrald, they form the strong, experienced core of this squad.  The Chippewas also welcome six frosh to an already large squad.  They look to six other returners plus these six newcomers to fight for spots in the lineup, giving the squad tremendous depth.  What the Chippewas will need, however, is for the rest of the squad to close the gap on the senior leaders, and to raise the level of their vaulting overall.  The Chippewas are a squad known for their improvement and hard work.  These key ingredients to moving up are well within their reach.

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Joanne Bowers
Assistants: David McCreary, Elise Ray
Starting Routines Returning: 18/23
Returning Starters (8):  Kaitlin Duranczyk (So), McKenzie Fechter (Sr), Janae Janik (So), Jackie McCartin (Sr), Faith Morrison (So), Allison Northey (Jr), Madison Podlucky (Sr), Alex Yacalis (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Jessica Nesis (So), Stephanie Stowe (So/I)
Graduated (1):  Aliza Vaccher
Other Losses (1):  Sheridan Metcalf (Jr, R/I/Team Manager)
Newcomers (6):  Hailey Burleson, Joslyn Goings, Emily Liddle, Dori Overhus, Zoey Schaefer, Alyssa Shermetaro
Quick Assessment:  The Huskies faced a rough, up and down season last year, complicated by injuries.  Short-handed and not competing all 24 routines, they struggled to make the Regional meet.  Once there, they posted a surprise, placing 4th in their Region, and finished ahead of several higher ranked teams to finish 26th overall.  They lose a key athlete from that squad, AA star and former NCAA qualifier Aliza Vaccher.  They also enter the season with one of their stars, Jackie McCartin, limited to BB due to an offseason injury.  All is not dire, however, as they return 8 starters, led by junior Allie Northey, an All Pac 12 AA first team selection, and sophomore standouts Janae Janik and Alex Yacalis.  But perhaps the real reason behind their higher than expected Preseason rank is an exceptional frosh class. All six, plus redshirt newcomer Stephanie Stowe, have posted AA scores of 37.925 in Regional or National competition.  Five of seven have finished in the Top 8 at JO Nationals.  Having seven new athletes at this level is unusual for any squad.  Frosh adjustment is highly unpredictable, so if the Huskies don't challenge for a higher rank this season, they could for the next several if these athletes can continue their development. 

 

 

 

25.  Iowa State Cyclones

 

 

 

 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jay Ronayne
Assistants:  Kristen Maloney, Katie Minesola
Starting Routines Returning: 9/24
Returning Starters (4):  Caitlin Brown (Sr), Kristen DeCosta (Jr), Allie Hansen (So), Alex Marasco (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Annie Glasenapp (Jr/I), Lily Hardman (So), Sammie Pearsall (Jr), Sara Townsend (Jr/I)
Graduated (6):  Henrietta Green, Milan Ivory, Hailey Johnson, Megan McDonald, Camille Santerre-Gervais, Michelle Shealy
Other Losses (1):  Becca McRobbie (So/?)
Newcomers (8):  Hilary Green, Courtney Horstman, Briana Ledesma, Courtney Middlekoop, Micole O'Dell, Kelsey Paz, Lark Poladnik (So, TR/Mizzou), Haylee Young
Quick Assssment:   Iowa State ended last season on a high note, placing third in their Regional.  The team built momentum throughout the season, ending with a string of strong meets and the #21 National ranking.  The Preseason poll places them 25th, likely in recognition that the six graduated seniors represented a good portion of the team's scoring.  15 of the 24 routines competed at Regionals came from these six athletes.  The clear leader for the Cyclones is senior Caitlin Brown.  Brown had a breakout season last year, qualifying to NCAA Nationals as an individual.  Heading into the new season, Head Coach Jay Ronayne must look to his other returners to step up as well as lead the development of the eight newcomers.  The incoming class is headed up by frosh Haylee Young, Hilary Green, Briana Ledesma, Kelsey Paz and Mizzou transfer Lark Poladnik.  For Iowa State, their season will pretty much hinge on how quickly the newcomers can adapt and contribute.  In addition, they'll look to the returnees to expand their contributions and provide the leadership that the young squad will need.   

Table:  Teams #1 to #12

Table:  Teams #13 to #25

Key to the Tables:

 

Ranking: By 2015 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 2014 or preseason injury in 2014-2015
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

 

 

Last modified on Friday, 26 December 2014 15:35