With scholarships offers being extended at an earlier age, more than ever it is difficult for us to set a point to evaluate a recruiting class. Should it be at the time of signing? Or, should we wait until the athlete enrolls in school? To complicate matters, increasingly a number of athletes are joining squads at mid-year. So, as in the past, in this analysis we do not include transfers and redshirt frosh in the consideration (redshirts are counted in their year of entry). But, we have considered those who are currently expected to be joining their teams in January. Injuries prior to college and changes in competitive readiness are considered, as they are indicator of both fitness and motivation. However, injuries that occured during the preseason training do not count against a class in the ranking, as our assessment is based on pre-college readiness. Somewhat counter to that rule is the fact that we have had to discount athletes that have left their teams early. With all the last minute changes this preseason, we've had to juggle our rankings several times.
The rankings are based on past performance video, training video, results and skill level, which of course are no guarantee of future success at the collegiate level. Time and time again, some athletes get injured or go through adjustments in college competition that limit their first-year success. Others blossom right away in college. We can’t project how each athlete will fare in college, we can only look at past performances, skills and their trajectory. We assume, for instance, that a hardworking L10 with excellent form, technique and a strong history of improvement may benefit her team as much as a former international elite with a history of injury and a sudden growth spurt.
In the past, we have tried quantitative methods of ranking athletes based on results, level and skills. But, with the proliferation of online video, USAG meet DVDs, online results and recruiting profiles, we're finding that making qualitative assessments is easier than in the past, and probably more accurate. Of all the recruits in the Top 25, we have been able to see multiple competition or training videos for all but a few. In terms of qualitative indicators, we found over the years that success in the upper reaches of the USA Gymnastics L10 and elite programs, barring serious injury, is an excellent predictor of future success at the collegiate level. That, combined with the video and the other evidence we mentioned, forms the basis for the ranking.
Ultimately, we are looking for the set of impact athletes that can be consistent scorers in the 9.85+ range on a given event and be potential standouts on their team and in the NCAA. This year, some of the top ranked teams "loaded up" with this type of future marquee athletes. So how did they stack up in our view? Here's the CollegeGymFans.com Top Recruiting Classes for 2010-2011 (click on the links to see video clips):
1. Florida
Florida tops our 2010-2011 ranking once again with a stellar set of international elites and L10s. Headlining the class are two athletes at the top of their athletic abilities at the moment: US National Team members MacKenzie Caquatto and Kytra Hunter. Both are headed off to school late in order to start school in January, with hopes of competing this season. Caquatto is fresh off of the World Championships, where she turned in a stellar performance, finishing 9th AA in the team preliminaries at the World Championships. In 2009, she finished 5th AA at the VISA Championships and was an alternate to the World Championships squad. Hunter was an alternate to the 2010 World's team, having placed 4th AA at the 2010 VISA Championships. She also placed 4th on BB and on FX, where she tumbled a full-twisting double layout and a pike double Arabian. (Editor's Note: The rankings assume that Hunter is added to the roster. She is not yet listed.)
In addition to those two elite stars, Florida adds former senior international elite Alaina Johnson. A 2008 Olympic Trials participant, she placed 9th at the 2009 VISA Championships. As a L10 in 2010, she tied for 1st AA and won the UB at the L10 Nationals. Competing in the Senior D group, she was also 2nd on VT, 4th on FX and 5th on BB. Florida also signed in-state L10 standout Brittney Noble, of the Orlando Metro club. She had a strong senior campaign, finishing 6th AA, 2nd BB, 3rd FX and 4th(t) on VT at the L10 Nationals, Senior D. Florida may also add up to two additional athletes for January 2011, including Orlando Metro L10 Lauren Rose.
2. Alabama
Alabama has loaded up with another huge and talented recruiting class this season. Although they've graduated a number of key athletes, they will look to this strong collection of former elites and upper tier L10s to boost the 2010-2011 squad. Headlining the class are a pair of elite drop downs who had stellar L10 seasons last year, Sarah DeMeo and Kimberly Jacob. DeMeo, a former jr. international elite National Team member and L10 from Eagles, won the Senior D BB title while placing 3rd AA at the 2010 JO Nationals. She also picked up a 3rd on VT, 5th(t) on FX and 7th(t) on UB at the meet. She is also a former national champion on BB at the junior international elite level. Placing just ahead of DeMeo at the 2010 JO Nationals was Jacob, who tied for first with Florida frosh Johnson. Jacob also placed 2nd on UB and FX (opens with a pike full-in), 3rd on BB and 7th(t) on VT. As a senior international elite in 2009, she placed 12th AA at the VISA Championships.
Bama's recruiting class will be further bolstered by the January addition of Diandra Milliner to the roster. Milliner, a L10 from Folger's Gymnastics, placed 1st on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2 for a 9.95), 1st(t) on FX and 6th AA at the 2010 JO Nationals. A consistent top finisher at the National meet, she was 1st on VT and 2nd AA in 2009, and 5th AA and 2nd(t) on UB in 2008. Although other squads have strong former elites headlining their classes, Bama also has a large complement of successful L10s. The depth of this squad helps push the incoming class to near the top of this ranking.
Bama also adds Olivia Carisella, Ria Domier, Lindsey Fowler, Jordan Moore, and Hannah Toussaint. Carisella, a L10 from Elite in Louisiana, placed 7th AA and 5th(t) on FX at the 2010 L10 Nationals. She was also 15th AA in 2009. Moore, a L10 from Texas Dreams with a sky high Tkachev on UB, won the 2009 JO NIT meet and was 4th on VT and 6th(t) on FX at the 2008 JO Nationals. She had surgery to implant a rod in her leg earlier in the fall. Another L10, Hannah Toussaint, placed 3rd AA and 3rd(t) UB at the 2008 L10 Nationals but has been slowed by injury since then, finishing 11th at the 2009 L10 Regional meet.
3. UCLA
UCLA's incoming class is headlined by three big elite level stars, Olivia Courtney, Samantha Peszek and Sydney Sawa. Peszek is a 2008 US Olympian (injured her ankle in warmups) who competed on just three events at the 2009 VISA Championships. She placed 2nd on BB, despite having a torn labrum in her shoulder. After having surgery, she looks to be well on her way back, but unfortunately broke her foot early in Janujary. The Bruins hope to have her back by the end of the season.
Courtney is a sr. international elite and 2008 Olympic Trials qualifier who placed 1st at the 2009 CoverGirl US Classic. The former US senior National Team member broke her ankle just prior to the 2009 VISA Championships, but looks extremely strong in preseason training. Sawa was the 2009 Canadian National AA Champion and a former World Championship Team member for Canada. At the 2010 Canadian Championships, she placed 14th AA. UCLA also welcomes L10 Kassidy Kozai, who placed 48th AA at the 2010 L10 Nationals.
4. Utah
Like Bama, Utah has another huge and talented incoming class. Utah had a number of gymnasts and routines lost from last year's squad, and will look for immediate contributions from this class. Leading the way is 2008 Olympic Team alternate Corrie Lothrop. Despite suffering a torn Achilles in 2009, she looks to have made a strong comeback. Another potentially key contributor returning from injury is Canadian Nansy Damaniova, who tied for 11th AA at the 2010 Canadian Championships. The 2008 Olympian has shown her elite polish while making steady progress in preseason training.
Lia Del Priore is a former junior international elite qualifier from the Parkettes. A powerful gymnast, she excels on the FX (full-in mount). At the 2010 Region VII L10 Regionals, she placed 2nd AA and 1st on BB. In 2009, she placed 2nd(t) FX, 6th(t) VT and 16th(t) AA at the L10 Nationals. Another L10, Mary Beth Lofgren, has been looking especially strong in preseason training. The in-state L10 from Olympus was 6th on BB and 11th AA at the 2009 L10 Nationals.
Victoria Shanley hails from the Colorado Aerials, where she was a L10. She placed 25th AA and 8th(t) on UB at the 2009 L10 Nationals. She has been sidelined, however, by mononucleosis. Another L10 signee, Alyssa Gale, retired in December due to lingering problems from a knee injury. The Monarchs-trained athlete was capable some big elite-level skills on VT and FX. The final member of the frosh class, Hailee Hansen, is a L10 from USA Gymnastics World who placed 16th AA at the 2010 Region I L10 Regionals.
5. Stanford
Stanford also boasts a large and strong class, with a decidedly international flavor. Canadian Kristina Vaculik is a seasoned international competitor who has made a stellar return in 2010, winning four of five titles at the 2010 Canadian Championships. She recently placed 30th in the preliminaries at the World Championships. Another international elite, 2008 Australian Olympian Shona Morgan, placed 3rd AA at the 2010 Australian Championships and 15th AA at the 2008 Olympics. She is also a veteran of three World Championships.
A trio of L10s complements these international elites; however, each missed significant competition time in 2010 for one reason or the other, otherwise this class might rank even higher. Lauren Caldemeyer is a L10 from DeVeau's. She was 5th(t) AA, 2nd(t) BB, 2nd VT and 7th(t) on FX at the 2009 L10 Nationals. Lucy Meyer is a L10 from the Twin City Twisters in Minnesota. At the 2009 L10 Nationals, she placed 8th AA and 6th(t) on VT. The final L10 is a local product -- Amanda Spinner trained at the Bay Aerials. She is a two-time L10 National Qualifier who finished 2nd AA in 2007.
6. UGA
UGA will look to their talented frosh class to help propel them back to Nationals. The class is led by Kaylan Earls, a standout L10 from Arena. At the 2010 L10 Nationals, she placed 1st on VT, 2nd on BB, 2nd(t) on FX and 5th AA. She was also the L10 AA National Champion in 2008 and 2009. Unfortunately for UGA, she suffered an Achilles' injury just prior to the start of the season.
Lindsey Cheek is a local product who graduated early from high school in order to join the GymDogs in January. The Georgia Elite-trained athlete placed 2nd AA, 2nd on VT, 3rd on UB and 3rd(t) on BB at the 2009 L10 Nationals. Catherine Hires, a L10 who trained at LaFleur's Tampa, placed 1st on UB and 14th AA at the 2010 L10 Nationals. She was also 5th on VT, 5th(t) on BB, 8th(t) UB and 12th AA at the 2009 L10 Nationals.
Two additional in-state L10s round out the class. Laura Moffatt trained at the Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta. This past year, she placed 7th on UB and 25th(t) AA at the 2010 L10 Nationals. Another Georgian, Bekah Bennetts, is coming back from ankle surgery. In 2009, the Georgia All Stars-trained Bennetts had an outstanding year, placing 5th on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2), 5th(t) on UB and 8th AA at the 2009 L10 Nationals.7. Arkansas
Arkansas' frosh class features four talented L10s coming off strong final club seasons. Katherine Grable won the Senior C AA title at the 2010 L10 Nationals, in her highest ever national placing. The Oshkosh-trained L10 also finished 2nd on UB and 3rd on VT (RO 1/2 on, front tuck 1/2 off) and BB. In 2009, she was 17th AA, 4th(t) UB, 6th(t) VT and 7th(T) BB.
Finishing just behind Grable at the 2010 L10 Nationals was fellow frosh Bailee Zumwalde. Zumwalde, who committed to the GymBacks during her sophomore year, also placed 2nd(t) on FX, 3rd(t) on UB and 5th(t) on BB. Competing for the Twin City Twisters, she was 9th AA and 3rd on FX in 2009 and 4th AA in 2008.
The third member of the GymBack frosh class, Shelby Salmon, is a former junior international elite competitor from Sharp's. At the 2010 L10 Nationals, she placed 5th(t) on the UB, after winning the AA title at Regionals. Hailing from Louisiana, Scarlett Williams trained at Elite Gymnastics. She has racked up two top ten finishes at the L10 Nationals the past two seasons.
8. Oregon State
Oregon State's recruiting class is headlined by senior international elite and Oympic Trials competitor Britney Ranzy. Ranzy trained at Hill's and World Class (VA), and is powerful on VT and FX, but is a capable AA competitor as well.
Brittany Harris, from the Krafft Academy, is coming off a strong L10 season. At the 2010 L10 Nationals, she placed 4th AA, 3rd on UB, 6th on BB and 7th(t) on BB. She also finished 6th(t) AA and 4th on UB at the 2009 L10 Nationals. A consistent top level L10, she could develop into another strong AAer for Oregon State.
Amanda Schulberg comes to Corvallis from the Las Vegas Gymcats, where she trained as a L10. A knee injury took her out of action in 2010, but in 2009 she placed 2nd AA, 2nd(t) UB, 4th on VT and 5th(t) on FX at the L10 Nationals. Also joining the Beavers is in-state L10 Hannah Casey. From Portland's MAC program, she tied for 10th on UB and placed 39th AA at the 2010 L10 Nationals.
9. LSULSU holds down the 9th spot in our ranking, based on a large class of sixth athletes. Originally, this class could have ranked higher but Gabrielle Swart, a former junior international elite, is no longer on the LSU roster. Another former junior international elite, Sarie Morrison, trained at Elite Champion in Texas, and competed both in club and high school gymnastics after dropping down to L10 in 2008. At the 2009 L10 Nationals, she tied for 6th on VT, after winning the AA title at the Region III meet.
Maliah Mathis is another powerful L10 with AA potential for the Tigers. The L10 from Aerial Athletics placed 6th on VT at the 2010 L10 Nationals, after capturing the 2010 Region III AA title. Sarah Zoldos, a L10 from LaFleur's Tampa, is coming off a strong senior season. She placed 6th AA, 4th(t) on VT, and 8th(t) on UB at the 2010 L10 Nationals.
International athlete Sidney Sanabria-Robles, represents Puerto Rico but trained at Orlando Metro. A veteran of international competition, she made finals at World Cup events in Germany and Qatar. LSU also gains L10s McKenzie Fox and Casey Duvall. Duvall trained at All Star in Louisiana while Fox, a L10 Regonal qualifier, is from the Midwest Twisters (WI).
10. Michigan
Michigan landed a large recruiting class with some impressive past achievements, but many who have not been able to compete to their full ability in recent seasons. However, that is not the case with Joanna Sampson, who won the Senior B AA title at the 2010 L10 Nationals. From the Ricochets, Sampson, also finished 2nd(t) on UB, 4th on BB, 4th(t) on VT and 8th(t) on FX in 2010. In 2008, she was the UB Champion, 2nd(t) AA, 3rd(t) FX and 4th(t) BB at the L10 Nationals.
Michigan also signed Stephanie Colbert, a L10 from Phenom. In 2010, she placed 14th AA at the 2010 Region V L10 Regionals, after missing the 2009 season due to injury. In 2008, she won the FX title, placed 2nd on VT and finished 8th(t) AA at the L10 Nationals. Along with Colbert, Shelby Gies (1st up on BB in video) also competed in the recent Michigan intrasquad. Gies, who trained at Will-Moor, missed much of 2009 and 2010 due to a knee injury. The former junior international elite placed 8th AA and 1st on UB at the 2006 L10 Nationals.
Reema Zakharia is a L10 from Universal from Florida. She captured L10 National titles on VT and BB in 2008, and vaults a powerful extended pike front 1/2. Michigan also welcomes Teresa Arthur, Tori Kane, and Kristin Nagle. Arthur is a L10 from Krafft who placed 15th AA at the 2010 Region III L10 Regionals. Kane is another L10 Regional qualifier from Will-Moor while Nagle is an in-state L10 from Farmington Gymnastics.
Just Outside the Top 10
Just outside of our ranking are Illinois and OU. Oklahoma features former senior international elite Hope Bruce plus L10s Madison Mooring, Taylor Spears, and Hayden Ward. Both Ward (8th AA at 2010 L10 Nationals) and Mooring (bhs-lo-lo on BB, 2010 JO NIT VT/BB/FX champ) are entering in December to provide a boost to the squad, as original signee Lauren Alexander is no longer on the roster. Spears is a former US Classic junior international elite qualifier who trained at WOGA.
Another strong class is at Illinois, featuring L10s Sarah Fiedler, Elizabeth McNabb and Amber See. See throws some big skills like a front tuck full on VT and won L10 National titles on VT and FX (and 4th AA) in 2010. Fiedler has been a consistent Top 10 performer at L10 Nationals as well (8th in 2010, 6th in 2009, 10th in 2008). McNabb qualified as an international elite as a junior and placed 13th AA at the 2009 JO Nationals.
Predicting Future Success
Predicting future success is extremely difficult, even with the proliferation of video, personal recruiting websites and the broad publication of online results. But based on the preseason training and intrasquad competition, there are a number of athletes that look to be standouts and early leaders for their squads in the upcoming season.
The number one class at Florida also seems to be ready to make an immediate impact. With the exception of Alaina Johnson, they look to contribute in a big way to the Gator's title run. Corrie Lothrop of Utah and Olivia Courtney of UCLA look to be early contenders for leading AA spots. Also for UCLA, Samantha Peszek and Sydney Sawa are showing good potential.
For Bama, Sarah DeMeo and Kim Jacob both appear ready for potential AA slots (if not for the depth of their squad), while Diandra Milliner is in exceptional condition. Arkansas' Katherine Grable has been an early standout in fall training, while her classmates are also making strong progress. Sarie Morrison and Maliah Mathis look ready to step in to help LSU right away, while Oregon State's Britney Ranzy, if healthy, is a potential standout for the Beavers. Stanford's Vaculik and Morgan, after they get healthy and adapt to NCAA competition, could also be key future contributors.