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13. Auburn Tigers
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14. Ohio State Buckeyes
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Graba
Assistants: Kurt Hettinger, Jenny Rowland
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Returning Starters (7): Toi Garcia (Sr), Brianna Guy (So), Abbey Habicht (Jr), Caryn Kadous (So), Megan Walker (So), Brittany Webster (So), Petrina Yokay (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Nicole Galluzo (Jr), Lexus Demers (RS Fr), Kelsey Thomasson (RS Fr)
Graduated (7): Justine Foster, Karena Kaveh, Laura Lane, Allyson Sandusky, Kendall Schartz, Kylie Shields, Leah Vining
Other Losses (0): N/A
Newcomers (5): Caitlin Atkinson, Arielle Bulls (So/TR from SEMO), Kait Kluz, Kelsey Kopec, Kara Koster
Quick Assessment: Auburn lost a remarkable seven athletes from a squad that finished just 0.35 away from a spot at Nationals. However, a strong core of returners, led by super soph Brianna Guy, look to lead this squad to Nationals. The talented frosh class is highlighted by former elite Atkinson, who is looking outstanding in preseason training. With strong tumbling and vaulting, the team will look to build consistency as the newcomers gain experience.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Carey Fagan
Assistants: William Lorenz, Meredith Yonushonis
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (7): Victoria Aepli (Jr), Colleen Dean (Sr), Alex DeLuca (Jr), Sarah Grady (So), Alyssa Marohn (Sr), Sarah Miller (Jr), Melanie Shaffer (Jr),
Other/Injured Returners (1): Taylor Fasel (Jr)
Graduated (4): Miranda Der, Taylor Jones, Nicole Krauter, Casey Williamson
Other Losses (2): Alexis Schmidt (?), Morgan Zlotolow (R/Student Coach)
Newcomers (7): Rachel Abrams, Micaela Cologie, Maggie Dunn, Maddie Herr, Samantha Kent, Audrey Tolbert, Andrea Vazquez
Quick Assessment: Ohio State not only made Nationals, they placed fourth in their semifinal, showing they can excel under pressure and exceed all expectations. Despite that strong finish, they were placed just #14 in the Preseason Coaches' Poll. This is likely due to the loss of the graduated seniors, and how competitive the race for slots for Nationals has become. The Buckeyes will look to some newcomers to supplement a strong core, as they battle to return to Nationals.
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15. Boise State Broncos
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16. Penn State Nittany Lions
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Neil Resnick and Tina Bird
Assistants: Patty Resnick
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (7): Kelsey Black (Jr), Alessandra Cinfio (Jr), Caitlin Mann (So), Kelsey Morris (So), Amanda Otuafi (Jr), Ciera Perkins (So), Brittany Potvin-Green (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Cristy Dahlquist (Sr), Erin Wipperman (Sr)
Graduated (3): Chelsea Apple, Amy Glass, Lindsay Kazandjian
Other Losses (3): Bekah Gher (?), Hailey Gaspar (Sr/TR to Oregon State), Erica Oswalt (?)
Newcomers (6): Caitlin Fovenyessy, McKenna Hutcheson, Krystine Jacobsen, Maddie Krentz, Molly McFarland, Marissa Wosner
Quick Assessment: The Broncos lose six gymnasts from a team that placed 3rd in their tough Regional, one in which both finishers later qualified to the Super Six. The loss of Glass is the most significant, but all six were potential contributors. However, 17 routines of 24 return, led by senior Potvin-Green and a trio of strong sophs: Mann, Morris and Perkins. Half the beam lineup is gone, and this and UB remain their most challenging events. The frosh will be expected to step up quickly, challenge for lineups, and fill out the depth chart.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Thompson
Associate Head Coach: Rachelle Thompson
Assistant: Randy Monahan
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (6): Lexi Carroll (So), Madison Merriam (Sr), Lindsay Musgrove (Jr), Sharaya Musser (Sr), Kassidy Stauder (Jr), Krystal Welsh (So)
Other/Injured Returners (1): Alex Witt (So/I)
Graduated (4): Whitney Benscko, Natalie Ettl, Daryl Konsevick, Alex Stine
Other Losses (2): Kristin Blades (?), Stephanie Brock (?)
Newcomers (8): Taylor Alotta, Alix Faden, Shealyn Farley, Hannah Kobman, Kelsey Kreider, Samantha Musto, Sidney Sanabria-Robles (Jr/TR/LSU), Savannah Soares
Quick Assessment: PSU is coming off a fourth place finish at Regionals and looks to fill the loss of some top scores and key depth players from last season. A large incoming class of eight athletes will look to fit the bill, led by Farley. While they gain experience in the NCAA format, standout Musser will again challenge the best AAers in the NCAA. She'll be capably supported by AAers Merriam and Welsh, and they'll form a strong latter half of the lineup. Some key scores from 2012 are missing, so the frosh and other returnees will have to step up.
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17. Washington Huskies
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18. Illinois Fighting Illini
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Joanne Bowers
Assistants: David McCreary, Elise Ray
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (6): Paige Bixler (Sr), McKenzie Fechter (So), Madison Podlucky (So), Lauren Rogers (Sr), Aliza Vaccher (Jr), Meg Whitney (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Jackie McCartin (So), Kylie Sharp (Sr), Phoebe Tham (Sr)
Graduated (4): Hatsune Akaogi, Amanda Cline, Ruby Engreitz, Anna Epps
Other Losses (2): Eliza Barach (Fr/Manager), Doris Link (R/TR)
Newcomers (3): Kiersten Graber, Sheridan Metcalf, Allison Northey
Quick Assessment: The Huskies once again finished the season just short of Nationals, missing by 0.25 points last year and taking LSU down to the last event. Gone from that squad were some important senior contributors, especially on UB. To make it to Nationals, the Huskies will need big contributions from their underclassman, in particular former elite McCartin and frosh Metcalf. Vaccher is a two-time NCAA AA qualifier and Regional vault champ, and is capably supported by soph standout Fechter.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Kim Landrus
Associate Head Coach: Jay Santos
Assistant: Rodney Gust
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (7): Sarah Fiedler (Jr), Elise Gill (Sr), Jaclyn Kantecki (Sr), Elizabeth McNabb (Jr), Jordan Naleway (So), Amber See (Jr), Alina Weinstein (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5): Kelsi Eberly (So), Macy Hyatt (Sr), Sunny Kato (So), Nikki McGarel (So), Gabriella Nguyen (So)
Graduated (2): Kelsey Joannides, Hannah Welker
Other Losses (0): N/A
Newcomers (3): Heather Foley, Tori Fujinami, Giana O'Connor
Quick Assessment: The Illini are coming off a third place Regional finish in 2012, and are paced by Weinstein and See. A key loss for the squad is Joannides, a consistent and clean AAer. In her place, the solid and experienced core will need the underclassmen to step up and fill out spots in the depth chart. Having the two stars stay healthy will be another key to the squad's success.
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19. Arizona Wildcats
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20. Denver Pioneers
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Head Coach: Bill Ryden
Associate Heach Coach: John Court
Assistants: Randi (Liljenquist) Acosta
Returning Starters (7): Aubree Cristello (Sr), Mykle Douglas (Sr), Allison Flores (So), Molly Quirk (Sr), Shana Sangston (Jr), Jordan Williams (Jr), Amber Wobma (So)
Other/Injured Returners (5): Danielle Buchanan (So), Barbara Donaldson (Jr), Kristin Klarenbach (So), Chelsea Perna (So), Ali Stakem (Jr)
Graduated (4): Rebecca Cardenas, Deanna Graham, Britnie Jones, Katie Matusik
Other Losses (1): Ellen Pitluck (R)
Newcomers (4): Shelby Edwards, Lexi Mills, Jessie Sisler, Krishna Yemany
Quick Assessment: The Wildcats lose some significant contributors from 2012 but return a strong core, led by AA stars Aubree Cristello and fellow senior Quirk. They add four talented frosh and could benefit from greater contributions from a strong sophomore class. In some cases, athletes take a year to adjust to collegiate competition, while some frosh are ready to step-in immediately. The Wildcats have the potential to be even stronger in 2013.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Jay Hogue, Carl Leland
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (7): Simona Castro (Sr), Jorie Hall (Jr), Moriah Martin (Jr), Kaitlin Moorhead (Jr), Melodie Pulgarin Linero (Jr), Ellese Sakai-Hart (So), Emily Warfield (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Alix Angelopulo (So), Nina McGee (So), Brianna Springer (Sr), Paige Tollefson (Jr)
Graduated (1): Louise Mercer
Other Losses (2): Kayla Carlsen (?), Jaleesa Wilson (?)
Newcomers (7): Emily Barrett, Rachel Feeken, Madison Kilchrist, Maggie Laughlin, Katie Menhinick, Emily Novotny, Morgan Tolman
Quick Assessment: A large DU squad looks to overcome the depth and injury issues of 2012 and push their way back to Nationals. Returning AAers Martin, Pulgarin Linero and Sakai-Hart will be boosted by the return of Springer and the energy of seven newcomers. Hall and Castro are also key performers, with the former excelling on beam and the latter coming off a strong international season that included competing at the 2012 Olympics. The new depth should put the Pioneers in an improved position to challenge in 2013.
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21. Missouri Tigers
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22. North Carolina State
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Rob Drass
Assistants: Jennifer Green, Louis Robinson Jr
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (9): Cathryn Aliceaacosta (Jr), Briana Conkle (So), Tori Howard (Sr), Laura Kappler (So), Mackenzie McGill (Jr), Taylor Medrea (Jr), Colleen Mulcahy (So), Katelyn Trevino (Jr), Rachel Updike (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Brittany Bendoff (Jr), Rebecca Johnson (So), Sandra Ostad (Sr)
Graduated (2): Mary Burke, Allie Heizelman
Other Losses (2): Kelsy Landreth (?), Brittani Price
Newcomers (3): Blair Elmore, Miranda Eubank, Rachel Henderson
Quick Assessment: Missouri returns a strong and experienced core from last year's fourth place Regional squad. Gone from the squad is one their best, however, AAer Mary Burke. Super soph standout Updike returns to lead the squad, capably supported by a team with numerous contributors. Tori Howard is another key piece of the puzzle, while returnees like Trevino and Ostad could provide a boost. The Tigers will need to bolster their vault lineup, as half of the Regional lineup is now gone.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Mark Stevenson
Assistants: Colleen Johnson, Bob Starkell
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Returning Starters (7): Hannah Fallanca (Jr), Rachel Fincham (Sr), Diahanna Ham (Jr), Kristen Harabedian (Jr), Lane Jarred (So), Morgan Johnson (Sr), Stephanie Ouellette (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5): Naomi DeVries (So), Heidi Ffield (Jr), Megan Kurdelmeier (So), Ellen Marion (Jr), Connor Smith (So)
Graduated (6): Brook Barr, Anna Kronenfield, Jess Panza, Becca Teich, Alex Williams, Jackie Yanchocik
Other Losses (1): Emily Anderson
Newcomers (6): Aubrey Hine, Anita Medolla, Christine Shrager, Courtney Turner, Brittni Watkins, Michaela Woodford
Quick Assessment: The Wolf Pack are coming off one of their best seasons in history, placing 3rd at the 2012 Regional, just 0.25 behind Ohio State. Despite this strong finish, NC State has been ranked just 22nd in the Preseason Poll. The loss of 9 scores from six athletes, including standouts Barr and Panza, will be tough to make up quickly. Fincham, Ham and Ouellette form a very strong returning core, however.
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23. Minnesota Gophers
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24. WVU Mountaineers
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Meg Stephenson
Associate Head Coach: Jenny (Alf) Hansen
Assistant: Louie Johnson
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Returning Starters (8): Janell Campbell (Sr), Justine Cherwink (Jr), Jenny Covers (So), Shannon Golich (Sr), Dusti Russell (Jr), Kylie Schermann (So), Kayla Slechta (Jr), Cierra Tomson (So)
Other/Injured Returners (0): NA
Graduated (4): Kendra Elm, Lucy Ennis, Amber Hammerschmidt, Briana Jones
Other Losses (2): Megan Alvarez (?), Alex Feeken (?)
Newcomers (4): Madie Hanley, Sarah Lokos, Lindsay Mable, Hanna Nordquist
Quick Assessment: The Gophers lose just two routines from a squad that third at Regionals. As with last season, the Gophers will be led by AAers Russell and Slechta, with capable support from sophomore AAer Tomson. A talented frosh class could lend an immediate boost, in particular, L10 standouts Nordquist and Mable. How well the squad fares could depend on the health of the AAers and the how quickly the frosh adapt. UB was a weakness last season, and the frosh should help there especially.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jason Butts
Assistants: Travis Doak, Bridget Boyd
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (89: Makenzie Bristol (Jr), Amanda Carpenter (Jr), Beth Deal (So), Chelsea Goldschrafe (Sr), Dayah Haley (So), Kaylyn Millick (Sr), Alaska Richardson (Sr),Hope Sloanhoffer (Jr), Erica Smith (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Jamie Judge (So), Lia Salzano (So), Maci Sump (So), Bethany Yurko (Jr)
Graduated (2): Tina Maloney, Nicole Roach
Other Losses (2): Parker Beattie (?), Reilly Beattie (?)
Newcomers (3): Gina Costa, Mellissa Idell, Jaida Lawrence
Quick Assessment: The Mountaineers finished 2012 with a fifth place finish at Regionals. Their score was their highest ever at a Regional, and they finished just 0.55 from 2nd place. They'll be led this season by EAGL Gymnast of the Year Sloanhoffer and fellow AAer Millick. Goldschrafe and Richardson are two other standouts, and former elite Smith has upside potential. The squad welcomes three frosh, with Lawrence featuring some big power skills. A solid, experienced core will look to continue to refine the small details that will earn them the extra tenths they'll need to move up the standings.
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25. Kentucky Wildcats
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Tim Garrison
Assistants: Chuck Dickerson, Mary McDaniel
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (10): Caitlyn Ciokajlo (Sr/I), Holly Cunningham (Jr), Alexis Gross (So), Audrey Harrison (Jr), Kayla Hartley (Jr), Kenzie Hedges (So), Shelby Hilton (So), Shannon Mitchell (So), Sara Shipley (So), Kayla Sienkowski (Kr)
Other/Injured Returners (0): NA
Graduated (2): Storey Morris, Whitney Rose
Other Losses (5): Liz Ames (?), Angie Goodwin (?), Paige Krall (?), Caitlin Satkowiak (Manager), Jessie Staples (?)
Newcomers (5): Jill Chappel, Tiara Phipps, Shannon Reynolds (So/Diver last season), Amy Roemmele, Montana Whittle
Quick Assessment: The Wildcats return all ten final competitors from the 2012 season that saw them finish fifth at Regionals. Harrison and Gross return as the top two AAers, but sophomore Hedges has the potential to contribute even more this season. Five newcomers join the squad, and they'll look to challenge for lineup spots, particularly on UB. The loss of leadership and scoring potential from Morris and Rose will hurt, but both had been limited by injuries during their careers. Ciokajlo also sustained a training accident earlier this fall and will be missed on UB.
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