Displaying items by tag: 2015

 1.  Florida Gators

2.  OU Sooners

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Head Coach: Rhonda Faehn
Assistants: Adrian Burde, Robert Ladanyi
Returning Starters (6):  Claire Boyce (So), Bridgette Caquatto (Jr), Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto (Jr), Kytra Hunter (Sr), Bridget Sloan (Jr), Rachel Spicer (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Morgan Frazier (Jr), Jamie Shisler (Sr),  Kiersten Wang (Sr)
Graduated (3):  Mackenzie Caquatto, Alaina Johnson, Lauren Rose
Other Losses (1):  Sophia Colussi-Pelaez (TR/Oregon St)
Newcomers (4):  Kennedy Baker, Ericha Fassbender, Grace McLaughlin, Alex McMurtry
Quick Assessment:  The Florida Gators topped the Preseason Coaches' Poll, despite the loss of standouts Alaina Johnson and Mackenzie Caquatto.  The pair accounted for 7 of the Gators 24 routines, most in the bottom half (higher scoring) of the lineup.  For many teams, this could be a rebuilding year.  The Gators lost four athletes from last year's squad, but gain five.  The strength of this powerful class has the potential to help propel the Gators to a tri-peat.  But the core of this squad is two former NCAA AA champions, Kytra Hunter and Bridget Sloan.  No team has quite the one-two punch this pairs affords.  They'll be capably supported by vets Bridgette Caquatto and Rachel Spicer, each three event gymnasts last season.  The frosh, though, bring firepower of their own.  Baker is a former Senior National Team member with huge skills, while McMurtry was a dominant force in the L10 ranks who had the skills to easily go elite.  Both also have tremendous power and high level skills on vault and floor, an area in which the Gators have fallen behind as of late.  Joining them are former Senior National Team member Grace McLaughlin and former elite Ericha Fassbender, with the latter coming off a strong season as a L10. 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Assistants: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Returning Starters (8):   Erica Brewer (Sr), Chayse Capps (So), Rebecca Clark (Sr), Maile'ana Kanewa (Jr), Kara Lovan (So), Keeley Kmieciak (Jr), Haley Scaman (Jr), McKenzie Woffard (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Reagan Hemry (So), Charity Jones (So), Hunter Price (Jr), Haley Sorensen (Sr)
Graduated (5):  Lara Albright, Lauren Alexander, Madison Mooring, Taylor Spears, Hayden Ward
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):  Ali Jackson, Natalie Brown, Stefani Catour, Samantha Craus, Brenna Dowell
Quick Assessment:  Last season, the OU Sooners completed their rise and claimed a share of the podium.  The Sooners did it by combining their well known high levels of execution on bars and beam with some newly recruited power in the leg events.  And this season, they'll be one of the top favorites to take the title once again.  The Sooners did experience the loss of five athletes, but these five only accounted for six routines in the Super Six Finals.  Their leadership, consistency and polish will be missed.  Leading the way for the Sooners will be a quartet of top returners:  the dynamic Erica Brewer, the stylish Chayse Capps, the consistent Kara Lovan, and the powerful Hayley Scaman.  But OU has more than just those four -- the rest of the returners could form a team that could challenge on its own.  To that core, Coach KJ Kindler adds five frosh, headlined by US National Team member Brenna Dowell, standout L10 Ali Jackson, and former elite Stefani Catour.  Those three add even more power, especially on FX and VT.  Some question marks had arisen regarding Dowell following her injury last season, but she seems to be ready to excel.       

3.  LSU Tigers

4.  Alabama Crimson Tide

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 13/24
Head Coach:  Dana Duckworth
Associate Head Coach:  Brian Raschilla
Assistant:  Bill Lorenz
Returning Starters (6):  Katie Bailey (So), Lauren Beers (Jr), Kaitlyn Clark (Sr), Lora Leigh Frost (Sr), Amanda Jetter (So), Aja Monet-Sims
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Hunter Dennis (Sr), Keely McNeer (So), Dominique Pegg (So), Mary Lillian Sanders (So), Carley Sims (Jr), Kayla Williams (I/Sr)
Graduated (5):   Sarah DeMeo, Ria Dormier, Lindsey Fowler, Kim Jacob, Diandra Milliner
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):  Mackenzie Brannan, Nickie Guerrero, Jennie Loeb, Mackenzie Valentin (So, TR/Arizona), Kiana Winston
Quick Assessment:  Bama is facing some daunting losses headed into this season, not to mention the loss of their iconic Head Coach Sarah Patterson.  Former assistant and Bama star Data Duckworth is picking up the reigns of the tradition, but is doing so without three huge stars, including NCAA AA champ Kim Jacob.  Jacobs plus Sarah Demeo and Diandra Milliner combined for nearly half of Bama's routines in the Super Six last season, most in the latter half of the lineup.   The six core returnees are led by Katie Bailey, Lauren Beers, Kaitlyn Clark and Aja Monet-Sims.  In addition to that quartet, the Tide hope to get the services of former World Champion Kayla Wiliams and Canadian Olympian Dominique Pegg.  The Coaches' have placed Bama fourth in the Preseason poll, in recognition of all the elite level talent on the team.  These veterans will supplemented by a strong class, including former elite Mackenzie Brannan, L10 standout Nickie Guerrero and elite Kiana Winston, who is still coming back from injuries.  For Bama, how high they rise will depend on the overall health of their stars and how much the newcomers to the lineup can step up their contributions.  

5.  UCLA Bruins

6.  Utah Utes

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Head Coach: Valerie Kondos Field
Associate Head Coach:  Chris Waller
Assistant: Randy Lane
Returning Starters (7):  Sadiqua Bynum (Sr), Sophina DeJesus (Jr), Ellette Craddock (Jr), Danusia Francis (Jr), Hallie Mossett (So), Jennifer Pinches (So), Sam Peszek (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5): Angi Cipra (I/So), Michaela Gerber (So), Christine "Peng Peng" Lee (I/So), Jessy MacArthur (So), Alex Waller (So)
Graduated (3):  Olivia Courtney, Dana McDonald, Syndey Sawa
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (8):  Rechelle Dennis, Karli Dugas, Napualani Hall, JaNay Honest, LaNiesha-Jopre Irvin, Sonya Meraz, Melissa Metcalf, Jordan Williams (GS/I, TR/Arizona)
Quick Assessment:  UCLA finished last season with a fifth place finish in the packed evening sesson of the NCAA semi-finals.  They finished just 0.125 out of a spot in the Super Six, despite a season marred with injuries and inconsistency.  The Bruins find themselves in fifth place in the Preseason Poll, elevated by the decision of Sam Peszek to return for a fifth season.  She'll be needed, as the Bruins will sorely miss the services of Oliva Courtney and Sydney Sawa.  Peszek's and Pinches' decision to return for this season is perhaps Coach Valerie Kondos-Field's biggest "recruiting" coup of the off-season.  The Bruins will also expect big scores from Brit Danusia Francis and increased contributions from sophomore Hallie Mossett, a former elite.  Also returning from an extended series of injuries is Christine Peng-Peng, a talented Canadian whose true potential has been limited by extensive injuries.  Headlining the large incoming are former elites Pua Hall and Melissa Metcalf, complete with big skills like Double Arabians and solid execution..  In addition, Rachelle Dennis, JaNay Honest and LaNiesha-Jopre Irvin are all coming off solid senior years as L10s and will provide much needed depth, especially on vault.   

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Head Coaches: Greg and Megan Marsden
Assistant: Tom Farden
Returning Starters (7):  Georgia Dabritz (Sr), Kailah Delaney (Jr), Breanna Hughes (Jr), Corrie Lothrop (Sr), Baely Rowe (So),  Becky Tutka (Sr), Tori Wilson (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Haley Lange (So), Kassandra Lopez (Jr)
Graduated (4):  Nansy Damianova, Lia Del Priore, Hailey Hansen, Mary Beth Lofgren
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):   Kari Lee, TIffani Lewis, Samantha Partyka, Maddy Stover
Quick Assessment: The Utes find themselves sixth in the Preseason Poll, despite the loss of eight routines and four graduated seniors.  And, the Pac 12 Coaches' have dubbed the Utes the Preseason favorite to win the Conference title, ahead of the Bruins.  The Utes, in fact, finished fourth in their session of the NCAA Semi-Finals, just behind NU.  This season, they'll look to not only make it back to the Super Six, but to close the gap on the top three.  This will be the season to do it.  They'll be lead by seniors Georgia Dabritz, Corrie Lothrop and Tori Wilson.  All three could be AAers, if they can make the lineup in each event.  These veterans will be joined by Kailah Delaney, a strong vaulter, and an improved Breanna Hughes and Baely Rowe.  Unfortunately, senior Becky Tutka has been slowed by injuries but junior Kassandra Lopez is on the way back from injury.  Pushing all this experience will be four standout frosh:  Kari Lee, Tiffani Lewis, Samantha Partyka and Maddy Stover.  They'll provide not only depth, but possibly could provide top level scores, especially on BB.  In particular, Lee and Stover have the execution, flexibility and grace that can produce the top level scores that the Utes will need to make it back to the Super Six.  The balance beam and maturation of the frosh will tell how far Utah might rise.    

7.  Georgia Gym Dogs

8.  Michigan Wolverines

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Head Coach: Danna Durante
Assistants: Jay Hogue, Philip Ogletree
Returning Starters (8):  Mary Beth Box (Jr), Ashlynn Broussard (So), Kiera Brown (So), Chelsea Davis (Sr), Brandie Jay (Jr), Lauren Johnson (So/I), Morgan Reynolds (So), Brittany Rogers (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Demetria Hunte (Sr), Whitney Kirby (Sr), Sarah Persinger (Sr), Beth Roberts (So), Rachel Schick (So)
Graduated (3):  Lindsey Cheek, Kaylan Earls, Cat Hires
Other Losses (1):  Anysia Unick (I/R)
Newcomers (5):  Jasmine Arnold, Viviana Babalis, GiGi Marino, Hayley Sanders, Natalie Vaculik
Quick Assessment:  The Georgia Gym Dogs overcame the loss of some key veterans and not only qualified for the Super Six, but finished fifth.  Once again, the Gym Dogs find themselves without some key departed veterans and are looking forward to the challenge of making it back to Super Six.  In particular, UGA's Lindsey Cheek and Kaylan Earls were key athletes that consistently delivered 9.9+ routines near the end of the UGA lineups.  Coach Danna Durante's Gym Dogs have previuosly defied expectations and overcome graduation losses to finish among the leaders  To stay at that level, they'll need some big scores from senior bar ace Chelsea Davis and juniors Brandie Jay and Brittany Rogers.  Rogers competed injured at the end of last season; they look to get her back in more events.  Also giving the squad a boost will be the return of Sarah Persinger.  The sophomores will also look to make a step forward and take on starring roles, especially Ashlyn Broussard, Kiera Brown and Morgan Reynolds.  UGA will also look to its large frosh class to step in immediately, as they'll provide both depth and some potentially high scoring routines.  In particular, Canadian Natalie Vaculik has elite level polish and some top level skills.  Similarly, Vivi Babalis shines on beam and floor, while GiGi Marino tumbles some top skills on Floor (double layout, pike full-in).

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 13/24
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Assistants: Dave Kuzara, Scott Sherman
Returning Starters (5):  Nicole Artz (So), Briley Casanova (Jr), Talia Chiarelli (So), Sachi Sugiyama (Sr), Lindsay Williams (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Annette Miele (Sr), Brooke Parker (Sr), Austin Sheppard (I/Jr)
Graduated (5): Teresa Arthur, Natalie Beilstein, Shelby Gies, Joanna Sampson, Reema Zhakharia
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (6):  Brianna Brown, Nichelle Christopherson, Ilana Gordon, Cailee Hills, Lauren Marinez (I), India McPeak
Quick Assessment:   Michigan starts the season having lost nearly half of their routines from last year's NCAA Semi-Finals appearance and return just five starters from that lineup.  What's more, these departed athletes, especially Natalie Beilstein and Joanna Sampson, consistently produced some of the top scores in the NCAA.  The loss of so much scoring potential, experience and leadership provides a big opportunity for the new team to step up.   Leading the way will be senior AAer Sachi Sugiyama and sophomore Nicole Artz.  They provide AA potential and important scores late in the lineup.  Also looking strong in the preseason is sophomore Talia Chiarelli and junior Briley Casanova.  However, a big variable for the Wolverines will be junior Austin Sheppard.  She broke her ankle prior to Regionals, and she can play an important role for this year's squad.  This year, the Wolverines will need to have even bigger contributions from their frosh.  Leading the way is Brianna Brown, a former elite who is coming off a strong year as a L10.  She'll be potential AAer in her first year.  However, another potential key gymnast, Lauren Marinez is injured while both Cailee Hills and India McPeak are working their way back from injury.  Injuries and depth are the key issues here and will tell the tale of how far Michigan can rise this year. 

9.  Nebraska Cornhuskers

10.  Stanford Cardinal

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  18/24
Head Coach: Dan Kendig
Assistants:  Heather Brink, Dan Miller
Returning Starters (7):  Hollie Blanske (Jr), Jessie DeZiel (Sr), Amanda Lauer (Jr), Jennifer Lauer (Sr), Jennie Laeng (So), Ariel Martin (So), Desire Stephens (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Ashley Lambert (So), Madison McConkey (Jr)
Graduated (2):  Jamie Schleppenbach, Emily Wong
Other Losses (1):  Sean Tafuri (signee)
Newcomers (3):  Danielle Breen, Kamerin Moore, Grace Williams
Quick Assessment:  Nebraska's season finished on a high note with a sixth place finish in the Super Six.  They overachieved once again, taking a small squad and working themselves into some of the best gymnastics of their careers.  Gone from that squad are just two gymnasts representing six routines, but Emily Wong was usually good for a 9.9+ on each event.  On a naturally less-deep squad, this would have a big impact.  But for the Huskers, things are looking bright.  Back to lead the team are potential AAers Hollie Blanske, Jessie DeZiel and Jennie Laeng.  They will be capably supported by a wide range of specialists, including Ariel Martin and Jennifer Lauer.  This forms a strong and experienced core.  Supplementing that core is perhaps Nebraska's finest recruiting class in years.  All three are coming off of strong Level 10 club seasons, and look set to contribute immediately.  Former elite Grace Williams leads the way, and she is a three time JO L10 National AA champ.  Clubmate Kamerin Moore is a former elite who won a National UB title at the JO level in 2014.  Breen is yet another potential AAer, and she made the Level 10 JO National team in 2014.  Given the NU's coaching staff's penchant for getting the most out of their athletes, starting with this much talent could lead to great things in the future.  These three, while not throwing some of the big skills of other former elites, excel with their grace and execution.   

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Head Coach: Kristen Smyth
Associate Head Coach:  Chris Swircek
Assistant:  Tabitha Yim
Returning Starters (9):  Melissa Chuang (Jr), Rachel Daum (So), Jenna Frowein (Jr), Danielle McNair (So), Nicolette McNair (So), Taylor Rice (Jr), Samantha Shapiro (Sr), Kristina Vaculik (Sr), Rebecca Wing (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5): Carinne Gale (So), Pauline Hanset (Jr/I), Ivana Hong (Sr/I), Sophia Lee (So/I), Haley Spector (So)
Graduated (3):  Shona Morgan, Amanda Spinner, Lucy Meyer
Other Losses (1):  Alex Archer (I)
Newcomers (1):  Elizabeth Price
Quick Assessment:   Stanford finished 4th in their session of the NCAAs, 0.5 points out of a spot in the Super Six.  They lose just three gymnasts representing four routines from that starting lineup. However, two of those routines were the critical leadoff and anchor routines on beam.  The squad in 2014 depended quite a bit on an inexperienced Frosh class.  A year later, these gymnasts, now sophomores, could take an even bigger role on this squad.  The returning squad does boast plenty of upperclassman leadership and experience.  They are led by senior and Canadian Olympian Kristina Vaculik, one of the top returning AAers in the NCAA.  Joining her is junior Taylor Rice and senior specialist Samantha Shapiro.  They form a key core at the center of the team.  Three of the sophomores had big debut seasons:  Rachel Daum, Danielle McNair and Nicolette McNair.  Any of the three could step forward into a starring role this season. There is also a lot of potential in athletes that were injured in 2014, in particular former elites Ivana Hong and Sophia Lee.  And it goes without saying that the Cardinal will look immediately to US National Team member and Olympic alternate Elizabeth Price as an immediate AA force.  She'll be more than enough to replace the lost routines.  However, it will be the return of Hong and the further development of the sophomores that will tell the tale of how far this team can rise. 

11.  Oregon State Beavers

12.  Auburn Tigers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Head Coach: Tanya Chaplin
Associate Head Coach:  Mike Chaplin
Assistant:  Brian Amato
Returning Starters (10):  Erika Aufiero (Jr), Maddie Gardiner (So), Megan Jimenez (So), Taylor Keeker (Sr), Kaytianna McMillan (So), Katelyn Ohlrich (Jr), Kailie Ponto (Sr), Chelsea Tang (Jr), Nicole Turner (Jr), Cerise Witherby (Jr),
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Taylor Ricci (So)
Graduated (3):  Kelsey Blalock, Hannah Casey, Brittany Harris
Other Losses (2):  Kana Kobayashi (R/I), Jaime Wright (R/I)
Newcomers (5):  Silvia Colussi-Pelaez (So, TR/Florida), Dani Dessaints, Shireen Khamedoost, Risa Perez (Jr, TR/ASU), Jamie Rademacher (Jr, TR/EMU)
Quick Assessment:   The Beavers finished third in their Regional, edged from a spot at Nationals by host PSU.  A few untimely injuries limited the Beavers from their full potential at the end of the season, in particular on vault.  Leading the way in 2015 are AAers Maddie Gardiner and Chelsea Tang, who both have NCAA experience.  Junior Erika Aufiero, the ace on UB, leads a wide range of specialists on this large squad.  Oregon State will also look for expanded contributions from Kaytianna McMillan, a potential AAer who was limited by injury last season.  They'll also welcome five newcomers, three of whom come with experience as transfers.  Silvia Colussi-Pelaez is an elite with World Championships experience who coould blossom in Corvallis.  Former ASU star Risa Perez is a standout on FX, where her personality and dance skills shine.  Vault was a weakness last year, and this is where having a healthy squad and some more dynamic vaulting will help.  Because of the depth of the NCAA and the parity enhanced by the code, the Beavers will be in the thick of a battle to earn one of the remaining spots at Nationals.   

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Graba
Assistants: Kurt Hettinger, Jenny Rowland
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Returning Starters (9):  Caitlin Atkinson (Jr), Lexus Demers (Jr), Kullen Hlawek (So), Caryn Kadous (Sr), Kait Kluz (Jr), Kelsey Kopec (Jr), MJ Rott (So), Megan Walker (Sr), Brittany Webster (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Meggie Lim (So), Lucia Scaglione (So), Kelsey Thomasson (Sr)
Graduated (1):   Nicole Galluzo
Other Losses (2):  Kara Koster (Jr/?), Miranda Telmanik (So/?)
Newcomers (6):  Brooke Bray, Kennedy Finnister (I), Sarah Garcia, Blake Jones, Abby Milliet, Cara Stricklin
Quick Assessment:  Auburn had a strong 2014 campaign, marred at the end by an injury to star AAer Bri Guy (dual Achilles' tears, a very tough injury) and to the other star AAer, Caitlin Atkinson (could not compete FX at Regionals).  In part due to this, AU struggled at Regionals, placing fifth after a poor performance on the UB.  Hopes are high for the squad in 2015, with the Coaches' giving them the nod for 12th place in the Preseason rankings.  They'll be led again by Atkinson, fully recovered and once again a force.  She'll be capably supported by last year's top frosh, the powerful MJ Rott, and elegant senior Megan Walker, a key end of the lineup gymnast on UB and BB.  A wide range of specialists will provide depth and top level skills, particularly on FX, where gymnasts like Lexus Demers and Brittany Webster give the squad big E skills like pike full-ins.  The big question for the Tigers is how quickly can Guy come back from such a serious injury.  She's already tumbling and vaulting, albeit not yet at the level of her considerable talent.  Instead, the Tigers can look to a boost from a large frosh class, headlined by elite Abby Milliet.  Milliet could be a difference maker, if she is able to compete to the best of her abilities.  Getting to Nationals is becoming tougher and tougher, and AU is on the hot seat.