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13. Auburn Tigers
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14. Minnesota Gophers
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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 (6): Caitlin Atkinson (So), Brianna Guy (Jr), Caryn Kadous (Jr), Kait Kluz (So), Megan Walker (Jr), Brittany Webster (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5): Nicole Galluzo (Sr), Lexus Demers (So), Kelsey Kopec (So), Kara Koster (So), Kelsey Thomasson (So)
Graduated (2): Toi Garcia, Petrina Yokay
Other Losses (2): Arielle Bulls, Abbey Habicht
Newcomers (5): Kullen Hlawek, Meggie Lim, MJ Rott, Lucia Scaglione, Miranda Telmanik
Quick Assessment: Auburn was held out of a Nationals spot by a strong Minnesota squad last season, after a solid regular season from the Tigers. Gone from that squad are eight routines, including high scoring sets from Garcia and Yokay. The good news is that the Tigers return a strong core, led by AAers Atkinson and Guy, plus UB/BB ace Walker. Challenging to fill the rest of the lineups is a talented set of returnees and newcomers. Of those, Rott is the leading candidates to lead the frosh, while the Kadous, Kluz, Webster and Demers will be front runners amongst the returnees. AU stood out last season for a high level of difficulty, especially on FX. This will continue to be true again in 2014, with big tumbling and powerful vaults. The main questions for the squad will be on UB and BB, where the losses from last season will be most telling.
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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: 19/24
Returning Starters (8): Jenny Covers (Jr), Madie Hanley (So), Lindsay Mable (So), Hanna Nordquist (So), Dusti Russell (Sr), Kylie Schermann (Jr), Kayla Slechta (Sr), Cierra Tomson (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (1): Justine Cherwink (Sr)
Graduated (2): Janell Campbell, Shannon Golich
Other Losses (1): Sarah Lokos (?)
Newcomers (5): Bailey Abernathy, Athena Geisness, Rachel Haines, Bailie Holst, Kaitlin Rahon
Quick Assessment: Minnesota had a dream season last year, surprising some observers by not only making Nationals but by placing eigth. Sophomore Mable stepped in and made an immediate impact to help elevate the squad, and she'll lead them once again as their top AAer. Senior Russell has been a strong contributor since her rookie campaign, and is being singled out to help lead this squad. Nordquist had a stellar frosh year, while Covers, Scherrmann and Tomson made huge strides last season. Those six form a strong core for the squad. The big question mark for the Gophers may be senior Slechta, a standout as an underclassman. The Gophers look to absorb the loss of Golich and Campbell, in particular on UB and FX. Five frosh have joined the squad, but top recruit Haines did not compete in the recent intrasquad. The Gophers were a slow starting team in the past, so they have time to work through these preseason issues.
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15. Penn State Nittany Lions
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16. Illinois Fighting Illini
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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 (7): Taylor Alotta (So), Lexi Carroll (Jr), Lindsay Musgrove (Sr), Samantha Musto (So), Sidney Sanabria-Robles (Sr), Kassidy Stauder (Sr), Krystal Welsh (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Alix Faden (So), Hannah Kobman (So), Savannah Soares (So), Alex Witt (Jr)
Graduated (2): Madison Merriam, Sharaya Musser
Other Losses (2): Shealyn Farley, Kelsey Kreider
Newcomers (5): Jenny Lash, Randi Lau (So/TR LSU), Nicole Medvitz, Tina Postiglione (I), Emma Sibson
Quick Assessment: Penn State faces the season without two of their stars from the last four years, Merriam and Musser. The pair represented big "end-of-the-lineup" scoring that makes the loss of the seven routines larger than normal. Sammie Musto and Krystal Welsh look to lead the way for PSU, as they look to improve upon last season's fourth place Regional finish and make their way back to Nationals. Alotta, Carroll and Sanabria-Robles look especially strong and have the potential to step up their contributions after solid off-season training. Five newcomers will also be counted upon to help bolster the PSU lineups and provide some end-of-the-lineup scores. LSU transfer Lau is not only being counted on to vault, she is being cited as a potential AA candidate. Medvitz was a three-time L10 National Champ on BB, and will also contribute on UB. Sibson was a standout FX/VT worker, and forms a poiwerful complement to the graceful Medvitz.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Kim Landrus
Associate Head Coach: Jay Santos
Assistant: Chad Wiest
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (8): Sarah Fiedler (Sr), Heather Foley (So), Tori Fujinami (So), Sunny Kato (Jr), Elizabeth McNabb (Sr), Jordan Naleway (Jr), Giana O'Connor (So), Amber See (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Kelsi Eberly (Jr), Gabriella Nguyen (So)
Graduated (4): Elise Gill, Jaclyn Kantecki, Alina Weinstein, Macy Hyatt
Other Losses (1): Nikki McGarel (Jr/R/Student Coach),
Newcomers (5): Erin Buchanan, Mary Jane Horth, Suren Kanchanavaleerat, Emily Lennon, Sarah Lyons
Quick Assessment: The Illini joined the Big 10 party at Nationals last season, capitalizing on NU's poor Regional performance and outpacing the field with a consistent performance for a spot at Nationals. Led by Weinstein, who had a stellar Senior season, they stayed consistent for an 11th place finish. The Illini will be led by AAer O'Connor and Seniors McNabb and See this season. They will also look to a strong and talented frosh class to help strengthen the lineups overall. Buchanan had a great final L10 season and excels on the leg events (Arabian double front on floor). Horth's long lines do not detract from her power, despite her height. With a solid and consistent core set of returning athletes and a strong class of newcomers, the Illini seem poised to put themselves once again in a position for a possible Nationals berth.
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17. Arizona Wildcats
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18. Denver Pioneers
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Head Coach: Bill Ryden
Associate Heach Coach: John Court
Assistants: Randi (Liljenquist) Acosta
Returning Starters (9): Danielle Buchanan (Jr/I), Shelby Edwards (So), Allison Flores (Jr), Kristin Klarenbach (Jr), Lexi Mills (So), Shana Sangston (Sr), Jessie Sisler (So), Jordan Williams (Sr), Amber Wobma (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Barbara Donaldson (Sr), Ali Stakem (Sr), Krishna Yemany (So/I)
Graduated (3): Aubree Cristello, Mykle Douglas, Molly Quirk
Other Losses (1): Chelsea Perna (?)
Newcomers (4): Selynna Felix-Terrazas, Shay Fox (Jr), Krysten Howard, Gabby Laub, Mackenzie Valentin
Quick Assessment: Arizona will look to qualify for Nationals, led by a strong cast of returnees. They'll certainly miss AAer Cristello and unfortunately also lost Buchanan to injury in the preseason. Williams will lead the way for the Wildcats, and Wobma and Flores look to step up this season. The health of Edwards is a key variable -- she's a potential top AAer but was slowed by injuries last season. Classmate Mills excels on UB and BB, while Sisler excels on VT/FX. Unfortunately, Canadian elites Klarenbach and Yemany have been battling injuries but look to contribute more this season. Of the newcomers, Valentin is coming off a strong JO L10 season and will lend power to VT and FX. Local product Felix-Terrazas lends depth on VT/UB/FX while Laub has been slowed by a minor surgery.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Jay Hogue, Carl Leland
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Returning Starters (9): Emily Barrett (So), Jorie Hall (Sr), Moriah Martin (Sr), Nina McGee (Jr), Katie Menhinick (So), Kaitlin Moorhead (Sr), Melodie Pulgarin Linero (Sr), Ellese Sakai-Hart (Jr), Emily Warfield (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (6): Alix Angelopulo (Jr), Rachel Feeken (So), Maggie Laughlin (So), Emily Novotny (So), Paige Tollefson (Sr), Morgan Tolman (So)
Graduated (2): Simona Castro, Brianna Springer
Other Losses (1): Madison Kilchrist (?)
Newcomers (3): Rachel Fielitz, Leah Lomonte, Julia Ross
Quick Assessment: Denver was challenging for a spot at Nationals until a rough beam rotation set them back. A strong regular season was fueled by strong AA leadership from NCAA qualifier and vault All-American Martin. McGee also stepped up her contributions in a big way, as a big scorer on three events. AAer Pulgarin Linero was limited by injury at Regionals and will provide a big booster. Beam ace Hall lead a large cast of specialists and AA candidates. While they will miss the contributions and experience of Castro and Springer, they welcome three frosh as well. Lomonte is coming off a strong JO L10 season that saw her finish 11th AA at Nationals. She adds power and nice Arabian Double on FX. The tall Fielitz excels on vault and will add depth on the other three events.
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19. Ohio State Buckeyes
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20. Washington Huskies
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Carey Fagan
Assistants: William Lorenz, Meredith Yonushonis
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Returning Starters (9): Rachel Abrams (So), Victoria Aepli (Sr), Alex DeLuca (Sr), Maggie Dunn (So), Sarah Grady (Jr), Maddie Herr (So), Sarah Miller (Sr), Melanie Shaffer (Sr), Audrey Tolbert (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Samantha Kent (So), Andrea Vazquez (RS Fr/I)
Graduated (2): Colleen Dean, Alyssa Marohn
Other Losses (2): Micaela Cologie, Taylor Fasel
Newcomers (5): Michelle Burns, Tenille Funches, Anna Hill, Erin Malone, Jaine Van Putten
Quick Assessment: Ohio State loses two two big stars in Dean and Marohn, although Dean was out with injury last season. Thus, the Buckeyes return 21 of 24 routines from their Regional lineup that came in fourth, with a strong 196.05 mark. The strong senior class will look to lead the squad back to Nationals, led by Sarah Miller and Melanie Schaffer. These two standouts have provided a spark to the squad since their rookie seasons. The rest of the returnees create a large pool of experienced athletes, with Aepli leading the way. Five frosh plus the return of the injured Vazquez should provide a boost, in particular on vault. Funches was a past standout at the JO L10 level, and she is coming off a fifth place finish at the National meet. They will look for her in an AA role, where she could provide a major boost. Van Putten also had a strong year, and she excels on VT and FX. She tied for 5th on VT at JO Nationals. Beam will continue to be a strength, and any squad that excels at beam usually is in contention in the post-season.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Joanne Bowers
Assistants: David McCreary, Elise Ray
Starting Routines Returning: 12/24
Returning Starters (4): Jackie McCartin (Jr), Sheridan Metcalf (So), Allison Northey (So), Aliza Vaccher (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): McKenzie Fechter (Jr/I), Madison Podlucky (Jr/I)
Graduated (5): Paige Bixler, Lauren Rogers, Kylie Sharp, Phoebe Tham, Meg Whitney
Other Losses (1): Kiersten Graber (R)
Newcomers (6): Kaitlin Duranczyk, Janae Janik, Faith Morrison, Jessica Nesis, Stephanie Stowe (I), Alexandra Yacalis
Quick Assessment: The Huskies face some large losses this season, losing six athletes and having 12 lineups holes to fill. AA Rogers was a standout last season, qualifying to the NCAA National meet. The Huskies also suffered a number of injuries last season. In fact, an injury in warm-ups at Regionals to potential AAer Fechter left the Huskies with just five on vault. Despite those challenges, the Huskies placed third at Regionals, based on a solid core of athletes, but hampered by a lack of depth. Senior Vaccher returns to lead the Huskies, while Northey and an improved McCartin look poised to challenge as AAers. With Fechter working her way back from injury, frosh Janik and Yacalis could contribute on all four events. Janik has trained elite in the past while Yacalis has big skills on VT and FX. Unfortunately for the Huskies, top AA recruit Stowe tore her ACL during preseason training and Morrison (17th at JOs) has been limited by elbow issues. Metcalf is also another variable, and has returned this season in top condition but has struggled with injuries in the past.
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21. Kentucky WIldcats
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22. California Golden Bears
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Tim Garrison
Assistants: Chuck Dickerson, Mary McDaniel
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Returning Starters (11): Marissa Beucler (So), Jill Chappel (So), Holly Cunningham (Sr), Alexis Gross (Jr), Audrey Harrison (Sr), Kayla Hartley (RS Jr),Shelby Hilton (Jr), Shannon Mitchell (Jr), Tiara Phipps (So), Sara Shipley (Jr), Kayla Sienkowski (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Kenzie Hedges (Jr), Amy Roemmele (So), Shannon Reynolds (Jr), Montana Whittle (So)
Graduated (1): Caitlin Ciokajlo (I)
Other Losses (0): N/A
Newcomers (3): Alyssa Bertoni, Kirsten Canini, Taylor Puryear
Quick Assessment: Kentucky had one of their strongest seasons in some time last year, and looks to continue their momentum up the ranks this season. They posted their highest score in school history at Regionals and missed Nationals by 0.45. With the entire active roster returning, the Wildcats are well poised to exceed expectations again. Gross and Harrison return to lead the way as AAers. FX standout Hartley leads a large cast of specialists competing for lineup spots, with Cunningham another key contributor. Of the other returnees, Roemmele could provide a boost as she missed the 2nd half of the season with illness. The Wildcats welcome three frosh, but it is the returnees that will look to continue their improvement and help close the gap on the top squads.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Justin Howell
Assistants: Elizabeth Crandall, Jessa Hansen
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Returning Starters (7): Alicia Asturias (Sr), Dallas Crawford (Sr), Kristina Heymann (So), Maddie Kratzke (Jr), Serena Leong (So), Crystal Paz (Jr), Jordan Widener (So)
Other/Injured Returners (0): N/A
Graduated (6): Carol Chang, Madisyn O'Brien, Stina Olivere, Mariesah Pierce, Arla Rosenzweig, Chelsea Spomer
Other Losses (0): N/A
Newcomers (8): Leilani Alferos (Sr/TR from Oregon State), Isabelle Castillo, Zoe Draghi, Dana Ho, Jessica Howe, Charlie Owens, Desiree Palmores, Amber Takara
Quick Assessment: The strong improvement of the Bears last season created a buzz in Berkeley, but it is really the strong frosh class that is creating excitement for this season and beyond. Even the Coaches' Poll caught the fever, placing the Bears in the Top 25. The Bears will miss the leadership, experience and scores from a large graduated class, however. Instead they will look to AAers Asturias and Pac 12 Newcomer of the Year Leong to lead the way, along with senior bars ace Crawford. The large frosh contingent is led by Howe, a former sr. international elite with beautiful lines who is looking strong in preseason training. Owens, Ho and Palmores could also contribute on four events, while Takara is a standout on VT and FX. Despite the excitement and talent, the whole process of frosh adaptation to collegiate competition can be tricky and unpredictable.
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23. Boise State Broncos
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24. Maryland Terrapins
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Neil Resnick and Tina Bird
Assistants: Patty Resnick
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Returning Starters (7): Kelsey Black (Sr), Alessandra Cinfio (Sr), Krystine Jacobsen (So), Maddie Krentz (So), Kelsey Morris (Jr), Amanda Otuafi (Sr), Ciera Perkins (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Molly McFarland (So), Marissa Wossner (So)
Graduated (3): Cristy Dahlquist, Brittany Potvin-Green, Erin Wipperman
Other Losses (3): Caitlin Fovenyessy, McKenna Hutcheson, Caitlin Mann (JR/?)
Newcomers (6): McKenna Bird, Mackenzie Bennion, Mary Frances Bir, Brooke Graham, Diana Mejia, Paige Urquhart
Quick Assessment: The Broncos suffered a bit last season due to a number of unexpected losses. And this season, they will miss the contributions of top AAer Potvin-Green plus 2013 WAC Gymnast of the Year Mann. But a solid core of athletes returns, led by upperclassmen Black, Morris, Otuafi and Perkins. Each can contribute three or four routines to the lineup and form a solid core for the squad. Others will have to step up to fill out the lineups. Sophomore Krentz was the WAC Frosh of the Year while Jacobsen will look to expand her contributions. Six newcomers join the squad, and they will look to complete the lineups and fill out the depth chart. Bars ace Mejia is a multiple time National Champion on UB at the JO L10 level, and is also strong on BB. Bennion is also strong on UB and has big tumbling skills on FX (Arabian Double Front). Both Graham and Urquhart are coming off of solid L10 seasons, with Urquhart excelling on VT and Graham showing solid progress back from injury.
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Brett Nelligan
Assistants: Erinn Dooley, J.J. Ferreira
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (9): Jessie Black (Sr), Katie Dodds (Sr), Stephanie Giameo (Jr), Dani Kram (Jr), Elizabethe Manzi (Sr), Karen Tang (Sr), Kathy Tang (So), Ebony Walters (Sr), Alex Zimmerman (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4): Emily Heller (Jr), Haley Jones (So), Bailey Philbin (So), Shannon Skochko (Jr)
Graduated (2): Ally Krikorian, Kelsey Cofsky
Other Losses (0): N/A
Newcomers (5): Emily Brauckmuller, Nikki Chung, Nicole Dragon, Sarah Faller, Leah Slobodin
Quick Assessment: Maryland is coming off a strong year, where they surpassed the expectations of many (but not likely themselves) and made an impact nationally. They will look to do that by blending a strong core of returnees with some strong newcomers. They will miss the contributions of Krikorian and Cofsky, who contributed 7 routines and some big end of the lineup scores. The Terrapins will look upon Dodds and Giameo to lead the way, with a large class of supporting specialists. The Tang sisters remain a large upside variable, especially sophomore Kathy, who was limited by injury last season but was a standout at the recent intrasquad. The five frosh include a number of potential standouts, but a lot depends on their abiity to adjust and contribute. Brauckmuller placed 6th at the 2012 JO Nationals while Slobodin missed the postseason after placing 15th in 2012. Faller placed 16th at the 2012 JO Nationals while former Australian elite Chung is coming back from an ACL tear in 2012.
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25. ASU Sun Devils
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Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: John Spini
Co-Head Coach: Maggie Ethier
Assistants: Hollie Vise, Tom Ward
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (9): Brianna Gades (Jr), Erin Hamister (So), Carissa Kraus (So), Stephanie Miceli (So), Risa Perez (So), Allie Salas (So), Samantha Seaman (Sr), Morgan Steigerwalt (Jr), Natasha Sundby (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Alex Cope (So), Kristine Levin (So)
Graduated (2): Kahoku Palafox, Amelia Rew
Other Losses (1): Natalie Gentile (JR/?)
Newcomers (5): Savannah Borman, Beka Conrad, Gilly Hogue, Victoria Marquez, Kellie Wanamaker
Quick Assessment: ASU seeks to return back to the realm of National qualifiers contenders by using a core of solid gymnasts and some promising newcomers. They lose just four routines from 2013, which bodes well for their plans to move up the rankings. Sophomore Miceli is the top returning AAer, while Gades lends key scores late in the lineups. Perez, Steigerwalt and Sundy are also key members of the core lineups. Seaman is a big variable; an AAer in the past she can provide a boost on all four events. Late signee Conrad and classmate Hogue are coming off solid L10 seasons. Hogue was 16th(T) at the 2013 JO Nationals while Conrad was 18th in 2012. Former elite Wanamaker placed 12th AA at the 2012 JO Nationals, but missed the post season last year. With improved depth and consistency, ASU seeks to make an impact this season.
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