| 1. OU Sooners |
2. Florida Gators |
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| Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 16/24 Head Coach: KJ Kindler Assistants: Lou Ball, Tom Haley Returning Starters (8): Natalie Brown (So), Chayse Capps (Jr), Ali Jackson (So), Charity Jones (Jr), Kara Lovan (Jr), Keeley Kmieciak (Sr), Haley Scaman (Sr), McKenzie Wofford (Jr) Other/Injured Returners (5): Stefani Catour (So), Samantha Craus (So), Reagan Hemry (Jr), Maile'ana Kanewa (Sr/I), Hunter Price (Sr) Graduated (3): Erica Brewer, Rebecca Clark, Haley Sorenson Other Losses (1): Brenna Dowell (training elite) Newcomers (4): Nicole Lehrmann, Alex Marks, Megan Thompson, Nicole Turner (SR TR/Oregon State) Quick Assessment: Last season, a few missteps on FX kept the normally solid Sooners from challenging UF and Utah for the title. With another year of experience and some added depth, OU hopes to turn that around this season. However, to do that, they'll need to replace 8 routines from last year, including "end of the lineup" quality routines from Dowell and Brewer. Relying less on AAers, they'll be led once again by Haley Scaman, Chayse Capps, Keeley Kmieciak and Kara Lovan. The Sooners will also welcome back senior Maile'ana Kanewa. Her recovery from a knee injury could give the Sooners a boost on VT and FX. Nicole Lehrmann and Alex Marks lead the newcomers, with Lehrmann a standout on UB and former elite Marks joining the team in December. |
Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 17/24 Head Coach: Jenny Rowland Assistants: Adrian Burde, Owen Field Returning Starters (7): Kennedy Baker (So), Claire Boyce (Jr), Bridgette Caquatto (Sr), Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto (Sr), Ericha Fassbender (So), Alex McMurtry (So), Bridget Sloan (Sr) Other/Injured Returners (2): Morgan Frazier (Sr), Grace McLaughlin (So) Graduated (4): Kytra Hunter, Jamie Shisler, Rachel Spicer, Kiersten Wang Other Losses (0): N/A Newcomers (5): Alicia Boren, Amanda Cheney, Lacy Dagen (I), Peyton Ernst, Ashley Hiller Quick Assessment: The loss of a gymnast like NCAA AA co-champ Kytra Hunter would be disastrous for just about any team. But the Gators are not just any team. This powerhouse squad has enough returning talent in the wings to overcome these losses and to challenge for their fourth title. It also doesn't hurt to have former NCAA champ Bridget Sloan leading the way. Slowed last season by injury, she'll be key to the Gator's title run. She'll be capably supported by super Sophs Kennedy Baker and Alex McMurtry, plus senior Bridgette Caquatto. To this strong core, they add five frosh, led by L10 powerhouse Alicia Boren and former elite Peyton Ernst. Coaching changes aside, these Gators have all the ingredients for another title run. |
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| 3. Alabama Crimson Tide |
4. Utah Utes |
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| Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 17/24 Head Coach: Dana Duckworth Associate Head Coach: Brian Raschilla Assistant: Bill Lorenz Returning Starters (8): Katie Bailey (Jr), Lauren Beers (Sr), Mackenzie Brannan (So), Nickie Guerrero (So), Amanda Jetter (Jr), Keely McNeer (Jr), Aja Monet-Sims (Jr), Carley Sims (Sr) Other/Injured Returners (4): Jennie Loeb (So), Mary Lillian Sanders (Jr), Mackenzie Valentin (Jr), Kiana Winston (So) Graduated (4): Kaitlyn Clark, Kayla Williams, Hunter Dennis, Lora Leigh Frost Other Losses (0): Dominique Pegg (R) Newcomers (6): Abby Armbrecht, Jenna Bresette, Angelina Giancroce, Ari Guerra, Amanda Huang, Avery Rickett Quick Assessment: Alabama holds down the number three spot in the preseason poll, despite the loss of key routines from Kaitlyn Clark and Kayla Williams. However, the large and deep Bama squad has plenty of talent to tap into. Leading the way in 2016 will be juniors Katie Bailey and Aja Monet-Sims, as well as senior Lauren Beers. They also look forward to expanded contributions from Kiana Winston, who has looked strong in Fall training. However, any number of the returners could step up and address the gaps created by the graduated seniors, including senior Carley Sims. To this strong core, Bama adds six frosh, led by Jenna Bresette, Ariana Guerra and Amanda Huang. |
Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 15/24 Head Coaches: Tom Farden and Megan Marsden Assistant: Meredith Paulicivic Returning Starters (8): Kailah Delaney (Sr), Breanna Hughes (Sr), Kari Lee (So), Tiffani Lewis (So), Kassandra Lopez (Sr), Samantha Partyka (So), Baely Rowe (Jr), Maddy Stover (So) Other/Injured Returners (0): N/A Graduated (4): Georgia Dabritz, Corrie Lothrop, Becky Tutka, Tori Wilson Other Losses (1): Haley Lange (I/?) Newcomers (4): Shannon McNatt, MaKenna Merrell, Erika Muhaw, Sabrina Schwab Quick Assessment: The Utes finished just short of giving former Head Coach Greg Marsden the ultimate retirement gift last season, yet another National Title. They did this despite the loss of star Tory Wilson. The 2016 Utes have quite a challenge on their hands, because they will also have to replace superstars Georgia Dabritz and Corrie Lothrop as well. It's not easy to replace such "end of the lineup" scores. Leading the way in 2016 will be seniors Kailah Delaney and Kassandra Lopez, as well as sophomore Kari Lee. Senior Breanna Hughes and sophomores Samanta Partyka and Tiffani Lewis also look strong in preseason training. Four frosh join the Utes and look healthy and ready to contribute, with expectations rising for local L10 star MaKenna Merrell and the long-lined Sabrina Schwab. |
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| 5. LSU Tigers |
6. UCLA Bruins |
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| Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 14/24 Head Coach: D-D Breaux Assistants: Jay Clark, Bob Moore Returning Starters (7): Syndey Ewing (Jr), Ashleigh Gnat (Jr), Myia Hambrick (So), Erin Macadaeg (So), Jessica Savona (Sr), Randii Wyrick (Sr), Shae Zamardi (Jr) Other/Injured Returners (2): Michelle Gauthier (Sr), Kylie Moran (So) Graduated (5): Rheagan Courville, Lloimincia Hall, Jessie Jordan, Britney Ranzy, Scarlett Williams Other Losses (1): Shonacee Oliva (Jr/?) Newcomers (6): Julianna Cannamela, Sarah Finnegan, McKenna Kelley, Lauren Li (So/TR PSU), Lexie Priessman (I), Kaitlyn Szafranski Quick Assessment: LSU had a disappointing finish to last season, failing to qualify for the Super Six finals (3 falls on BB) after a record-breaking regular season. Gone from that squad are superstars Rheagan Courville, Lloimincia Hall and Jessie Jordan, each of whom were capability of going 9.95+ on each of their events. Replacing such talent and experience is never easy. Leading the way for the returnees is junior Ashleigh Gnat and senior Jessica Savona. The Tigers will also look for continued improvement from sophs Myia Hambrick and Erin Macadaeg. To a strong core, LSU adds a talented frosh class, led by former elites Sarah Finnegan and Lexie Priessman, plus L10 standout McKenna Kelley (Mary Lou Retton's daughter). The key for this frosh class will be their health and readiness for competition. Finnegan showed very well in the recent "Gymnastics 101" exhibition and looks to be an early standout. Priessman is still building her way back from injury. |
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 (8): Sadiqua Bynum (Sr), Angi Cipra (Jr), Sophina DeJesus (Sr), Danusia Francis (Sr), Michaela Gerber (So), Napualani Hall (So), Christine "Peng Peng" Lee (Jr/I), Sonya Meraz (So), Hallie Mossett (Jr) Other/Injured Returners (3): Rechelle Dennis (So), Janay Honest (So), Melissa Metcalf (So) Graduated (3): Ellette Craddock, Sam Peszek, Jordan Williams Other Losses (5): Karli Dugas (So), LaNiesha-Jopre Irvin (So/?), Jessy MacArthur (Jr/?), Jennifer Pinches (R), Alex Waller (Jr/?) Newcomers (6): Matteah Brow, Kateyln Ohashi, Madison Preston, Stella Savvidou, Nicki Shapiro, Macy Toronjo (I) Quick Assessment: UCLA finished sixth in their session at the NCAA finals, capping an up and down season. They were led by NCAA co-champ Samantha Peszek, who had a stellar final campaign. Leading the way for 2016 Bruins will be senior Danusia Francis and junior Peng-Peng Lee (limited by injury). They'll also be looking for others step-up and fill the gaps, particularly on vault. The sophomore class, hampered by injuries last season, could be keys to the Bruin campaign in 2016. The newcomers are led by former elite Katelyn Ohashi, who looks to be recovered from injuries that derailed her promising career. Unfortunately, another top AA candidate, Macy Toronjo, reportedly went through surgery during the year. |
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| 7. Michigan Wolverines |
8. Stanford Cardinal |
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| Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 18/24 Head Coach: Bev Plocki Assistants: Dave Kuzara, Scott Sherman Returning Starters (6): Nicole Artz (Jr), Brianna Brown (So), Briley Casanova (Sr), Talia Chiarelli (Jr), Austin Sheppard (Sr), Lindsay Williams (Sr) Other/Injured Returners (4): Nichelle Christopherson (So), Ilana Gordon (So/I), Lauren Marinez (So/I), India McPeak (So) Graduated (3): Annette Miele, Brooke Parker, Sachi Sugiyama Other Losses (1): Cailee Hills (R) Newcomers (2): Olivia Karas, Emma McLean Quick Assessment: Michigan just missed the Super Six last season, finishing just 0.15 points behind Stanford for a coveted spot in the finals. Gone from that squad is star Sachi Sugiyama, an AAer with a high level of skill. However, the Wolverines return the core of their squad, led by junior Nicole Artz and sophomore Brianna Brown, who both did AA last year. Senior Briley Casanova looks strong in preseason training and looks capable of an AA spot as well, while junior Talia Chiarelli is a standout on three events. To this strong core, they welcome frosh Oliva Karas and Emma McLean, super-strong L10s with elite skills who will be looked upon to bolster the squads depth overall. Michigan could also use increased contributions from their sophomore class, especially Lauren Marinez, who was out with an injury last season. Depth is a concern, with several gymnasts limited by injury. |
Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 16/24 Head Coach: Kristen Smyth Associate Head Coach: Chris Swircek Assistant: Neal Gallant Returning Starters (9): Ivana Hong (Sr), Danielle McNair (Jr), Nicolette McNair (Jr), Elizabeth Price (So), Taylor Rice (Sr), Haley Spector (Jr) Other/Injured Returners (3): Melissa Chuang (Sr/I), Rachel Daum (Jr), Jenna Frowein (Sr) Graduated (4): Pauline Hanset, Samantha Shapiro, Kristina Vaculik, Rebecca Wing Other Losses (2): Carinne Gale, Sophia Lee Newcomers (4): Taryn Fitzgerald, Hailee Hoffman, Nicole Hoffman, Dare Maxwell Quick Assessment: Stanford finished fifth at the 2015 Super Six finals, surprising some observers with a consistent performances. They were boosted the AA debut of Elizabeth Price, who posted a 39.675 in the finals. However, gone from last year's squad are six athletes, including standouts Kristina Vaculik and Samantha Shapiro. The 2016 Cardinal will be led by Price and senior Tayor Rice, who will form a solid 1-2 AA punch, and redshirt senior Ivana Hong, who competed three events last season (a history of leg injuries has kept her off the floor). This trio plus the McNair twins will form a solid core for Stanford. Stanford also adds four frosh, who will look to fill in the events as specialists and add depth on key events like vault and FX, where the Cardinal have been weaker. |
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| 9. Georgia Gym Dogs |
10. Auburn Tigers |
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| Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 18/24 Head Coach: Danna Durante Assistants: Jay Hogue, Philip Ogletree Returning Starters (9): Viviana Babalis (So), Mary Beth Box (Sr), Ashlynn Broussard (Jr), Brandie Jay (Sr), GiGi Marino (So), Morgan Reynolds (Jr/I), Brittany Rogers (Sr), Rachel Schick (Jr), Natalie Vaculik (So) Other/Injured Returners (4): Jasmine Arnold (So/I), Lauren Johnson (Jr/I), Beth Roberts (Jr), Hayley Sanders (So) Graduated (4): Chelsea Davis, Demetria Hunte, Whitney Kirby, Sarah Persinger Other Losses (1): Kiera Brown (TR/PSU) Newcomers (3): Caroline Bradford, Gracie Cherrey, Sydney Snead Quick Assessment: The Georgia Gym Dogs find themselves in 9th in the preseason rankings, after missing the Super Six last season. They'll miss some standouts, including Kiera Brown and UB ace Chelsea Davis. However, a strong core returns, led by seniors Brandie Jay and Brittany Rogers. These two, along with Mary Beth Box, form a solid and consistent core for the 2016 Gym Dogs. Rogers took the summer and semester off from the squad to train elite, and she helped Canada earn a spot at the 2016 Olympics. She's now in peak condition and training all four events. UGA welcomes a trio of newcomers, including L10 superstar Sydney Snead. She has the potential to become a major contributor for Georgia, if she can come all the way back to her peak form . |
Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Head Coach: Jeff Graba Assistants: Kurt Hettinger, Mary McDaniel Starting Routines Returning: 14/24 Returning Starters (7): Caitlin Atkinson (Sr), Lexus Demers (Sr), Kullen Hlawek (Jr), Kait Kluz (Sr), Kelsey Kopec (Sr), Abby Milliet (So), MJ Rott (Jr) Other/Injured Returners (6): Brooke Bray (So), Kennedy Finnister (So/I), Sarah Gracia (So), Blake Jones (So), Lucia Scaglione (So), Cara Stricklin (So) Graduated (5): Brianna Guy, Caryn Kadous, Kelsey Thomasson, Megan Walker, Brittany Webster Other Losses (1): Meggie Lim (Jr/?) Newcomers (6): Telah Black, Samantha Cerio, Emma Engler, Taylor Krippner, A'Miracal Phillips, Emma Slappey Quick Assessment: Auburn capped a tremendous 2015 breakthrough season with an appearance in the Super Six finals. However, from that squad they lose five gymnasts, including standouts Brianna Guy and Megan Walker. The rest of the roster will have to step up to close the gaps created by the departure of these leaders and standouts. Leading the way will be Caitlin Atkinson, a top AAer who's health will be key to the Tigers fortunes. They'll also look to expanded contributions from other key returnees, like Kait Kluz, MJ Rott and Abby Milliet. To this core, AU adds six newcomers, including L10s signees Samantha Cerio, Emma Engler, Taylor Krippner and Emma Slappey. Each has strengths that should complement a strong core, once they gain the necessary experience. |
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| 11. Nebraska Cornhuskers |
12. Oregon State Beavers |
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| Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 14/24 Head Coach: Dan Kendig Assistants: Heather Brink, Dan Miller Returning Starters (5): Hollie Blanske (Sr), Danielle Breen (So), Jennie Laeng (Jr), Ashley Lambert (Jr), Grace Williams (So) Other/Injured Returners (1): Madison McConkey (Jr) Graduated (4): Jessie DeZiel, Amanda Lauer, Jennifer Lauer, Desire Stephens Other Losses (1): Ariel Martin (?), Kamerin Moore (R/I) Newcomers (6): Kelli Chung, Sienna Crouse, Megan Kuo, Catelyn Orel, Megan Schweihofer, Kami Shows Quick Assessment: Nebraska placed fourth in the evening semifinal at the NCAAs last season, after a shaky start on the BB. The 2016 Huskers will miss six gymnasts from that squad, led by AA standout Jessie DeZiel. However, the NU coaching staff has built a reputation on getting the most from their athletes. With a large class of newcomers, the Huskers will look to put themselves back in the mix once again. They'll be led by senior Hollie Blanske, who had a standout season last year. She'll be capably supported by juniors Ashley Lambert and Jennie Laeng and sophomores Dani Breen and Grace Williams. These five will form the core of the NU lineup. To that small core, Coach Kendig will need to add key performances from his six frosh, led by Sienna Crouse, Catelyn Orel and Megan Schweihofer. As a result, experience could be an issue early on in the season. |
Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster Starting Routines Returning: 15/24 Head Coach: Tanya Chaplin Associate Head Coach: Mike Chaplin Assistant: Brian Amato Returning Starters (7): Erika Aufiero (Sr), Dani Dessaints (So), Maddie Gardiner (Jr), Megan Jimenez (Jr), Silvia Colussi-Pelaez (Jr), Risa Perez (Sr), Taylor Ricci (Jr) Other/Injured Returners (3): Shireen Khamedoost (So), Kaytianna McMillan (I/Jr), Jamie Rademacher (Sr) Graduated (5): Taylor Keeker, Katelyn Ohlrich, Kailie Ponto, Chelsea Tang, Cerise Witherby Other Losses (1): Nicole Turner (TR/OU) Newcomers (4): Marianna Colussi-Pelaez, Mary Jacobsen, McKenna Singley, Elizabeth Yu Quick Assessment: The Beavers finished 12th at Nationals last season and find themselves again ranked 12th in the preseason poll. They lose some key athletes from last year's squad, including AAer Chelsea Tang and key specialists Taylor Keeker and Cerise Witherby. However, the 2016 Beavers will be led by senior Erika Aufiero and junior Maddie Gardiner. They'll also look to a boost from spark plug Risa Perez, junior Silvia Colussi-Pelaez and sophomore Dani Dessaints. Oregon State also looks forward to the healthy return of potential AAer Katyianna McMillan, who has battled injuries, the last being at Regionals. Four frosh join the squad, led by Spanish/Canadian elite Marianna Colussi-Pelaez and L10 standouts Mary Jacobsen and McKenna Singley. |
Table: Teams #1 to #12
Table: Teams #13 to #25
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Key to the Tables:
Ranking: By 2016 Preseason Coaches' Poll Coaches: Only regular, paid coaches are listed. Starting Routines: Defined by starting lineup in last meet of the post season. Fr = Freshman Status Codes for Returners: I = major season ending injury in 2015 or preseason 2015-2016 |