The 2024 season is about to kick off, and we're anticipating a high-flying season with plenty of record high scores.  We're once again publishing Season Previews for the entire Top 25 teams, as ranked by the Coaches' Preseason Poll.  In each Preview, we've summarized the team's returning routines, their lost routines, their returning starters and the rest of their roster, with a special focus on their newcomers.  We'll also give a brief overview preview of their prospects and challenges.  (Note:  All of the Previews are now complete)

Here are the first 12 teams in our Capsule Previews of our Top 25, based on the 2024 Preseason Coaches' Poll.  (Last update:  1/1/24)

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 0 FX
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Associate Head Coaches: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Assistant:  Ashley Kerr
Finish Last Season:  1st
Returning Starters (7):  Jordan Bowers (Jr), Audrey Davis (Sr), Danae Fletcher (Sr), Katherine Levasseur (Sr), Danielle Sievers (Jr), Ragan Smith (5th Yr), Faith Torrez (So)
Other/Injured Returners (8):  Bell Johnson (Sr), Caitin Kirkpatrick (Jr), Sheridan Ramsey (Sr/I), Ava Siegfeldt (So), Caitlin Smith (So/I), Madison Snook (Jr), Meilin Sullivan (Sr), Amy Wier (Jr)
Graduated (3):   Jenna Dunn, Allie Stern, Olivia Trautman
Other Losses (1):  Audrey Lynn (Sr/?)
Newcomers (4):  Soraya Hawthorne (5th Yr/TR/UGA), Aspen Lenczner (Fr), Hannah Scheible (Fr), Keira Wells (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  The defending NCAA Champions have been dubbed the preseason favorite to repeat by the Coaches, with 36 first place votes.  With 19 of 24 returning routines and some talented newcomers, the Sooners are well set for another run at the title.  They will be led by seniors Audrey Davis, Katherine Levasseur, 5th year Ragan Smith, junior Jordan Bowers and sophomore Faith Torrez.  Bowers is a standout AAer capable of 10s on every event -- it is only on BB where her career high is just short (9.975).  She's completed by Smith, who may join Bowers in the AA following the addition of a new Yurchenko 1 1/2 vault.  While Davis is exceptional on UB (NCAA runner-up in 2022), she's another legitimate AAer while sophomore Torrez hit a 39.525 AA in her frosh campaign, and was an All-American on VT.  Both Levasseur and Sievers are regulars on three events while Fletcher shines brightest on FX, but she has competed on three events as well.  OU also returns Bell Johnson, a challenge for the FX worker and sophomore Ava Siegfeldt, a former elite National Team member who could step up at any time. 

Oklahoma welcomes four newcomers, including frosh Aspen Lenczner, Hannah Scheible and Keira Wells, along with UGA transfer Soraya Hawthorne.  Hawthorne brings a crowd-pleasing and high scoring FX (double layout) and a 1 1/2 Yurchenko VT.  Top frosh Scheible was a standout L10, winning National Titles last season in the AA, VT and BB.  She's a three-time L10 National Champ on BB (2021-2023), a two-time AA Champ (2021, 2023, runner-up in 2022) and a champ on FX (2021).  She's got the big skills (full-in on FX, pike front 1/2 on VT, bhs-bhs-layout on BB), execution and consistency to become a future Sooner standout.  Wells placed 6th AA, 5th(t) on BB and 6th on VT at the 2023 Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals.  She shines brightest on VT, where she won National titles in 2019, 2021 and 2022 and has posted multiple 10s for her Yurchenko 1 1/2.  Lenczner, who originally committed to Minnesota, tied 8th BB and placed 10th on FX at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals. 

Last season, OU used six well-executed 10.0 Start Value VTs and upgraded FX sets to edge Florida for the National title.  While they have some holes in the lineup to fill (particularly on BB), their depth from the array of potential AAers remains strong.  The exceptional coaching staff continues to build championship contenders year and year.  This year remains no exception and they remain the target for all the other programs.              

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Routines Gone: 2 VT, 3 UB, 2 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
Associate Head Coach: Adrian Burde,
Assistants:  Owen Field, Jeremy Miranda
Finish Last Season:  2nd
Returning Starters (6):  Sloane Blakely (Jr), Ellie Lazzari (Sr), Riley McCusker (Jr/I), Victoria Nguyen (Sr), Payton Richards (Gr), Leanne Wong (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Lori Brubach (So), Chloi Clark (Sr), Bri Edwards (Jr), Morgan Hurd (Jr/I), Michala Magee (Sr)
Graduated (4):  Rachel Baumann, Leah Clapper,  Trinity Thomas, Halley Taylor
Other Losses (2):  Kayla DiCello (So/Training Elite), Savannah Schoenherr (Gr/TR/LSU)
Newcomers (6):  Alyssa Arana, Kaylee Bluffstone, Gabby Disidore, Skylar Draser, Danie Ferris, Anya Pilgrim

Quick Assessment:  Florida finished the season just 0.15 points behind OU, at the NCAA Finals.  And this finish was despite the fact the Gators were without the services of several athletes, most notably superstar Trinity Thomas, who was limited to VT and UB due to injury.   Thomas, of course, was a two-time Honda Award winner, a 34-time All-American (11 NCAA/23 Regular Season) and the 2022 NCAA AA, UB and FX Champion.  The Gators also lost other key contributors from prior seasons, including Rachel Bauman, Leah Clapper and Savannah Schoenherr.  In addition, last year's standout AA frosh, Kayla DiCello, will be taking the season off to focus on training for the Paris Olympics.  And unfortunately, UB and BB standout Riley McCusker is injured and will miss the season.  Florida seeks to contend for the title once again, led by juniors Leanne Wong and Sloane Blakely, and last year's surprise, UGA transfer Victoria Nguyen.  That trio of AAers forms a strong base, supplemented by grad student Payton Richards.  Florida will also look to get contributions this season from junior Morgan Hurd, who looks to be coming back from injury quite well. 

In order to keep up with the Sooners, Florida will need immediate contributions from six talented frosh:  Alyssa Arana, Kaylee Bluffstone, Gabby Disidore, Skylar Draser, Danie Ferris and Anya Pilgrim.  Arana who trained junior elite at Leyva, placed 3rd on BB and tied for 26th AA at the 2022 Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals.  She also won the Individual Event Specialist titles on UB and BB at the 2023 Nationals.  Bluffstone had a strong club season in 2023, placing 3rd on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2), 4th on FX (full-in mount), 7th(t) BB and 9th AA at the WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 4th on VT and FX while placing 12th AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  Disidore trained as an elite at GAGE and won the Vegas Cup elite qualifier in 2023.  She was also 2nd AA and 5th AA at the 2021 WDP L10 Nationals.  Draser is former senior elite who dropped down to L10 in 2023.  She placed 3rd on UB and tied for 15th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  Ferris is a two-time L10 National Champ on VT (2021, 2022), winning in 2022 with a 10.0 on her Yurchenko 1 1/2.  She also won the UB, tied for 1st on FX (full-in) and placed 4th AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  She was also 4th AA at the 2021 Nationals but did not compete in 2023.  The final frosh, Anya Pilgrim, has been competing as an elite this summer for Barbados at the World Championships and the Pan American Games.   As a L10 at Hill's this season, she placed 2nd AA, 4th on VT, 4th on UB and tied for 7th on BB at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for the VT title, placed 2nd on FX and tied for 3rd on BB en route to a 7th place AA finish at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.               

The Gators are once again loaded with talent but have several open questions heading into the season.  While they have a very strong core set of AA athletes, they will need to get step-up performances from their other returnees and from their large frosh class.  With only five healthy starters and 9 routines to replace, they'll need strong contributions from the likes of Hurd and frosh like Pilgrim, Draser and the rest.  Injuries will also be a key hinge factor for Florida, as they'll need to use the season to build their depth, gain experience, recover from injuries and put forth their strongest lineups during the post-season.  

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 0 FX
Head Coach: Jay Clark
Assistants: Ashleigh Gnat, Garrett Griffeth, Courtney McCool Griffeth
Finish Last Season:  4th
Returning Starters (10):  Elena Arenas (Sr), Sierra Ballard (Sr), Chase Brock (Sr), Haleigh Bryant (Sr), Ashley Cowan (So), Aleah Finnegan (Jr), Alexis Jeffrey (Jr), Alyona Shchennikova (Gr), Tori Tatum (Jr), Bryce Wilson (So)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Annie Beard (So), Olivia Dunne (Sr/I), Cammy Hall (Gr/I), Kiya Johnson (Gr/I), KJ Johnson (Jr/I), Kai Rivers (Gr/I)
Graduated (3):   Lexie Nibbs, Maddie Rau, Kamryn Ryan
Other Losses (1):  Brooke Simpson (Fr/R)
Newcomers (6):  Kylie Coen, Amari Drayton, Jillian Hoffman (Gr/TR/Utah), Konnor McClain, Leah Miller, Savannah Schoenherr (Gr/TR/UF/I)

Quick Assessment:   LSU finished the NCAA Finals in 4th which was a tremendous achievement for a squad hit by numerous injuries to key gymnasts last season.  They start the season ranked 3rd, likely based on the strength of returning 24 of 24 routines, the recovery of key injured gymnasts and some super strong frosh and transfers joining the roster.  The Tigers also return every single routine from their NCAA Final lineups.  LSU was led in 2023 by Haleigh Bryant, Aleah Finnegan and Alyona Shchennikova.  The three competed AA while contributing some top scores on each event.  Finnegan continued her momentum through the summer, representing the Philippines as an elite and qualifying to the 2024 Olympic Games as an individual.   But other members of the roster stepped up as well, like Elena Areas (who is reportedly currently slowed by back issues), Sierra Ballard, Chase Brock, and Alexis Jeffrey.  Sophomore Bryce Wilson could also see an expanded role in 2024, as her progress last season was slowed due to injury.  The Tigers also welcome back some key returnees from injury, led by superstar Kiya Johnson.  Also showing strong comebacks during the preseason training Olivia Dunne and KJ Johnson.  The continued recovery and pacing of this trio could help elevate the Tigers to new heights in 2024.

LSU also welcome two elite frosh, two L10s and two transfers in 2024.  Konnor McClain was the 2022 US National AA Champion who has been through a number of injuries and gym changes in the last year.  However, she looks strong across all four events, and could make a huge impact in her frosh campaign.  Also looking strong in preseason is former US National Team member and Olympic Trials qualifier Amari Drayton.  She returned to action in 2023, competing in the Winter Cup.  Top L10 recruit Kylie Coen hails from Empire.  She has unfortunately missed almost all of the last two seasons due to injury.  In 2021, she won the National AA title at the Women's Development Program L10 Nationals.  She also won the FX and tied for the UB title, while finishing as the runnerup on BB.  She also tied for 2nd on UB, placed 4th on VT and tied for 15th AA at the 2019 WDP L10 Nationals.   The Tigers also welcome two transfers in 2024:  Jillian Hoffman, a grad transfer from Utah and Savannah Schoenherr, a grad transfer from Florida.  Hoffman excels on VT and FX while Schoenherr is best known on VT and UB, but showed all four events at the recent LSU preview.  The final newcomer, Leah Miller, is a L10 Regional qualifier.  

Although LSU finished a bit back from the top teams at last year's NCAA finals, getting to the finals was a huge accomplishment after the squad suffered a number of injuries.  With all their starting routines retuning and stars like Bryant, Finnegan and Shchennikova being joined by Kiya Johnson, Konnor McClain and Amari Drayton, LSU is well set for a title run in 2024.  Building top level scores on UB and BB will be key, and that is where gymnasts like Dunne, Schoennherr, and KJ Johnson could also help out.  BB in particular is one area where LSU will need to close the gap on OU -- last year's the squad's final NQS (National Qualifying Score) was just 10th and they finished roughly 0.275 to 0.5 behind the other teams at the NCAA finals.                 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 3 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Carly Dockendorf
Assistants:  Myia Hambrick, Jimmy Pratt
Finish Last Season:  3rd
Returning Starters (7):  Jaylene Gilstrap (Sr), Grace McCallum (Jr), Amelie Morgan (Jr), Maile O'Keefe (5th Yr), Abby Paulson (5th Yr), Jaedyn Rucker (5th Yr), Makenna Smith (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Sarah Krump (So), Alani Sabado (Jr)
Graduated (2):  Abby Brenner, Cristal Isa
Other Losses (4):  Kara Eaker (Jr/R), Jillian Hoffmann (Gr/TR/LSU), Lucy Stanhope (Sr/TR/Nebraska), Sage Thompson (Jr/TR/Oregon State)
Newcomers (5):  Elizabeth Gantner, Ashley Glynn (So/TR/Temple), Olivia Kennedy, Camie Winger, Ella Zirbes

Quick Assessment:  Utah has been through a tumultuous off-season, with a rash of transfers and a retirement, allegations of abuse, an investigation and the departure of former Head Coach Tom Farden.  Coming off last year's third place finish, the 2024 Utes are looking for a new start under new Head Coach Carly Dockendorf.  They will have a number of gaps to fill, with 8 missing routines from their lineups.  This includes a trio of routines from transfer Abby Brenner and a pair of key UB/BB routines from Cristal Isa.  Leading the other departures was former Olympic alternate Kara Eaker, who sadly retired this Fall, citing the ongoing impacts of verbal and mental abuse.  Sage Thompson, a second team All-American on UB, transferred to Oregon State while Brit Lucy Stanhope is now at Nebraska.  Also gone is VT/FX specialist Jillian Hoffman, who is doing her grad work at LSU.  Utah however returns a strong core of athletes ready to set aside the events of the past and move forward in 2024.  They are led by fifth year Maile O'Keefe, the defending NCAA AA champion and a 16-time All-American (6 regular season, 10 NCAA) and four-time NCAA Champ ('21 - UB, FX; '23 - AA, BB).  She's complemented by Olympian Grace McCallum, a junior with an AA best of 39.775.   She's a six-time All-American (3 regular season, 3 NCAA) and the runner-up on UB at the 2023 NCAAs.  The Utes also welcome back fifth year Jaedyn Rucker, the 2022 NCAA Vault champion, and fellow fifth year Abby Paulson, a 10 threat on BB.  Jaylene Gilstrap, a senior, is coming off a strong junior season while Makenna Smith was a standout as a rookie.  The Utes are also citing Amelie Morgan as a big breakout athlete this season, as she is now contending for an AA spot.  

The Utes welcome five newcomers, including four frosh and a transfer.  Ella Zirbes leads the frosh, as was touted as a "Newcomer to Watch".  In 2023, she won the AA title at the Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals.  She also was runner-up on FX, 4th on BB and tied for 2nd on VT and UB.  A former junior elite, she has the form and execution to make an immediate impact.  Camie Winger is another top L10, a three-time L10 National Team member with some big skills.  She was 4th AA, 5th(t) UB, 7th VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and 9th(t) on FX at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 4th AA in 2022 and placed 5th AA in 2021.  Elizabeth Gantner is another former junior elite who placed 2nd AA. 1st on BB and tied for the UB title at the 2021 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 4th on VT and FX.  After missing 2022, she came back on two events during the 2023 L10 season.  She qualified to the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals as an event specialist on UB, placing 2nd.  Olivia Kennedy is a L10 from Georgia Elite who placed 29th AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals but who missed the post-season in 2023.  The Utes also expect immediate contributions from Temple transfer Ashley Glynn, who performed strongly at the Red Rocks Preview.  She had a 39.25 AA as a frosh and a National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 9.85 on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and 9.82 on UB.    

Utah has been focusing hard on training and it showed during the Red Rock Preview.  They have some roster holes to fill, especially on UB, and Zirbes will be key there and on all four events as a potential AAer.  Depth could be an issue relative to some of the other programs in the top tier, especially on UB.  VT was an issue in the finals last season, but the addition of the newcomers and some strong off-season work from the returners could help the Utes to close the gap there.  However, BB remains a strength and any team that excels under pressure on that event is set up well to be a contender.  

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 3 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Janelle McDonald
Assistants:  BJ Das, Kyle Grable, Autumn Grable
Finish Last Season:  5th
Returning Starters (7):  Ciena Alipio (So), Chae Campbell (Sr), Margzetta Frazier (Gr), Selena Harris (So), Emily Lee (Jr), Emma Malabuyo (Jr), Brooklyn Moors (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (8):  Maddie Anyimi (So), Emma Andres (Gr), Mia Erdoes (Jr), Frida Esparza (Sr/I), Chloe Lashbrooke (Gr), Katie McNamara (Sr/I), Sara Ulias (Sr/I), Clara Wren (So)
Graduated (2):  Paige Hogan, Kalyany Steele
Other Losses (2): Jordan Chiles (Jr/Sitting out to train elite), Ana Padurariu (Jr/sitting out to train elite)
Newcomers (5):  Paige Anastasi, Sydney Barros (I), Alex Irvine, Nya Reed (Gr/TR/Florida), Katelyn Rosen

Quick Assessment:  The Bruins finished fifth last season, a strong comeback to national prominence under new Head Coach Janelle McDonald.  UCLA has been slotted in fifth by the Coaches, reflect faith in the ongoing trajectory of the program.  The Bruins enter 2024 however without the services of superstar Jordan Chiles.  The standout is taking the year off to train for a run at her second Olympic Games.  Also likely sitting out this season is junior Ana Padurariu, who is attempting to make the Canadian Olympic Team.  In total, the Bruins look to replace 7 routines, 3 of which are on UB.  Leading the way in 2024 will be senior Chae Campbell and sophomore sensation Selena Harris.   Campbell is a seven-time All-American who excels on VT and FX but is a strong AAer as well.  Harris was the Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year and a seven-time All-American.  They are complemented by Margzetta Frazier, a four-time All-American and former US National Team member who can contribute on all four events when healthy.   Junior Emily Lee rebounded last season after missing her rookie campaign to be a key contributor, hitting a high of 39.5 in the AA and being a regular contributor on two events.  Another junior, Brooklyn Moors, provides a key VT and another crowd-pleasing FX to the mix.  Classmate Emma Malabuyo has been an AAer in the past but will be especially needed on UB and BB, as they manage through her past knee issues.  Likewise, sophomore Ciena Alipio has been working through injury issues but the Bruins look to get her back during the course of the season.  In contrast, senior Frida Esparza appears to be back strongly this preseason, after missing 2023 due to injury.  Her UB and BB will address the gaps on those two events, caused by the missing the routines from last season.  

The Bruins welcome five newcomers, headlined by Florida grad transfer Nya Reed and US National Team member Katelyn Rosen.  Reed is a six-time All American that brings a much needed 10.0 start value vault and another dynamic FX to the Bruin lineup.  Rosen, a five-time US Championships qualifier, is a potential AA threat for the Bruins.  In 2022, she placed 12th AA at the OOFOS US Championships.  She also tied for 10th AA at the 2023 Winter Cup.  A balanced AAer, she also brings a double layout on FX and another Yurchenko 1 1/2 to the VT lineup.  Two additional frosh could also make an impact.  Paige Anastasi, a L10 from Brestyan's, placed 40th AA at the 2023 Women's Development Program L10 Nationals.  She brings a potential Yurchenko 1 1/2 to the mix.  Irvine is an in-state L10 from Byers who qualified to the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals as an event specialist on VT and FX.  She brings a piked Luconi (10.0 SV) on VT.  The Bruins also add Sydney Barros, a former US elite who currently competes for Puerto Rico.  Due an injury she is sitting out the season but is attending school.   

UCLA will look to make the NCAA Finals in 2024 and improve upon their 5th place finish from last season.  Led by Harris and Campbell, and energized by the addition of Reed and Rosen, the Bruins will look to move past the loss of Chiles to exceed last year's finish.  They'll need to keep their top athletes healthy and ready for their best performances in the post season, especially on UB, where their depth is less.  They will also look to improve their vaulting, an event where they finished just 11th in the National Qualifying Score (NQS) rankings last season and had the lowest VT score among the 8 teams at the NCAA Semi-Finals last season.             

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 13/24
Routines Gone: 2 VT, 3 UB, 3 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Associate Head Coach:  Scott Sherman
Assistants: Maile'ana Kenewa-Hermelyn, Cali Hager
Finish Last Season:  9th
Returning Starters (6):  Carly Bauman (Sr), Sierra Brooks (Gr), Reyna Guggino (Sr), Kaylen Morgan (So/I), Naomi Morrison (Sr), Gabby Wilson (Gr)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Lily Clapper (So/I), Ashley Lane (Jr), Farah Lipetz (So), Jenna Mulligan (Sr), Paige Thaxton (So), Abigael Vides (Jr), Jacey Vore (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Abby Heiskell, Nicoletta Koulos, Natalie Wojcik
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Kayli Boozer, Ava Jordan, McCaleigh Marr (Gr/TR/Penn), Haylen Zabrowski

Quick Assessment:  Michigan enters in the #6 position, after having finished 9th last season.  They heartbreakingly missed making it to the NCAA Semi-Finals, after losing the tiebreaker for 2nd at Regionals.  They are losing just three athletes but 11 routines from their final lineup, including key sets from Abby Heiskell and Natalie Wojcik.  Wojcik was a 21 time All-American (14 regular season, 7 NCAA) and the 2019 NCAA BB champ.  The 2022 AAI Award winner she was a 9.975+ scoring threat on all four events.  Heiskell was a 12 time All-American (4 regular season, 8 NCAA) and a six time Big 10 champion, including twice in the AA (2022, 2023).  Their leadership and end of the lineup marks are going to be tough to replace.   Leading the way for the Wolverines in 2024 are grad students Sierra Brooks and Gabby Wilson.  Brooks was the 2023 AAI Award Winner and a 17 time All-American (10 regular season, 7 NCAA).  With highs of 9.9625 or higher on all four events, she'll be the backbone of the 2024 squad.  Wilson is a 7 time All American (3 regular season, 4 NCAA) and a two-time Regional champion on FX.  With an AA high of 39.8, she provides Michigan with a solid one-two punch. Senior Naomi Morrison is a five-time All American (3 regular season, 2 NCAA) and another potential AAer.  She's a two-time Regional co-champion on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2).  Another strong vaulter (Yurchenko 1 1/2) is Reyna Guggino, who has also competed on up to three events for Michigan and classmate Carly Bauman, who rebounded from injury to win the Big 10 UB title.  She's also competed on up to three events.  Michigan will also look to get a boost from the rest of their returning lineup, especially junior Jacy Vore, senior Jenna Mulligan and sophomores Fara Lipetz and Paige Thaxton.  All four looked solid in their preseason exhibition meet.        

Michigan welcomes four newcomers for 2024, three frosh and one transfer.   Transfer McCaleigh Marr was a standout at Penn and was the GEC Co-Specialist of the Year in 2023.  She excels on BB and UB.  Signee Haylen Zabrowski, a L10 from American Twisters, placed 23rd AA and tied for 5th on UB at the 2023 Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 8th on FX and 24th AA at the 2021 WDP L10 Nationals.  Ava Jordan, a L10 from Deveau's, qualified to the WDP Nationals as an event specialist on BB, placing 4th.  She specialized on BB in 2023.  She also tied for 13th AA and 10th on BB at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  The final frosh, Kayli Boozer, was the 2023 Region 1 Level 10 BB Champion (Sr. E).   She excels on BB, having hit as high as 9.85 last season.  

Michigan looks to overcome the disappointment of just missing out on a trip to Nationals in 2023.  The Coaches have slotted them in sixth, based on the strength of returning stars like Brooks and Wilson.  However, they'll need some of their newcomers and other experienced returnees to step up this season.  Even with a strong and healthy core, they will need to fill out key lineup spots on every event.  This may take some time, as the new lineups gain experience competing and refine their sets.  And as always, having their stars healthy and in top form for the past-season will be critical, if the Wolverines are to make it back to Nationals.  

Official Web Site:   Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coaches:  Justin Howell and Elizabeth Crandall-Howell
Assistant Coach:  John Carney
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Finish Last Season:  7th
Returning Starters (7):  Casey Brown (So), Ella Cesario (Jr), eMjae Frazier (So), Mya Lauzon (Jr), Andi Li (Sr), Gabby Perea (Sr), Madelyn Williams (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Miki Aderinto (So), Elise Byun (Sr), Jordan Kane (Jr), Abbey Scanlon (Jr/I), Jayden Silvers (So)
Graduated (3):  Neveah DeSouza, Maya Green, Natalie Sadighi
Other Losses (1):  Blake Gozashti (Sr/?)
Newcomers (2):  Kyen Mayhew, Annalise Newman-Achee

Quick Assessment:   Cal won the Pittsburgh Regional last season, defeating Florida and advancing to the NCAA Semi-Finals where they eventually finished 7th.  As of result of the team's great season, the WCGA named the Powells Co-Head Coaches of the Year and John Carney as Assistant of the Year.  The Bears lose just four routines from last season from ultra-consistent AAer Neveah DeSouza.  DeSouza was a stable and consistent competitor, often taking the all important leadoff spot for the Bears while sporting a strong Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT.  Cal will be powered in 2024 by seniors Andi Li and Gabby Perea, juniors Madelyn Williams and Mya Lauzon and sophomore eMjae Frazier.  Li is a top AAer who finished 14th in the final National Qualifying Score (NQS) rankings.  She excels on UB, but her lines, grace and execution generate big marks on all four events.  Perea competed on up to three events last season.  She's known for her unusual skills, especially on BB.  Lauzon was a standout on three events last season but could go AA.  She has a big Yurchenko 1 1/2 and posts some of the team's highest marks on BB and FX.  Classmate Williams was a solid AAer last season, placing 18th in the final regular season NQS standings.  She has beautiful toe point and execution across all four events, with her highest marks coming on the UB.  Sophomore sensation and former National Team member Frazier, younger sister of UCLA Bruin Margzetta, brings high level difficulty and dynamic performances across all four events.  She especially excels on FX, where she hit a 10 last season.   Cal also welcomes back a number of other key sets, including Casey Brown's Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT and Ella Cesario, who competed on up to three events last season.  

Cal welcomes just two newcomers this season, frosh Kyen Mayhew and Annalise Newman-Achee.  Newman-Achee is coming off a strong L10 season, placing 7th AA and tying for 4th on UB and 9th on FX at the 2023 Women's Development Program L10 Nationals.  She also placed 12th AA and 4th on UB at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  She's a former US junior elite but has switched to competing for Trinidad-Tobago.  She represented the country at the 2022 World Championships and 2023 Pan American Championships.  Mayhew, a L10 from Desert Devils, placed 12th AA, 2nd on VT and 2nd(t) on FX at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.   She also placed 2nd on VT and 8th AA at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  She brings another strong Yurchenko 1 1/2 to the Bear vault lineup.     

Cal suffered through some unusual problems on their best event, UB, in the NCAA Semi-Finals last season.  They'll look to turn the page and return once again to Nationals, with an additional year of experience.  They are not the largest team (in terms of roster count), nor the most powerful on the leg events, but excel on UB and BB.  However, with strong contributions from their frosh and the continued health and strong performances from their core stars, the Bears are in position once again to return to Natonals.  Taking the next step to the NCAA finals is clearly the goal, and the Bears are dark horse candidates to take that next step.  

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 23/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 0 FX
Head Coach:  Ashley Johnston
Assistants:  Gina Quinlan, Justin Spring, Amelia Hundley
Finish Last Season:  10th
Returning Starters (9):  Shania Adams (Sr), Luisa Blanco (Gr), Ella Burgess (Gr), Makarri Doggette (Gr), Gabby Gladieux (So), Lilly Hudson (Jr), Cam Machado (Sr), Jordyn Paradise (Jr), Mati Waligora (Gr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Corinne Bunagan (Jr), Karis German (So), Lillian Lewis (So), Isabella Martin (Sr), Rachel Rybicki (So)
Graduated (2):  Shallon Olsen, Sania Mitchell
Other Losses (2):  Zoe Gravier (So/R), Lauren Little (So/?)
Newcomers (4):  Chloe LaCoursiere, Gabby Ladanyi, Natalia Pawlak (So/TR/Pitt), Jamison Sears

Quick Assessment:  Alabama returns 23 of 24 routines from last year's squad, one that finished 10th in the final rankings.  They do lose standout Shallon Olsen, who has exhausted her eligibility.  She had been a key athlete on up to three events for the Tide.  The Tide return nine starters from their final lineup in 2023, led by grad students Luisa Blanco, Makarri Doggett and Mati Waligora, seniors Shania Adams, junior Lilly Hudson and sophomore Gabby Gladieux.  Blanco was the 2021 NCAA Champ on the BB and is a 16 time All-American (9 regular season, 7 NCAA).  A top performer on all four events, she returned to elite competition this past summer, competing for Colombia.  After winning the Colombia national title, she qualified for the 2024 Olympics by placing 8th AA at the Pan American Games.  Doggette is a former All-American and SEC Champion on the UB but competed on up to four events last season.  Another grad student, Waligora regularly on three events for the Tide last season.  Senior Adams competed on up to three events for the Tide last season, becoming a regular on FX and hitting a career high 9.925.  Hudson was a 2nd team All-American in the AA in 2022 and earned regular season honors on FX in 2023.  She was a rock in the Bama lineups, competing AA in every meet last season.  Gladieux wrapped up her rookie campaign as the SEC Champion on VT, competing on three events the entire season.  She'll be a key part of the Tide's effort moving forward.  Alabama will also look their other returners, including Corinne Bunagan and Karis German, for increased contributions in 2024.  

The Tide welcome three high impact frosh and one transfer in 2024:  Chloe LaCoursiere, Gabby Ladanyi, Jamison Sears and transfer Natalia Pawlak.  LaCoursiere tied for the UB title and placed 2nd on FX and 2nd AA at the 2023 Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals.  She also won the VT, UB and AA titles at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  A three-time L10 National champ on UB, she sports an elite-level skills set and tremendous extension and execution.  Sears is a former senior elite who won the AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals with a huge 39.275.  She also won the VT, FX and tied for the UB title while placing 3rd on BB.  In 2022, she won L10 National titles on BB, FX and tied for 6th on VT and 10th AA.  She also won the Nastia Liukin Cup.  The third frosh, Ladanyi, tied for 7th on BB and placed 10th on UB en route to a 15th(t) AA finish at the 2023 WDP Nationals.  She also tied for the UB title and 4th AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  The Tide also add Natalia Pawlak, a transfer from Pitt who competed primarily on UB last season, posting a 9.95 as a frosh.  As a L10 in 2022, she tied for 4th on UB and placed 13th AA at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  She was also a co-champ on UB at the 2021 WDP L10 Nationals.              

Bama returns nearly their entire lineup from 2023, and have a large and experienced lineup that is well-prepared for the pressure situations of post-season competition.  They finished the NCAA Regional final just 0.2 behind Kentucky and 0.4 behind the Champion Sooners and look to close the gap this season.  To make that next step and return to Nationals (and perhaps the Finals), they need to keep their stars healthy while developing their standout newcomers into top contributors.  UB was their lowest scoring event last season (by National Qualifying Score) while VT was their lowest scoring event at Regionals.  The newcomers could give a boost to those lineups, as long as they adapt quickly to the rigors of NCAA competition.

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Associate Head Coach:  Rachel Garrison
Assistant: Chad Wiest
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 0 FX
Finish Last Season:  6th
Returning Starters (7):  Bailey Bunn (Sr), Hailey Davis (Sr), Isabella Magnelli (Sr), Arianna Patterson (5th Yr), Jillian Procasky (Jr), Makenzie Wilson (Jr), Raena Worley (5th Yr)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Bridget Borque (So), Carissa Clay (Sr), Samantha Forman (So/I), Anna Riegert (Jr), Megan Sapp (So/I), Claire Stippich (So)
Graduated (4):   Raena Albores, Makenna Clarke, Kassidy Howell, Shaelyn Luksik
Other Losses (4):  Kaitlin DeGuzman (Sr/TR/Clemson), Ashlyn Laclair (5th Yr/TR/UGA), Elyssa Roberts (Sr), Lila Smith (Jr/TR/Auburn)
Newcomers (6):  Creslyn Brose, Cadence Gormley, Kaila Lawrence, Sharon Lee, Cecily Rizo, Delayne Rodriguez

Quick Assessment:   Kentucky had one of their finest finishes last season, placing 6th during the NCAA Semi-Finals.  They made the National meet by placing 2nd to OU at the Norman Regional, just 0.2 behind the Sooners and 0.1 tenth ahead of Ohio State.   From that squad, they say goodbye to 8 athletes, including UB/BB specialist Shealyn Luksik and grad transfers Kaitin DeGuzman and Ashlyn Laclair.   They return 20 of 24 starting routines from their final meet in 2023, led by 5th year athletes Arianna Patterson and Raena Worley, and seniors Bailey Bunn and Isabella Magnelli and junior Jillian Procasky.  Superstar Worley is a 9-time All-American (6 regular season, 3 NCAA) and was a finalist for the AAI and Honda Awards.  She delivers big difficulty and top-level marks across all four events.  Patterson excels on three events and is known for her big pike front 1/2 on VT and top marks on BB and FX.  Bunn has competed all four events for the Wildcats in the past but has worked past injuries to post career highs on UB and BB last season.   Magnelli competed on three events for UK last season, but excels on BB, taking first team All-American honors at the NCAA last season.  Procasky emerged to be a strong AAer last season, earning 2nd team All-American honors at the NCAA and hitting a 39.525 at the NCAA Regional final.  Another junior, Makenzie Wilson, contributed on VT and FX, the former with a big pike front 1/2 that helped propel the Wildcat's new strength on that event.  Kentucky will also look to get expanded contributions from sophomore Bridget Borque, a high potential recruit who contributed primarily on VT last season.    

Kentucky welcomes perhaps one of their strongest incoming classes in years.  Delayne Rodriguez, a three-time L10 National Team member from Gymcats, leads the way.  She won the BB and FX and placed 2nd AA at the 2023 Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals.  She also placed 8th on UB.  In 2022, she placed 3rd on BB, and tied for 4th AA, 5th on VT and 6th on FX at the L10 Nationals.  Creslyn Brose is coming off a standout L10 club season, having placed 3rd AA, 3rd on FX and having tied for 8th on VT and UB and 10th on BB at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 4th on FX and placed 19th AA at the 2022 WDP Nationals, but really broke through in 2023, hitting 38.825 in the AA at Regionals.  Cadence Gormley, a L10 from VIGS, placed 3rd on UB and 10th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 5th on UB, 6th on VT and placed 8th AA at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  She's also known for her expressive dance and choreography on FX.  Cecily Rizo, a L10 from Texas Dreams who previously trained elite, placed 4th AA, 2nd(t) on UB and 3rd on VT at the 2023 Region 3 L10 Regionals.  However, she did not compete at Nationals due to an injury.  She also won the UB title and placed 8th AA at the 2021 WDP L10 Nationals.  She brings an important Yurchenko 1 1/2 to the UK lineups.  The Wildcats also welcome L10s Kaila Lawrence and Sharon Lee.  Lee tied for 8th on UB and placed 12th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.

With all their key stars returning and 20 of 24 routines, the Wildcats would be a formidable challenger, even with the impact of the newcomers.  However, with the addition of some top frosh, a new ceiling will be tested for this squad.  Returning to Natoinals will still be a tough goal for any squad, due to the number of teams that are so closely matched.  However, the talented set of newcomers plus a large set of experienced newcomers could help Kentucky return to Nationals and compete for an even higher finish in 2024. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Associate Head Coach:  Linas Gaveika
Assistant: Stephen Hood, Mia Sundstrom
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone/Missing:  2 VT, 2 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Finish Last Season:  8th
Returning Starters (8):  Mila Brusch (So), Rosie Casali (Sr), Cecelia Cooley (So/I), Jessica Hutchinson (Sr), Momoko Iwai (Jr), Bella Mabanta (Sr), Kiley Rorich (So), Abbie Thompson (Sr) 
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Mia Hebinck (Jr), Ava Mabanta (So), Rylie Mundell (Sr/I)
Graduated (4):  Lynnzee Brown, Victoria Fitts, Alexandra Ruiz, Callie Schlottman
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Ashley Gallen, Amanda Hargraves, Maddison Reidenbach, Madison Ulrich

Quick Assessment:  Denver enters the season at 10th, after having finished 8th in last year NCAA Semi-Finals.  They made the Semi-Finals last season by coming in 1st at the Denver Regional last season, defeating LSU, Michigan and Oregon State.  All four teams were separated by just 0.225.  From that squad, they lose superstar Lynnzee Brown.  Brown was the 2019 National Co-Champ on FX and the co-runner-up on VT in 2023.  A 20 time All-American (10 regular season, 10 NCAA), she had an AA high of 39.25 and events highs of 9.95 and above.  The Pioneers also lose Alexandra Ruiz, a former second-team regular season All-American who provide key routines, often in leadoff, for Denver.  In total, Denver will look to replace 7 lost routines.   Leading the way for Denver in 2024 are seniors Rose Casali, Jessica Hutchinson and Bella Mabanta. and junior Momoko Iwai.  Hutchinson was a first team All-American at the NCAAs last season and the 2022 Big 12 All Around Champion.  She hit 10s on both BB and FX last season and set career highs on all four events, plus the AA.  Casali competed on VT, UB and FX for DU and captured 2nd team regular season All-American honors on UB last season.  Mabanta competed on up to three events last season as well and set career highs last season on VT, BB and FX.  Iwai also set career highs on VT, BB and FX but shines brightest on BB.  She's also been in the mix for the UB lineup, making her a potential AAer as well.  Senior Thompson is another potential AAer but excels on BB, where she was an individual NCAA qualifier in 2022.  Denver will also look to get back the full services of Rylie Mundell, who missed the post-season last year.  The 2023 Big 12 Vault co-champion and 2022 Big 12 UB co-champion hit a career high of 39.625 in the AA last season.       

Four newcomers look to power the Pioneers forward in 2024.  Leading the way is Madison Ulrich, a three-time L10 National Team member from Southeastern.  In 2023, she won UB and placed 3rd AA at the Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 3rd on FX (double layout) and VT (Pike front 1/2).  With tight, precise form and execution, she has all the makings of a future NCAA standout.  She was also a the L10 National AA champ (Jr 3) in 2021, placing 2nd on UB, 3rd on BB and 5th on VT.  Also new this season is Maddison Reidenbach, a L10 from Flips.  In 2022, she tied for 8th on VT and 33rd AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  She was also 6th on UB and 11th AA at the 2021 WDP L10 Nationals.  However, her season ended early (late January) in 2023.  Denver also welcomes Ashley Gallen and Amanda Hargraves.  Gallen is a L10 from Capital, placed 4th on VT and 11th AA at the 2023 Region 3 L10 Regionals.  She also tied for 26th AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  Hargraves is a L10 from Metropolitan who finished 37th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also qualified as an event specialist to Nationals on VT and FX in 2022.        

Denver will look to repeat their trip to Nationals in 2024.  However, the field was extremely tight to make Nationals last season and they will also have the added boost of being a Regional host in 2024. (Being a host is generally an advantage due to the home equipment, lack of travel and strong fan support).  To make it back to Nationals, they will need to keep stars like Mundell and Hutchinson available in peak health in post-season and have others like newcomer Ulhrich ready to contribute at a high level.  

Official Web Site:   Link    Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Mike Rowe
Associate Head Coach:  Nicole Jones
Assistant:  Devin Wright, Rachael Donovan
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 0 FX
Finish Last Season:  11th
Returning Starters (10):  Baleigh Garcia (Sr), Delanie Harkness (Sr), Lauren Hsu (Jr), Jori Jackard (5th Yr), Giana Kalefe (Sr), Skyla Schulte (Jr), Nikki Smith (So), Nyah Smith (5th Yr), Gabrielle Stephen (Jr), Olivia Zsarmani (So)
Other/Injured Returners (8):  Elle Beaufait (So), Naomi German (Sr), Sydney Hayashi (Sr), Sage Kellerman (So), Genna Lebster (Jr), Stephanie Lebster (So), Katie Sawyer (Jr) Tara Walsh (Sr)
Graduated (1):  Tori Loomis
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):   Kendall Abney, Emma Misenheimer, Gabi Ortiz, Isabella Trostel, MaKayla Tucker

Quick Assessment:   MSU looks to continue their climb in 2024, having missed out on a trip to Nationals again in 2023.  They finished 3rd at the Pittsburgh Regional, just 0.15 points behind Florida.  They return a remarkable 24 of 24 routines from the last starting lineup in 2023, giving them a ton of experience in high pressure situations.  Leading the way for MSU in 2024 are seniors Baleigh Garcia and Delanie Harkness, juniors Skyla Schulte and Gabrille Stephen and sophomore Nikki Smith.  Sophomore Smith had a standout frosh campaign, scoring a 10 on VT and 39.775 in the AA.  The Big Ten frosh of the year hit 9.925 or higher on each of the four events.  Schulte was the 2022 Big Ten frosh of the year and was a second team NCAA All-American in 2022.  With an AA high of 39.675, she's part of the Spartans 1-2-3 punch.  The final member of this trio of AAer is Stephens.  With a career high of 39.725, Stephen holds career highs of 9.95 on VT and BB and 9.975 on UB and FX.  She looks to upgrade her perfect 9.95 start value Yurchenko Full to an equally well-executed Yurchenko 1 1/2 this season.  Complementing this trio is Garcia, a senior who has gone AA in the past but is best known for her excellent work on BB.  Another senior, Harkness, lifts the Spartan lineup on FX with her full-in.  She's a regular on three events, with highs of 9.95 on UB and FX, and 9.9 on BB.  Grad student Nyah Smith, sister of Nikki, has competed AA in the past but last season contributed most on VT and FX, serving in the key leadoff position.  Senior Gianna Kalefe takes another critical leadoff position, on BB, and also competes on FX.  MSU will also look to get expanded contributions from Olivia Zsarmini in 2024.  She's been slowed by injury at times but has competed on as many as three events as a frosh.  Another key sophomore, Sage Kellerman, won a share of the Big Ten VT title as a frosh.             

MSU welcomes five newcomers in 2024:  Kendall Abney, Emma Misenheimer, Gabi Ortiz, Isabel Trostel and Makayla Tucker.  Tucker, a L10 from DeVeau's, won the VT title (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and tied for the FX title at the Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals in 2023.  She also tied for 5th on UB and 10th AA.  She also tied for 5th on UB, 6th on BT, 7th on BB and 8th on FX en route to a 6th place AA finish at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  Trostel is a L10 from Buckeye.  In 2023, she tied for 7th on BB and placed 11th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She was also 2nd on BB, her best event, and placed 14th AA in 2022.  Ortiz, who was originally committed to Pitt, had a strong final club season.  She won the Region 8 L10 AA title with a 38.85 and then went on to tie for 5th on VT and 14th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also qualified to Nationals in 2022, tying for 4th on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2).  Misenheimer trains as a L10 at Sonshine and tied for 15th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 7th on VT and placed 22nd AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  The final frosh, Abney, is an in-state L10 from Michigan Elite.  She tied for 7th on BB and placed 34th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 21st AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.

With nearly their full roster returning and 24 of 24 starters back from their final 2023 lineup, MSU is well set for another run at the Regional Final in 2024.  However, the Spartans have also added some additional pieces to the puzzle in a solid frosh class.  Depending on how the frosh adapt and the remaining returnees advance, the MSU could be deeper and stronger in 2024.  With continued progress, they will be contending again for a spot at Nationals.

Official Web Site: Link       Schedule       Roster
Head Coach:  Shannon Welker
Assistants:   Whitney Snowden, Lacey Rubin, Jackie Terpak
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 2 UB, 3 BB, 2 FX
Finish Last Season:  14th
Returning Starters (8):  Kyra Burns (Sr), Amari Celestine (Jr), Grace Anne Davis (Jr), Alonna Kratzer (Jr), Addison Lawrence (So/I), Jocelyn Moore (Jr), Sydney Schaffer (Sr), Sienna Schreiber (Gr)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Jalene Jachna (So), Amaya Marshall (Sr), Kalise Newson (Sr), Mackenzie Patricelli (So), Hollyn Patrick (Gr), Courtney Woods (So)
Graduated (4):  Helen Hu, Hannah McCrary, Alisa Sheremeta, Adalayna Hufendiek
Other Losses (3):  Reese Baechle (So/TR/Lindenwood), Alyssa Ojeda (Jr/R), Casey Poddig (So/?)
Newcomers (6):  Jessa Conedera, Kennedy Griffin, Hannah Horton, Rayna Light, Kylie Minard, Mara Titarsolej (Sr/TR/LIU)

Quick Assessment:  Missouri finished 14th last season but find themselves slotted in the preseason #12 position in the Coaches' Poll.  They seek to replace 8 missing routines from their last competition lineup in 2023.  They Tigers suffered some pretty large losses, with stars like Helen Hu, Hannah McCrary and Alyssa Sheremata now graduated.  The tigers also lost four other athletes and Associate Head Coach Casey Jo MacPherson, who is the new Head Coach at Pitt.  Although slowed by injury, Hu was a four-time All-American who excelled on UB and BB with her original skill selection, extreme flexibility and exceptional form.  McCrary excelled on three events for the Tigers, posting marks of 9.9+ or better on BB, FX and VT.  Sheremeta competed in all 13 meets for Mizzou on UB, BB and FX last season.  She too had career highs of 9.9 or higher on each event she competed.  Missouri still returns 8 starters and 6 other returners to their 2024 squad.  They will be led by grad student Sienna Schreiber, senior Sydney Schaffer and juniors Amari Celestine and Jocelyn Moore.  Schreiber, the 2022 NCAA runner-up on the BB, is a four time All-American (3 regular season, 1 NCAA).  She's a key AAer, having hit a high of 39.625 and has 41 scores of 9.9 or higher in her career (including 25 on BB).  Schaffer is another top beamer, having qualified as an individual to the NCAAs in 2021.  She competed on three events for the Tigers last season.  Celestine was the NCAA runner-up on VT in 2022 for her Yurchenko 1 1/2.  She was also a 2nd team All-American on FX in 2022, where she mounts with a full-in.  While she has competed primarily on VT, UB and FX, she did show BB at the recent Mizzou public exhibition.  Classmate Moore is another dynamic vaulter, with one of the best Yurchenko 1 1/2s in the NCAA.  The 2023 SEC champion on VT, she is a two-time regular season All-American on the VT.  She too competed three events for the Tigers in 2023.  Missouri also welcomes back Grace Anne Davis, who brings a Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT but who also hit 9.9 twice on BB in 2023.  Kyra Burns also stepped up in 2023, coming back in midseason to compete on VT and UB. 

Missouri welcomes five frosh and a high impact transfer.  Hannah Horton, a L10 from Revolution, placed 2nd on FX and tied for 3rd on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and 15th AA at the 2023 Women's Development Program (WDP) L10 Nationals.  She also placed 8th on BB and tied for 9th AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  Another high impact L10, Rayna Light, is a L10 from Golden City.  In 2023, she tied for 3rd on FX and 9th AA at the WDP L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 5th on VT and 13th AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  Transfer Mara Titasolej, a senior who competed previously at LIU, should make an immediate impact on UB and possibly on BB.  One of the top UB workers in the NCAA, she's posted 10s on the event and is a two-time regular season All-American.  Three more L10s complete the class:  Jessa Conedera, Kennedy Griffin and Kylie Minard.  Griffin tied for 9th on VT and 30th AA at the 2023 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also placed 1st on BB and tied for 5th on FX en route to a 27th place finish at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  Minard, an in-state L10 from Fuzion, placed 3rd on FX and 7th AA at the Region 4 L10 Regionals in 2023, qualifying to the WDP L10 Nationals.  Conedera placed 38th AA at the 2022 WDP L10 Nationals.  She also placed 11th AA at the Region 4 L10 Regionals in 2023.  

Missouri enters 2024 with some major lineup spots to replace, but with a large set of returning starters and other returners.   The Tigers should see strong leadership and high scores from the likes of Schreiber, Celestine and Moore.  However, they also look forward to some immediate contributions from Horton and Light.  With a strong experienced core and some talented newcomers, they should challenge once again for the Regional Final.  And once there, recent history has shown that it will be in the battle to advance.         

Link:  Teams #13 to #25

Link:  Intro

The 2023 is about to kick off, and we're anticipating a high flying season with plenty of record high scores.  We're once again publishing Season Previews for the entire Top 25 teams, as ranked by the Coaches' Preseason Poll.  In each Preview, we've summarized the team's returning routines, their lost routines, their returning starters and the rest of their roster, with a special focus on their newcomers.  We'll also give a brief overview preview of their prospects and challenges.

Here are the first 12 teams in our Capsule Previews of our Top 25, based on the 2023 Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 0 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Associate Head Coaches: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Finish Last Season:  1st
Returning Starters (10):  Jordan Bowers (So), Audrey Davis (Jr), Jenna Dunn (Sr), Danae Fletcher (Jr), Bell Johnson (Jr), Katherine Levasseur (Jr), Danielle Sievers (So), Ragan Smith (Sr), Allie Stern (5th Yr), Olivia Trautman (5th Yr),
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Caitin Kirkpatrick (So), Audrey Lynn (Jr/I), Sheridan Ramsey (Jr), Madison Snook (So), Meilin Sullivan (Jr), Amy Wier (So)
Graduated (3):   Emma LaPinta, Karrie Thomas, Carly Woodard
Other Losses (2):  Vanessa Deniz (SR/TR/UGA), Moorea Linker (So/I/R)
Newcomers (2):  Ava Siegfeldt, Caitlin Smith (expected in January), Faith Torrez

Quick Assessment:  The defending NCAA Champions lose just two routines from last year's squad, both from the departed Woodward.  They said goodbye to a total of five gymnasts, but compared to prior seasons, the graduations losses for OU are relatively muted.  Leading the way for OU in 2023 will be sophomore Jordan Bowers, junior Audrey Davis, senior Ragan Smith and 5th year Olivia Trautman. AAer Bowers looks strong as ever, and has been showing an upgraded tuck full-in mount on FX.  Similarly, Davis looks to have an even greater impact in 2023.  Known for her immaculate work on UB and BB, she's training a Yurchenko 1 1/2.  OU seems to be pacing Trautman, to ensure she's ready and healthy for the post-season, just like last season.  OU should also get big contributions from junior Levasseur and sophomore Sievers as well.

OU is widely known for continuing to develop their roster into stars, so the frosh don't have to be depended on too early.  However, this season a stellar class, led by Torrez and Siegfeldt, looks to make an immediate impact.  Torrez, who competed AA at the recent intrasquad, has beautiful form complemented by big skills like a double layout on FX and a back tuck full and side aerial to layout stepout on BB.  Former US National Team member Siegfeldt looks to impact first on VT, where her Yurchenko 1 ½ will help OU establish 6 10.0 Start Value (SV) vaults from early in the season.  However, she is another potential AAer down the road.  The Sooners also welcome Caitlin Smith, who graduated early and will join the Sooners in January.  A L10 from World Champion Centre, she tied for 6th AA and 5th on FX (full-in mount) at the 2021 Women's Development Program (WDP) Nationals.  In 2022, she placed 2nd on VT and UB at the Region 3 Regionals but problems on BB and FX kept her from qualifying to Nationals as an AAer.  She is also a former L10 National Champion in the AA, winning the title back in 2019. 

With a loaded and experienced roster and a talented frosh class, the Sooners look to be even deeper and more talented than last season.  They'll be a formidable force in the post-season as they pursue their sixth National Team Title.  FX was the Sooner's weak event at the Four on the Floor last season (and their lowest ranking event nationally).  This is where the newcomers and a healthy Trautman could help out the most.     

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone: 2 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
Assistants: Adrian Burde, Owen Field
Finish Last Season:  2nd
Returning Starters (7):  Sloane Blakely (So), Leah Clapper (Gr),  Riley McCusker (So), Payton Richards (Sr), Savannah Schoenherr (Gr), Trinity Thomas (Gr), Leanne Wong (So)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Chloi Clark (Jr), Bri Edwards (So), Morgan Hurd (RS Fr/I), Ellie Lazzari (Jr/I), Alex Magee (Jr), Halley Taylor (Gr)
Graduated (4):  Alyssa Baumann, Sydney Johnson-Scharpf, Nya Reed, Megan Skaggs
Other Losses (1):  Gabrielle Gallentine (Jr/TR/PSU), 
Newcomers (4):  Rachel Baumann (Gr/TR/UGA), Lori Brubach, Kayla DiCello, Victoria Nguyen (Jr/TR/UGA)

Quick Assessment:  Florida has suffered some pretty large losses from 2022, perhaps even beyond the 8 routines lost.  The loss of Baumann, Reed and AAer Skaggs, along with Gallentine and Johnson-Scharpf, impact not just the returning routines but the entire depth chart.  Fortunately, the Gators have plenty of firepower remaining, led by 2022 NCAA AA, UB and FX champ Thomas.  The 27-time All-American and Honda Award winner leads a veteran core that includes dynamic sophomores Blakely and 2022 World Championship Gold Medalist Wong.  Classmate McCusker is also back, along with key veterans Clapper, Richards and Schoenherr.  Florida should also get a boost from the debut of redshirt frosh Hurd, the former World AA champion, and Lazzari, who was a standout in her rookie campaign.  They could easily complete their lineups with the returning class, as long as everyone remains healthy.  

The Gators should also get immediate contributions from DiCello, one of the top recruits in the country and a bronze medalist in the AA at the 2021 World Championships.  This past season, she placed 4th AA at the OOFOS US Championships.  She has the skills and execution to take a place as a top AAer, once she adapts to NCAA competition.  She vaults a Yurchenko Double Full, swings a stalder full, Church and Van Leewen on UB and tumbles a bhs-layout-layout on BB,  She also has a variety of tumbling skills, from a full-twisting double layout to the double double (Silivas) that should impress the judges and fans alike.  Florida also welcomes a pair of transfers, both from UGA.  Bauman was a top gymnast on BB and FX while Nguyen excels on UB and BB, but has added a Yurchenko 1 1/2 in training.

Last season Florida came just 0.1125 from defeating OU for the title.  They were unable to capitalize on OU's lower marks on FX by ceding too much ground on the other three events.  The key for the Gators will be to get improved scores in the 2nd half of the lineup, particularly on VT, while replacing some big scores they've lost.  Better luck with injuries could also be difference maker this season for the Gators as they chase down the ever-improving Sooners. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Tom Farden
Assistant:  Carly Dockendorf, Jimmy Pratt
Finish Last Season:  3rd
Returning Starters (10):  Kara Eaker (So), Jaylene Gilstrap (Jr), Cristal Isa (5th Yr), Grace McCallum (So), Amelie Morgan (So), Maile O'Keefe (Sr), Abby Paulson (Sr), Jaedyn Rucker (Sr), Lucy Stanhope (Jr), Sage Thompson (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Jillian Hoffmann (Sr/I), Alani Sabado (Jr)
Graduated (4):  Alexia Birch, Cammy Hall (Gr/TR/LSU), Adrienne Randall, Sydney Soloski
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (3):  Abby Brenner (5th Yr/TR/Michigan), Sarah Krump, Makenna Smith

Quick Assessment:  Utah loses 3 routines from four graduated gymnasts including Soloski, a top ten performer on the FX last season.  The impact on the depth chart is even greater, with Birch having gone AA in the past and two 10.0 Start Value (SV) vault gone.  The Utes will be led this season by senior O'Keefe. an 11 time All-American and 2021 UB and FX NCAA Champ.  She'll be completed by Olympian McCallum, the #5 returning AAer from last regular season, who has had another year to adjust and is looking strong in preseason training.  Utah also welcomes back 2022 NCAA Vault champ Rucker, and key All-American specialists Isa and Paulson.  The Red Rocks will also hope to see stronger contributions from Eaker, who was slowed by injury last season and Gilstrap, who has shown big improvements in difficulty and execution in preseason training.   Sophomore Thompson also looks ready to continue her momentum from last season.  The oft-injured Hoffman showed flashes of brilliance last season, and could provide a spark on FX as well. 

Utah should get a lineup boost from Michigan transfer Brenner and top frosh Smith.  Brenner is a former regular season All-American on VT who also competed UB and FX (full-in) for the Wolverines.   Smith was the ’21 regional vault (10.0), bars (9.9) and floor (9.925) champ and tied for 5th on VT and 6th on FX en route to a 13th(t) AA finish at the 2021 National meet (fall on BB).  She was also the ’22 Region 1 L10 Regional vault (9.925, pike Omelianchik), bars (9.875) and floor (9.675, double Arabian) champ.  The pair bring strength on the leg events and can also bolster the UB lineup.    

Utah is looking to burst back onto the top of the podium but faces some tough competition to get there from OU and FLorida.  While this squad is proven to be excellent on BB, they need to close the gap with the top teams on VT.  Brenner and Smith will be key in that regard, but the other returning Utes will also need to claw back tenths on the other events as well, in order to keep up with the front-runners.        

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Routines Gone: 0 VT, 1 UB, 0 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Associate Head Coach:  Scott Sherman
Assistant: Maile'ana Kenewa-Hermelyn
Finish Last Season:  8th
Returning Starters (7):  Sierra Brooks (Sr), Reyna Guggino (Jr), Abby Heiskell (Gr), Naomi Morrison (Jr), Jacey Vore (So), Gabby Wilson (Sr), Natalie Wojcik (Gr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Carly Bauman (Jr/I), Nicoletta Koulos (Sr), Ashley Lane (So), Jenna Mulligan (Jr), Abigael Vides (So/I)
Graduated (1):  Abby Brenner (Gr/TR/Utah)
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Lilly Clapper, Farah Lipetz, Kaylen Morgan, Paige Thaxton

Quick Assessment:  After a strong start, the 2021 NCAA Champs faltered last season to finish back in 8th. They lose just one gymnast from last year's squad, accounting for two routines (plus a key reserve vault).  They will be led in 2023 by graduate students Abby Heiskell and Natalie Wojcik, seniors Seirra Brooks and Gabby Wilson, and junior Naomi Morrison.  Wojcik, the 2022 AIA Award Winner and 2019 BB National Champ is an 18 time All-American.  Heiskell had the best season of her career as a senior, winning three Big 10 titles (AA, UB, FX).  Brook is a 13-time All-American and three-time Regional Champion.  Along with Wilson and Morrison, Michigan can count on five potential AAers among the core returning starters.  Michigan would also like to see expanded contributions from Guggino and Vore, but are also anticipating the return of Bauaman, who missed last season but who was a standout as a frosh.  

Michigan welcomes a quartet of talented newcomers, who could provide a much needed boost of depth.   Clapper was the only athlete in this class to have a complete ’22 season and she finished well, taking 8th AA, UB and BB at the WDP Nationals.  She also placed 7th on VT and tied for 13th AA at the 2021 Level 10 Nationals.  Morgan, who has competed at the elite level since 2019, placed 21st AA (senior) at the 2021 US Championships.  She showed a strong Yurchenko Full on VT, Maloney to Pak and Van Leeuwen on UB, an unusual side somi to straddle jump ½ on BB and an Arabian double front on FX.     This season, however, she did not reach her qualifying score at the Elite Qualifiers.  Michigan will look to get Thaxton healthy and ready for all lineups, after her 2022 season ended early.  She has a double layout and full-in on floor, a Gienger and full-in off bars, a punch front and double back off BB and a Yurchenko 1 ½ vault (and training a double).  At the 2021 L10 Nationals, she tied for 1st on UB, placed 6th on BB and placed 11th AA.  She was a L10 National Team member in 2019, placing 3rd on UB and BB and placing 4th AA. 

Michigan would like a return to the NCAA Final and a chance to repeat their 2021 National title. To do this, they'll need to avoid injuries and develop their depth by getting stepup performances from their frosh and other returning athletes.  Consistency, especially on BB, will be another key, as the Wolverines suffered mistakes on Day 1 of the NCAAs on both UB and BB.  BB was also their lowest ranked event last season during the regular season.    

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Graba
Associate Head Coach:  Sara Carver-Milne
Assistants: Kurt Hettinger
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 1 FX
Finish Last Season:  4th
Returning Starters (9):  Aria Brusch (Sr), Derrian Gobourne (5th Yr), Sophia Groth (So), Olivia Hollingsworth (Jr), Sara Hubbard (So), Sunisa Lee (So), Gabby McLaughlin (Jr), Adeline Sabados (Sr), Cassie Stevens (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Ananda Brown (So), Caroline Leonard (So), Morgan Leigh Oldham (Sr), Piper Smith (Sr), Anna Sumner (Sr)
Graduated (3):   Jada Glenn, Drew Watson, Allie Riddle
Other Losses (2): Payton Smith (Jr/?), Tara Walsh (TR/Jr/MSU)
Newcomers (3):  Olivia Greaves (I), Hannah Hagle, Hailey John

Quick Assessment:  Auburn had a breakthrough season in 2022, finishing 4th and setting records along the way.  They lose just two routines from last year's final lineup, although the roster is down five athletes and a bit of depth.  Leading the way in 2023 will be Olympic Champ Lee, who has announced that this will be her last as a Tiger.  She's looking terrific as she has spent this summer preparing for her elite return.  Also back for a final bow is grad student Gobourne.  A 2019 NCAA VT champ and the 2022 runnerup on UB and FX, she provides high scoring 9.95+ potential on three events.  Also returning are two key all-arounders from 2022, sophomore Groth and senior Stevens as well as three event stalwart Brusch.  Groth excels on BB but emerged as the #2 AAer last season.  Junior Hollingsworth has made big strides in the offseason and appears ready to make a major impact this season.  The former elite now opens FX with a clean open full-in.     

Auburn welcomes a trio of frosh this season but Hagle should be the first to see action.  Hagle is a former junior international elite who dropped back to L10.  This past season, she tied for 9th on BB and FX at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  She also tied for 10th on VT while finishing 20th AA (problems on UB).  In 2021, she was 6th on UB and 7th AA at the L10 Nationals.  She shows solid, tight form with good flexibility across her events.  She also vaults a Yurchenko Full and throws two double backs on FX.    Senior international elite Greaves is the top name in the Tiger class.  The Senior National Team member is a standout on UB who as a junior international elite, won the UB and placed 3rd AA at the US Championships in 2019.  In 2022, she competed only UB at the OOFOS US Championships and tied for 9th.  Injuries have unfortunately kept her from key competitions in 2020 and 2021 and a new ACL injury will keep her out this season. 

Auburn will be seeking a return to the NCAA finals, a task complicated by a strong set of contenders and an unfortunate injury with their top frosh.  However, they have superstars Lee and Gobourne complemented by a strong core set of experienced gymnasts.  They'll need continued improvements from the likes of Hollingsworth and others to help strengthen the lower half of the lineups. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Jay Clark
Assistants: Ashleigh Gnat, Garrett Griffeth
Finish Last Season:  18th
Returning Starters (8):  Elena Arenas (Jr), Haleigh Bryant (Jr), Olivia Dunne (Jr), Aleah Finnegan (So), Kiya Johnson (Sr), KJ Johnson (So), Kai Rivers (Sr), Alyona Shchennikova (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Sierra Ballard (Jr), Chase Brock (Jr), Alexis Jeffrey (So), Lexie Nibbs (Sr), Maddie Rau (Sr), Kamryn Ryan (Sr), Tori Tatum (So)
Graduated (5):   Reagan Campbell, Bridget Dean, Christina Desiderio, Sami Durante, Sara Edwards
Other Losses (1):  Rebecca D'Antonio (Sr/?)
Newcomers (4):  Annie Beard, Ashley Cowan, Cammy Hall (GR/TR/Utah/I), Bryce Wilson

Quick Assessment:   LSU stumbled last season at Regionals, posting just a 196.575 after problems on UB and BB and failed to advance to the Regional final.  However, the Coaches' have installed the Tigers in the #6 position, reflecting the talent on the roster.  They return 19 of 24 routines from last season, losing five sets from six departed gymnasts.  The Tigers will be led in 2023 by seniors Kiya Johnson and Shchennkiova and junior Bryant.  Johnson, a nine-time All-American, has worked around Achilles' problems to excel in the AA, when needed.  Shchennkova was a strong AA competitor last season and is set for a repeat.  Bryant is another potential AAer but was also the NCAA Vault Champ in 2021 with her terrific pike front-half.  LSU is also anticipating bigger contributions this season from Finnegan, who has looked stronger in preseason training and appears ready to impact in the AA.  Another sophomore, KJ Johnson, could see an expanded role this season as well.  Unfortunately, former elite Dunne has been struggling with shoulder problems.  The Tigers could also see other returners rise up to fill the spots opened up by the graduating seniors, especially Ballard and Brock.  

LSU welcomes a trio of frosh and Utah transfer Hall, who unfortunately is already out for the season.  Wilson placed 2nd on VT, 4th(t) on FX and 8th AA at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  She won the VT title at the 2021 L10 Nationals and placed 8th on UB.  Wilson scored three 10s on vault this season and may bring another Yurchenko Double to the Tiger lineup.  She also competes a pike full-in on FX and a Downie on UB.  She has struggled a bit with consistency in the past, especially on BB, and that will likely be a focus area as she adapts to college competition.   Cowan will strengthen the Tiger depth, but especially shines on UB and FX.  She placed 1st on UB in every ’22 meet and took a share of the title at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  She also tied for 3rd on FX and 11th on AA (problems on BB).  Her UB set features a Ray and a full twisting double layout dismount while she also won FX at state and Regionals with a front double twist mount.  Beard is a former junior international elite (10th AA at the 2017 P&G Championships) who was limited to three events (no UB) for most of the 2022 season.  Her problems unfortunately have continued and she reportedly underwent surgery in the fall and is likely out for the season.  

While LSU will need to avoid the inconsistency problems that struck at Regionals, they've also run into a string of injury problems that will impact their depth, especially on UB.  UB is a particular focus area for the team in preseason, according to Head Coach Jay Clark.  However, they do have enough core talent and a big enough roster to weather these setbacks and make their way back to the NCAA Finals.   

Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach:  Ashley Johnston
Assistants:  Gina Quinlan, Justin Spring
Finish Last Season:  7th
Returning Starters (10):  Shania Adams (Jr), Luisa Blanco (Sr), Ella Burgess (Sr), Makarri Doggette (Sr), Lilly Hudson (So), Cam Machado (Jr), Shallon Olsen (Gr), Jordyn Paradise (So), Mati Waligora (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Corinne Bunagan (So), Isabella Martin (Jr), Sania Mitchell (GS)
Graduated (4):  Emily Gaskins, Lexi Graber, Griffin James, Kaylee Quinn
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (6):  Karis German, Gabby Gladieux, Zoe Gravier, Lillian Lewis, Lauren Little, Rachel Rybicki

Quick Assessment:  Alabama returns 18 of 24 routines from a squad that finished 7th at last year's Nationals.  They'll certainly miss star Lexi Graber, the 2021 NCAA FX champ as well as Gaskins and Quinn.  However, they have a strong core returning including sophomore standout Hudson and veteran stars Blanco, Doggette, Olsen and Waligora.  Hudson will look to an even stronger season after hitting 2nd team All American in the AA last year.  Blanco was a 2021 NCAA Champ on BB and is another potential AAer.  Olympian Olsen has contributed on up to three events while Waligora has also gone AA before.   Doggette has struggled at times with injuries, but is a standout on UB who can also compete all four event when healthy.  Machado showed big improvements last season while Paradise and Adams are both capable of a bigger impact.  One returner who is looking stronger in preseason training is Bunagan, who did not compete as a frosh.

The Tide welcome a strong frosh class of six, filled with elites and L10s that will not only provide depth but will challenge for lineup positions.  Former US National Team member German placed 19th AA and 6th on FX at the US Championships.  In 2022, she placed 7th AA at the Winter Cup.  Although she is a potential contender for the all -around, she is especially strong on floor where she has competed a double-double (Silivas), full twisting double layout and full-in.   Gladieux is coming off a strong club season that saw her win the AA and BB at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  She was also 2nd on FX and tied for 5th on UB and 6th on VT.  She looks to impact the Tide lineups immediately with strong potential across all four events.  She also has top level skills, including a Yurchenko 1 ½ on VT, a full-in on FX and a two-footed back whip/layout on BB.  

Little has competed on the elite level since 2016.  In the ’22 season she won the Metroplex Challenge (1st VT/UB/BB) and the KPAC Cup (1st V/UB/FX).  She also placed 3rd on bars at the Winter Cup and 7th AA at the US Classic.  She excels on the UB, with good stalder technique and stalder entries on her Shaposhnikova (aka Chow) and Van Leeuwen.  Gravier competed as an elite as a junior, then moved back to L10 after the ’18 season.  She tied for 9th AA and placed 9th on UB at ’22 WDP Nationals.  She also tied for 33rd at the 2021 Nationals.  Another former junior elite, Lewis finished off the ’22 season with an 8th place AA finish at the WDP Nationals.  She also tied for 10th on BB. 

Alabama will look to break into the National final with a strong core group of returners and a talented frosh class.  Although they will miss Graber's big score potential on VT/FX, they have plenty of talent on the roster.  The health of their stars and how quickly the frosh can adapt to NCAA competition could tell the tale on how far Bama will rise this season. 

Official Web Site:   Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coaches:  Justin Howell and Elizabeth Crandall-Howell
Assistant Coach:  John Carney
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 2 BB, 3 FX
Finish Last Season:  11th
Returning Starters (5):  Neveah DeSouza (Sr), Mya Lauzon (So), Andi Li (Jr), Gabby Perea (Jr), Madelyn Williams (So)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Elise Byun (Jr), Ella Cesario (So), Blake Gozashti (Jr), Maya Green (Sr), Jordan Kane (So), Natalie Sadighi (Sr), Abbey Scanlon (So)
Graduated (8):  Maya Bordas, Milan Clausi, Kyana George, Talitha Jones, Grace Quinn, Nina Schank, Abi Solari, Emi Watterson
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (3):  Miki Aderinto, Casey Brown, eMjae Frazier, Jayden Silvers

Quick Assessment:   Cal suffered some of the biggest losses of the Top 12 teams, with 9 routines gone from the last starting lineup of a team that finished 11th in 2022 (and 9th in the final National Qualifying Score(NQS) standings).  The losses include 2021 NCAA UB Champ and key AAer Maya Bordes plus key lineup members Clausi, Quinn, Schank and Watterson.  Also gone is George, an AAer who was sadly injured last season and unable to compete her final year.  Leading the way for the Bears in 2023 is senior all-arounder DeSouza and junior AAer Li.  Junior Perea looks ready to expand her contributions in 2023 after a strong preseason while sophomore Lauzon competed AA at times as a frosh.  Classmate Williams was also in up to three events last season.  This is a small but talented core of returning athletes.  Cal should also see the debut of Cesario, who did not compete in 2022 but has rebounded strongly from injury.  Green has been part of the strong Bear UB lineup in the past, and looks set to reclaim a spot. 

A likely contributor to Cal's higher preseason rank, despite the large losses to graduation, is the strength of their frosh class.  Cal’s standout income class is headlined by US National Team member eMjae Frazier.  The 2021 World Championships Team member placed 3rd AA and won the FX at the 2022 Winter Cup.  She then went on to place 6th AA and 2nd on FX at the 2022 City of Jesolo Trophy.  With an array of top level skills and strong execution, she is ready to make a big mark on the NCAA this season as one of the top incoming recruits.  Cal is also joined by two top L10s in Brown and Aderinto.  Aderinto is a two-time L10 Women’s Development Program (WDP) National Team member who tied for the National Title in her division on the UB in 2022.  She also placed 2nd on BB, tied for 4th on UB and placed 3rd AA.  In 2021, she tied for 4th AA, UB and on FX at the WDP National meet, while placing 6th on VT.  She specially excels on UB, where she hit a 10 last season.   Brown placed 5th AA at the 2022 WDP Nationals, tying for 4th on VT and FX, 9th on UB and 10th on BB.  In 2021, she made the WDP National Team, placing 3rd AA and tying for 4th on VT and UB and 6th on BB at the National meet.  With a 39.325 career high AA in L10, she excels on VT with a Yurchenko 1 ½ and shows beautiful form and extension on all four events. 

Although Cal finished short of Nationals last season, they look set to put forth a strong bid in 2023.  With veterans like DeSouza, Li and Perea leading the way and some potential standout contributions from the frosh and sophs, they have all the pieces to put up a challenge.  Improvements on VT and FX will especially be key, as these have been the weakest pieces for Cal the last several seasons.    

Official Web Site: Link       Schedule       Roster
Head Coach:  Shannon Welker
Associate Head Coach:  Casey Jo (Magee) MacPherson
Assistants:   Whitney Snowden
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 0 FX
Finish Last Season:  5th
Returning Starters (11):  Amari Celestine (So), Grace Anne Davis (So), Helen Hu (Sr), Alonna Kratzer (So), Amaya Marshall (Jr), Hannah McCrary (Gr), Jocelyn Moore (So), Hollyn Patrick (Sr), Sydney Schaffer (Jr), Sienna Schreiber (Sr), Alisa Sheremeta (Gr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Kyra Burns (Jr), Adalayna Hufendiek (Sr), Kalise Newson (Jr), Alyssa Ojeda (So/I)
Graduated (0): N/A 
Other Losses (2):  Victoria Gatzendorfer (TR/So/Maryland), Jena Swanson (Jr/I/Team Manager)
Newcomers (6):  Reese Baechle, Jalene Jachna, Addison Lawrence, Mackenzie Patricelli, Casey Poddig, Courtney Woods

Quick Assessment:  Missouri returns every routine from the last starting lineup in 2022.  They did lose some potential depth (particularly on UB) but the Tigers will look to improve on their 5th place finish from 2022.  They are ranked 9th in the preseason, as perhaps their 11th place NQS finish factored into the voting by the Coaches.  They return no less than 11 starters, led by grad students McCrary and Sheremeta, senior Schreiber, RS junior Hu, junior Schaffer and super sophs Celestine and Moore.  Schreiber was the primary AAer last season, earning All-American honors, but excels on BB.  Hu was a standout as a frosh but sat out 2021 with an injury.  She was restricted to UB and BB in 2022, where she demonstrates her superb form and flexibility with 9.95+ potential on both.  McCrary has been a lineup regular on three events, as was Sheremeta.  Celestine was the runnerup on VT at the 2022 NCAA and is also a tremendous performer on FX.  Classmate Moore has a huge Yurchenko 1 1/2 and some big tumbling on FX as well.  Schaffer qualified to the NCAAs as an individual on BB in 2021, her best event.  

In addition to the large returning class, Mizzou brings on six newcomers.  Lawrence leads the way.  The GAGE trained L10 placed 5th AA at the 2022 L10 Nationals, including a tie for 3rd on FX, 7th on UB and 8th on BB.  She also placed 6th AA in 2021 and tied for 4th on BB and 5th on both VT and FX.   Baechle placed 9th AA and tied for 2nd on VT at the 2022 Region 4 L10 Regionals, but competed on UB at the December intrasquad.  Poddig qualified as an individual to the WDP Nationals in 2022 and placed 27th AA  at the 2021 WDP Nationals.  Woods placed 8th AA in the Wildcard session of the 2022 WDP Nationals, after an 8th place finish on BB.  She also tied for 2nd on BB, the same event she exhibitioned at the Mizzou public intrasquad in early December.     

The Tigers will look to build upon 2022's strong finish and return back to Nationals.  Getting key improvements from their returners will be a key, especially Hu's ongoing comeback and the ongoing improvements from the sophomore class.  One of the focus areas for Mizzou will be to improve its marks and consistency on UB, the event in which they ranked just #22 last season.  They also need to improve the first half of the lineup on VT, where they ranked #17.      

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  3 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Janelle McDonald
Assistants:  BJ Das, Kyle Grable
Finish Last Season:  12th
Returning Starters (6):  Chae Campbell (Jr), Jordan Chiles (So), Frida Esparza (Jr), Emma Malabuyo (So), Brooklyn Moors (So), Ana Padurariu (So)
Other/Injured Returners (8):  Emma Andres (Sr), Mia Erdoes (So), Margzetta Frazier (Sr), Paige Hogan (Sr), Chloe Lashbrooke (Sr/I), Katie McNamara (Jr), Kalyany Steele (Sr), Sara Ulias (Jr/I)
Graduated (6):  Nora Flatley (GS/TR/Arkansas), Kendal Poston, Samantha Sakti, Pauline Tratz, Sara Taubman, Sekai Wright
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Ciena Alipio, Maddie Anyimi, Selena Harris, Clara Wren

Quick Assessment:  The Bruin lose 7 routines (from the last lineup in 2022) from six athletes, including standout AAer Norah Flatley, who opted to take her fifth year at Arkansas.  The Bruins did lose quite a bit of depth and experience beyond those 7 routines, as 4 of the other 5 competed on at least two events each during their careers.  UCLA also welcomes a new coaching staff, after a season marked by well-documented strife and emotional turmoil.  The Bruins will look to start a new chapter, led by World Championship Gold medalist and Olympian Chiles, plus junior Campbell.  Both were key AAers for the Bruins and will be critical in 2023.  The Bruins also welcome back former elites Esparza, Malabuyo, Moors and Padurariu, who all have tremendous potential across all four events.  UCLA also welcomes back eight other gymnasts, led by Frazier, who is back for her fifth year and is looking strong across multiple events in training.  She, along with Ulias and Steele, could bolster the UB lineup.  

UCLA welcomes a quartet of talented newcomers.  Harris, a highly sought-after recruit, is the full package and a potential future NCAA standout.  She tied for 1st AA and won the VT, FX and tied for the UB title at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  She also tied for 3rd on BB.  She won the WDP National AA title outright in 2021, picking up titles on the UB and BB while placing 2nd on VT.  Her Yurchenko 1 1/2 earned her a 10.0 in 2021 and a number of 9.9+ scores throughout her career.  She’s an expressive floor worker capable of a full-in.  She has beautiful flexibility on beam and excellent technique on bars. 

Alipio, a senior international elite, placed 17th AA and 2nd on BB at the 2022 OOFOS US Gymnastics Championships.  She also placed 22nd AA at the 2021 US Championships.  This past season, she showed a Yurchenko 1 ½ on VT and her BB is packed with difficulty including a layout mount and side aerial to layout-layout.  Anyimi had a breakout season as a L10 in 2022 and reportedly enrolled at UCLA before asking to join the team.  She placed 15th AA at the 2022 WDP Nationals, including a tie for 9th on UB.   She shines brightest on VT (Yurchenko Full) and UB (pike Jaeger, full-in).  Along with Wren's potential pike front 1/2, the frosh could play key roles in the Bruin VT lineup. 

The UCLA roster is loaded with elite-level talent and some L10 standouts.  With an all new coaching staff and the opportunity to start anew in 2023, the Bruins have all the tools to succeed.  Some better luck with injuries and hard work could set up the Bruins for a return back to National prominence.  Depth on VT is an early area of concern, based on the Meet the Bruins intrasquad.  This should improve, however, as gymnasts return from injury.   

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Associate Head Coach:  Rachel Garrison
Assistant: Chad Wiest
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Finish Last Season:  12th
Returning Starters (6):  Hailey Davis (Jr), Shealyn Luksik (Sr), Isabella Magnelli (Jr), Arianna Patterson (5th Yr), Jillian Procasky (So), Raena Worley (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (11):  Raina Albores (Sr), Bailey Bunn (Jr/I), Makenna Clarke (Sr/I), Carissa Clay (Jr), Kaitlin DeGuzman (Sr/I), Kassidy Howell (Sr), Ashlyn Laclair (Sr), Anna Riegert (So), Elyssa Roberts (Sr), Lila Smith (So), Makenzie Wilson (So)
Graduated (3):   Josie Angeny (GS/TR/UGA), Anna Haigis (volunteer assistant), Cally Nixon
Other Losses (1):  Krista Zultevicz (TR/Jr/NC State)
Newcomers (4):  Bridget Bourque, Samantha Forman (I), Megan Sapp, Claire Stippich

Quick Assessment:   Kentucky returns 17 of 24 routines from a team that placed 12th in last year's final rankings (and 10th in the final NQS standings).  They lose four gymnasts, including Angeny, now taking her COVID year at UGA>  Also departed are Nixon and Haigis, the latter serving as an assistant coach this season.  They have six starters returning led by superstar senior Worley.  Worley rose to be one of the best AAers in the country last season, finishing #4 in the regular season and hitting All-American honors.  She's supported by 5th year Patterson, junior Magnelli and sophomore Procasky, who competed AA three times last season. Davis was standout on FX, qualifying to Nationals as an individual, while Luksik was a key member of the UB lineup.  The Wildcats have a large returning roster with 11 other gymnasts.  They'll look to the return of Bunn, a standout AAer as a frosh who was injured last season.  Also returning is Wilson, a regular on VT, as well as Albores and DeGuzman.  All four bring plenty of experience in the lineup from past seasons.          

UK welcomes four newcomers in a strong class led by Bourque and Stippich.  Bourque brings some big skills (full-in on FX, Yurchenko 1 1/2) that will bring some added difficulty and high scores to the Wildcat lineups.  She tied for 3rd on UB and 10th on VT en route to a tie for 16th AA at the 2022 WDP Nationals (she had some problems on BB).  She tied for 2nd on FX and placed 12th AA at the 2021 WDP Nationals.  Stippich had a strong year in 2022, placing 9th on FX and 10th AA at the WDP Nationals.  She also tied for 4th on UB and placed 14th AA in 2021.  Forman placed 9th AA and tied for 8th on FX at the 2021 WDP Nationals.  However, her 2022 season was cut short in January.  The fourth frosh, Sapp, is a L10 who qualified as an individual event specialist on BB at the 2022 WDP Nationals.  

Kentucky brings back a big experienced roster that will look to improve on last year's 12th place finish. Kentucky has been hit with some untimely injuries in the past, and they look to improve their luck this season.  Having Bunn back and having immediate contributions from Bourque could be a difference maker in how competitive UK is for those final slots at Nationals.          

Official Web Site:   Link    Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Mike Rowe
Associate Head Coah:  Nicole Jones
Assistant:  Devin Wright
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 3 FX
Finish Last Season:  9th
Returning Starters (9):  Baleigh Garcia (Jr), Delanie Harkness (Jr), Lauren Hsu (So), Jori Jackard (Sr), Giana Kalefe (Jr), Tori Loomis (Sr), Skyla Schulte (So), Nyah Smith (Sr), Gabrielle Stephen (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Naomi German (Jr), Sydney Hayashi (Jr), Genna Lebster (So), Katie Sawyer (So)
Graduated (5):  Sydney Ewing, Ashley Hofelich, Lea Mitchell, Alaina Raybon, Alyssa Wiedeman
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (6):   Elle Beaufait (Fr), Sage Kellerman (Fr), Stephanie Lebster (Fr), Nikki Smith (Fr), Tara Walsh (TR/Jr/Auburn), Olivia Zsarmani (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   MSU had a breakthrough season last year, powered by an experienced set of returners and lifted by a dynamic set of frosh and sophs.  They finished 9th last season, outpeforming their 12th place NQS finish.  One year later, the Spartans have lost 8 routines from last year's squad, including former AAer Mitchell and VT/FX standout Hofelich.  The core of the Spartan lineup returns, including dynamic AAers Schulte and Stephen, both back for their sophomore campaigns.  They also return junior Harkness, a potential AAer who excels on UB and FX (full-in) and classmate Garcia, a three event standout last season.  A wide range of returning specialists also serve to bolster MSU's depth, including Hsu on VT, Loomis and Jackard on UB, Kalefe on BB and Smith on FX.     

However, MSU's best shot at replacing their missing routines could come from their frosh class, perhaps their strongest ever.  The class is headlined by Smith, one of the top L10 recruits in the country this season.  At the 2022 WDP Nationals, she won titles in the AA (39.025), VT and BB.  She also tied for the UB title and for 6th on FX.  In 2021, she was National Champ on the FX and tied for 4th AA at the 2021 WDP Nationals.  She also placed 4th on UB and tied for 4th on BB.  She has an array of big skills: a Yurchenko 1 ½ on VT, a punch front and double back off BB, and a double layout on FX.  She's complemented by Zsarmani, a rising L10 who made a big step up this past season.  At the 2022 WDP Nationals, she placed 2nd AA, 2nd UB and 2nd on BB.  She also tied for 6th on VT (big Yurchenko Full).  In 2021, she placed 16th AA at the WDP Nationals, including a tie for 4th on VT and 9th on UB.  She also competes some big skills like a Maloney to Gienger on UB and a pike full-in on FX.

Kellerman is a L10 standout known for her excellent pike front ½ vault.  She tied for 4th on VT at the 2022 WDP Nationals and was 2nd in 2021.  She also placed 9th AA at the 2022 National meet, including a tie for 10th on BB.  She’s also capable of a solid UB set (pike Jaeger) and could easily contribute on FX as well (two double backs, front layout to rudi).  Beaufait, an in-state L10 from Olympia, brings forth some beautiful execution on BB and FX.  She was the Region 5 champ on FX in 2022.  

MSU has some challenges to replenish their lineups and repeat last season's success, but with a strong returning core and a high impact frosh class, they have all the tools to do that and more.  Last season VT was their weakest event, and this is where the frosh could supercharge the event and help propel the Spartans into contention for a spot in the National finals.   

Link:  Teams #13 to #25

Link:  Intro

The 2022 Season is upon us, with a little sense of déja vu.  We have seniors returning for their fifth or sixth years, a load of exciting frosh and some of the largest rosters in our 22 seasons of publishing these reviews.  We're once again publishing Season Previews for the entire Top 25 teams, as ranked by the Coaches' Preseason Poll.  In each Preview, we've summarized the team's returning routines, their lost routines, their returning starters and the rest of their roster, with a special focus on their newcomers.  We'll also give a brief overview preview of their prospects and challenges.

Here are the first 12 teams in our Capsule Previews of our Top 25, based on the 2022 Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Routines Gone: 0 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Associate Head Coach:  Scott Sherman
Assistant: Maile'ana Kenewa-Hermelyn
Returning Starters (8):  Carly Bauman (So/I), Abby Brenner (Sr), Sierra Brooks (Jr), Reyna Guggino (So), Abby Heiskell (Sr), Naomi Morrison (So), Gabby Wilson (Jr), Natalie Wojcik (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Nicoletta Koulos (Jr), Jenna Mulligan (So)
Graduated (3):  Anna Dayton, Lauren Farley, Anna Maxim
Other Losses (2):  Abigail Gaies (Jr/?), Maddie Mariani (Sr/R)
Newcomers (3):  Ashley Lane, Abigael Vides, Jacey Vore

Quick Assessment:  Michigan broke through into an exclusive club last season and claimed their first National Championship.  The squad started strong in December and never looked back as they used an unbeatable vault rotation to build a cushion on the remaining top contenders.  They are led by seniors Abby Heiskell and Natalie Wojcik and juniors Sierra Brooks and Gaby Wilson.  The four competed all four events at last year's finals, a remarkable feat of leadership and grace under pressure.  They all return and look strong at the team's recent intrasquad and exhibition meet.     

Unfortunately, the Wolverines lost sophomore Carly Bauman to a torn Achilles' in early December.  The sophomore was looking strong in preseason training and figured to challenge for an AA spot.  Her loss highlights one of the few soft spots in the Michigan lineup, the balance beam.  They miss routines from Bauman plus the graduated Lauren Farley and a potential backup from the recently retired Maddie Mariani.  In her stead, classmate Naomi Morrison has also been looking strong in the preseason, and competed AA at the preseason exhibition meet.  

The Wolverines welcome three frosh:  Ashley Lane, Abigael Vides and Jacey Vore.  Vore has been a club standout the last several years, with particular strength on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2).  She was the 2019 L10 National AA champion, with four top five event finishes.  She also placed 2nd at the 2020 Nastia Liukin Cup.  Unfortunately, she too reportedly suffered an Achilles' injury in February 2021.  However, she has successfully returned to training and has been competing on UB and BB.  Vides is a former senior elite with strong skills across the events.  On FX, she can do a full-in or double layout, a 1 1/2 twisting Yurchenko on VT and a full-in off UB.  In 2021, she placed 10th in the AA at the L10 Nationals and was also 5th AA at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  She did not compete at either the public intrasquad or the exhibition meet.  The third frosh, Lane, apparently did not compete in the 2021 club season also did not compete on UB in 2020.  However, she did show a solid VT and clean UB set at the fall intrasquad.  

Michigan heads into the season as the rightfully earned #1 position.  To hold on to this rank through the end of the season, Michigan will need some luck with injuries, as they depend heavily on five key gymnasts.  With one of the smallest squads and Bauman's injury, they are further hampered by some injury issues with their frosh/soph classes.  They'll need Morrison and one of the frosh to step up and help bolstered the depth, particularly on UB and BB.  Barring injury, they will be around to defend their title, but will have some other talented teams looking to take advantage of any mistake they might make.      

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Routines Gone: 0 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 0 FX
Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
Assistants: Adrian Burde, Owen Field
Returning Starters (8):  Alyssa Baumann (Sr), Leah Clapper (Sr), Ellie Lazzari (So), Nya Reed (Sr), Payton Richards (Jr), Savannah Schoenherr (Sr), Megan Skaggs (Sr), Trinity Thomas (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Chloi Clark (So), Gabrielle Gallentine (So), Sydney Johnson-Scharpf (Sr/I), Alex Magee (So), Halley Taylor (Sr)
Graduated (0):  N/A
Other Losses (1):  Jazmyn Foberg (Sr/R)
Newcomers (5):  Sloane Blakely, Bri Edwards, Morgan Hurd, Riley McCusker, Leanne Wong

Quick Assessment:  Florida placed fourth at the NCAA finals, after some problems on BB.  This was somewhat surprising after they led the NCAA on the event during the regular season NQS (National Qualifying Score) stands.   In addition, last year's squad was also impacted by an injury to star Trinity Thomas, who was not quite at 100% at Nationals.  But with their entire lineup intact and five talented newcomers, Florida has all the tools to win the title. 

Thomas, an 18-time All-American, once again leads the way.  The standout is a threat to score a 10 on every event (only on VT is her career high a 9.975) and potentially tie the NCAA AA record of 40.,  Thomas is far from alone, with senior Alyssa Baumann, sophomore Ellie Lazzari, and senior Megan Skaggs all stepping into AA roles at last year's Finals.  The Gators also got key contributions from seniors Nya Reed and Savannah Schoenherr, plus junior Payton Richards, another potential AAer.  There is a tremendous amount of experience and talent among the 13 returners, and they would be competitive for a title even without any new additions.

But what a incoming class it is, led by 2021 World AA silver medalist Leanne Wong and former World AA champ Morgan Hurd.  The Gators also welcome seven-time US National Team member and 2018 World Team Gold Medalist Riley McCusker and former US National Team member and 2021 L10 National AA champ Sloane Blakely.  Wong, Blakely and McCusker have been looking strong in Fall training.  Hurd has joined the Gators in January, following a successful tour and a disappointing year preceded by some untimely injuries.  It may take some time for her to adjust to college competition.  The five frosh should boost the Gator lineups and provide more depth in 2022, in case injury issues develop, like was the case last season.  (This analysis assumes that National Team member Shilese Jones will not enter school in January).  They also can bring some potential high scoring routines on all four events, with some 10 Start Value (SV) vaults and strong UB and BB routines.  

With the entire lineup returning and a standout frosh class, the Gators have all the ingredients for a successful run for the title.  However, they've had the talent before, so we'll see if they can overcome the nerves and achieve the level of consistent polish demonstrated by the other challengers.  A big difference for Florida this season will be increased depth, which could allow the coaches the time to pace the squad for optimal post-season performances. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Associate Head Coaches: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Returning Starters (9):  Audrey Davis (So), Jenna Dunn (Jr), Bell Johnson (So), Emily LaPinta (Sr), Katherine Levasseur (So), Ragan Smith (Jr), Allie Stern (Sr), Olivia Trautman (Sr), Carly Woodard (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Vanessa Deniz (Jr), Danae Fletcher (So), Audrey Lynn (So/I), Sheridan Ramsey (So/I), Meilin Sullivan (So/I), Karrie Thomas (Sr/I)
Graduated (3):  Jordan Draper (Sr), Evy Schoepfer (Sr), Anastasia Webb (Sr)
Other Losses (3):  Julianne Fehring (So/R), Erin Hutchison (Jr/TR/Pitt), Quinn Smith (So/R)
Newcomers (6):  Jordan Bowers, Caitin Kirkpatrick, Moorea Linker, Danielle Sievers, Madison Snook, Amy Wier

Quick Assessment:  OU loses eight routines from last year's runnerup squad, one that finished just less than a tenth from the title.  Gone from that squad is superstrar Anastasia Webb, the 2021 NCAA AA, VT and FX champion as well as Evy Schoepfer, who tied with Webb for top spot in the country in the regular season NQS rankings.  The Sooners will feel the loss of the three seniors most acutely on VT and FX, the two events where they lagged behind the Wolverines at the National meet.

The 2022 Wolverines will be lead by senior Olivia Trautman and sophomores Audrey Davis.  Although limited in the past by injury, Trautman stepped up last season into an AA role, nearly matching Webb's performance in the final.  Davis competed on up to three events for the Sooners last season but her form and execution stand out on UB and BB.  Also key to the Sooner's fortunes will be two potential AAers, junior Ragan Smith and sophomore Katherine Lavasseur.  OU has had a strong history of top three finishes since 2013, including 1st in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.  They've accomplished this my managing to have other gymnasts step up to take the high scoring place of the departed athletes.  With the current program pipeline in place, there is no reason to expect anything otherwise from the coaching staff.    

OU also welcomes six frosh, headlined by former junior and senior National Team member Jordan Bowers.  She's a former AA champ at the junior Pan American Championships and Pacific Rim Championships.  Injuries caused her to drop back to L10, where she finished 3rd AA at the L10 Nationals in 2021.  She's joined by a pair of L10 standouts, Moorea Linker and Danielle Sievers.  Linker posted a rare 10 in the L10 ranks twice during the 2021 L10 season, with her Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT.  She's also a standout tumbler, with a full-in and L10 National titles to her credit in 2018 and 2019.  She a fine four event gymnast, and was 3rd AA at the 2021 L10 Nationals, as well as 2nd in 2019.  Sievers had an outstanding club year in 2021 and has some high level skills as well (Yurchenko 1 1/2, full-in on FX).  She was 4th AA at the 2021 L10 Nationals and owns a trio of National titles on FX (ties in 2017 and 2019 and a solo win in 2018).

OU will once again be in the mix for the finals, and the National finals.  Although their losses are great, Bowers and the rest of the roster should be able to step up.  The key difference could be the health of the standout frosh, and how quickly they are able to make the transition.  Otherwise, the large roster includes several gymnasts capable of stepping up on one event or more, to help fill in the depth chart behind the established stars.  Vault and FX are two events most impacted by graduation and retirements, and where the squad will need to make up ground on the other challengers.  

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 23/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 1 UB, 0 BB, 0 FX
Head Coach: Tom Farden
Assistant:  Carly Dockendorf, Jimmy Pratt
Returning Starters (10):  Alexia Burch (Sr), Cammy Hall (Sr), Maile O'Keefe (Jr), Abby Paulson (Jr), Adrienne Randall (Sr), Cristal Isa (Sr), Jaedyn Rucker (Jr), Alani Sabado (So), Sydney Soloski (Sr), Lucy Stanhope (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Jaylene Gilstrap (So), Jillian Hoffmann (Jr/I)
Graduated (1):  Emilie LeBlanc
Other Losses (0):   N/A
Newcomers (4):  Kara Eaker, Grace McCallum, Amelie Morgan, Sage Thompson

Quick Assessment:  Utah loses just one gymnast and one routine from a team that finished just 0.2625 behind the National Champions.  The Utes look to improve upon their 3rd place finish with 12 returners and four standout frosh.  Leading the way in 2022 will be junior Maile O'Keefe, a NCAA champion on UB and FX in 2021 and the Pac 12 Gymnast of the Year.  She'll be joined by seniors Alexia Burch and Cristal Isa, plus fellow junior Abby Paulson.  All three are potential AAers, with Paulson looking solid on VT during the Fall training period. Sophomore Lucy Stanhope also had a strong rookie campaign and is another potential AAer, while Jaedyn Rucker rebounded from injury her first year for a standout campaign in 2021.  She too is looking solid on all four events this Fall.  

In the finals last year, the Utes excelled on the BB but lagged behind on the VT.  They will look to strong VTs from Burch, Rucker, Stanhope and Cammy Hall, while counting on the frosh to bring additional 10.0 SV vaults into the mix.  The Utes also look to get back junior Jillian Hoffman.  She competed a strong Yurchenko Full at the Red Rocks Preview, after missing her first two seasons due to injury. 

The Utes welcome one of their strongest class in years, featuring US Olympian Grace McCallum, alternate Kara Eaker, UK Olympian Ameliie Morgan and L10 standout Sage Thompson.  McCallum has a high level of difficulty throughout, but will most help the Utes on VT and FX where her big skills will help Utah close the gap on the top contenders. Eaker is looking strong in the preseason on all four events, although she is best known for her outstanding BB work.  She'll also add another 10.0 SV VT and a triple full on FX.  Morgan's best works is on UB and BB, while Thompson is a former L10 National Champ on the UB and figures to make the lineup there.  Thompson also has some strong tumbling potential on the FX.  This class will form the cornerstone of future Utah squads for years to come.

Utah has brought aboard all the ingredients they need to close the gap on the leaders and challenge for a national team title in 2022.  This somewhat depends on keeping their stars healthy while having their frosh adjust quickly to NCAA competition.  The signs are positive already in the preseason, but what happens in April is what ultimately counts.     

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 0 FX
Head Coach: Jay Clark
Assistants: Ashleigh Gnat, Garrett Griffeth
Returning Starters (12):  Elena Arenas (So), Sierra Ballard (So), Chase Brock (So), Haleigh Bryant (So), Reagan Campbell (Sr), Bridget Dean (Sr), Christina Desiderio (Sr), Olivia Dunne (So), Sami Durante (Sr), Sarah Edwards (Sr), Kiya Johnson (Jr), Alyona Shchennikova (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Rebecca D'Antonio (Jr), Lexie Nibbs (Jr), Maddie Rau (Jr), Kai Rivers (Jr/I), Kamryn Ryan (Jr)
Graduated (1):   Olivia Gunter
Other Losses (2):  Courtney Goodrich (Jr/?), Caitlin Smith (Jr/R)
Newcomers (3):  Aleah Finnegan, KJ Johnson, Tori Tatum

Quick Assessment:   LSU returns all 24 routines from a squad that finished 4th in their semifinal at the NCAA Championships.  They were led last season by juniors Kira Johnson and Alyona Shchennikova and sophomore Haleigh Bryant.  Johnson battled a tender Achilles' last season and was paced by the coaching staff for maximum impact in the post-season.  Shchennikova had a breakout season last year, becoming an AAer and showing improvement on all four events.  The dynamic Bryant was the NCAA VT champion with a tremendously well-executed front pike 1/2 on vault and clean work through her all-around program.     

BB was the Tigers downfall last year, and they'll need seniors like Reagan Campbell, Bridget Dean and Christina Desiderio in top form and consistent under pressure in the post-season.  Another senior, Sarah Edwards is a key vaulter and FX worker.  Classmate Sami Durante has been slowed by injury, but is a top UB and worker when healthy.  Also providing additional upside potential is sophomore Olivia Dunne, a former elite who could add another strong BB set.

LSU welcomes a trio of talented frosh, headlined by National Team member Aleah Finnegan, younger sister of Tiger great Sarah Finnegan.   She has star potential as an AAer, but especially shines on BB.  She's joined by two former junior elites who both dropped back to L10.  KJ Johnson excels on VT (big Yurchenko Full) and FX (full-in), and she tied for 4th on each event at the 2021 L10 Nationals.  Tatum won the BB at the 2019 L10 Nationals, where she placed 2nd AA and on the VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2).  She also placed 4th AA at Regionals this past season but did not compete at Nationals.  When in top form, she'll be another strong contender for every lineup.

LSU settles in fifth in the current rankings, with a tremendous amount of talent on the roster but with also the need to address the BB problems that have been their problem in the past.  They will also need to manage the health of their standouts, in order to present the strongest lineups as possible at the end of the season.  If the pieces come into place, LSU can certainly contend for a place among the title contenders. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 0 FX
Head Coach:  Dana Duckworth
Assistants:  Gina Quinlan, Ryan Roberts
Returning Starters (10):  Shania Adams (So), Luisa Blanco (Jr), Makarri Doggette (Jr), Emily Gaskins (Sr), Lexi Graber (Sr), Griffin James (Sr), Cam Machado (So), Shallon Olsen (Sr), Kaylee Quinn (Sr), Mati Waligora (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Ella Burgess (Jr/I), Isabella Martin (So), Sania Mitchell (Sr)
Graduated (1):  Alonza Klopfer
Other Losses (3):  Sara Duhe (So/TR/PSU), Audrey Evans (Fr/?), Jensie Givens (Sr/?)
Newcomers (3):  Corinne Bunagan, Lilly Hudson, Jordyn Paradise

Quick Assessment:  Alabama loses just a pair of routines from last year's squad that finished 5th at the National meet, placing 3rd in their semi-final just 0.025 behind Utah.  They will be led in 2022 by a pair of National Champions, Luisa Blanco (BB) and Lexi Graber (FX).  Both are potential AAers who provide a strong 1-2 punch at the bottom of the Tide lineups.  Alabama will also count on key contributions from senior Shallon Olsen, whose double twisting Yurchenko, double-double on FX and double pike off BB push the envelope of difficulty in the NCAA.  Classmate Emily Gaskins also emerged as an AAer last season, although all of the Tide AAers will have to battle hard for slots on all four lineups.  

Juniors Makarri Doggette and Mati Waligora could also play a bigger role in 2022, along with sophomore Shania Adams.  The two juniors have battled some injury issues while Adams should benefit from another year of experience under her belt.  Adams is a former elite National Team member who can also be an AA threat.  The two juniors have been training well in the in the preseason.  However, any number of the remaining Tide athletes could also step up to challenge this season, like Ella Burgess, who was out with an injury last season but shone as a frosh, or Kaylee Quinn, who can bring big power skills on VT and FX.

Bama welcomes a trio of frosh: Corinne Bunagan, Lilly Hudson and Jordyn Paradise.  L10 National Team member and former jr. international elite Hudson leads the way.  She finished 4th AA at the 2021 L10 Nationals and 3rd AA at the 2021 Nastia Liukin Cup.  She shows clean form, good extension and precise execution on all four events, and looks to challenge the lineups on three to four events.   Bunagan is a former Philippine National Team member and US L10.  She won the L10 BB title in 2017, which is perhaps her best event.  Paradise is another L10 who won the 2021 L10 Florida State meet with a big 39.125 AA score.  She tied for 22nd AA and placed 2nd on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and 2nd(t) on UB at the 2021 L10 Nationals.  She has been slowed by an injury, however, but could be a key for the Tide on VT, UB and FX (double Arabian).  

The Tide have been sometimes overlooked in preseason rankings in recent years but continue to challenge for a top spot at Nationals and in the SEC.  This year should be no different, as they have a core of talented and experienced athletes.  With some better luck with injuries and some immediate contributions from their frosh, the Tide could be a threat for the NCAA final.  As is the case for many contenders, getting an extra tenth or two on VT will be key, either through 10.0 start values or more consistent sticks.  In addition, specific to the Tide, they also have an opportunity to clean up the details and strengthen their depth on the UB to close a gap on the event with the other contenders.     

Official Web Site:   Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coaches:  Justin Howell and Elizabeth Crandall-Howell
Assistant Coach:  Janelle McDonald
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Returning Starters (9):  Maya Bordas (Sr), Milan Clausi (Sr), Neveah DeSouza (Jr), Kyana George (Sr/I), Andi Li (So), Grace Quinn (Sr), Natalie Sadighi (Jr), Nina Schank (Sr), Emi Watterson (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Elise Byun (So/I), Blake Gozashti (So), Maya Green (Jr), Talitha Jones (Sr/I), Gabby Perea (So), Abi Solari (Sr)
Graduated (2):  Alma Kuc, Victoria Salem
Other Losses (2):  Cosette Carranza (So/?), Kennedy Quay (So/Student Coach)
Newcomers (5):  Ella Cesario, Jordan Kane, Mya Lauzon, Abbey Scanlon, Madelyn Williams

Quick Assessment:   Cal placed 3rd in their NCAA semi-final last season, just 0.075 behind Florida.  They graduated just one routine last season, an UB set from Alma Kuc.  Unfortunately for the Bears, star Kyana George tore her Achiilles' in the preseason.  Thus, the Bears enter the season missing a potential AAer and one of their top VT/FX performers.

The Bears will be led in 2022 by National UB Champ Maya Bordes, a top AAer.  She'll be joined by classmate Milan Clausi, fifth year Nina Schank, junior AAer Neveah DeSouza, and standout sophomore Andi Li.  These five form a powerful core on each event, supplemented by top specialists like Emi Watterson.  Cal will also seek to get increased contributions from other returners like former elite Gabby Perea and senior Talitha Jones, who was out last season with an injury. 

A talented frosh class may see more opportunity than expected, due to some injury issues in a few returners.  They featured prominently in the recent intrasquad meet.  There are five frosh, led by Mya Lauzon and Madelyn Williams.  Lauzon is a two-time L10 VT champion (2021, 2019(tie)) who has a strong Yurchenko 1 1/2 and is a two-time L10 National Team member.  She's a lineup threat on all four events.  Joining her is former jr. international elite and L10 Williams.  She was the L10 National AA champ in the Sr. A division at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  Her work is characterized by beautiful execution and extension, in particular on UB and BB.  A third frosh, Abbey Scanlon, is another former jr. international elite who shines on BB and FX (capable of a double layout, but a double pike at the exhibition).  

The Bears also welcome Ella Cesario, a two-time L10 National Team member and former ('19) L10 National UB champ.  She does not appear to have competed in 2021 and did not compete at the intrasquad.  The final frosh, Jordan Kane, is a two-time L10 National qualifier.  In the most recent public intrasquad, she competed a strong aerial to back layout series on BB.     

Cal returns a strong and talented core and looks again to challenge for a spot at the National finals.  In order to move even higher, they'll need to have their strongest lineups available for the post-season on VT and FX, where their difficulty and depth lag a little behind the top challengers.  Look for the squad to build throughout the season, as the frosh gain experience and key gymnasts become available. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Chris Waller
Associate Head Coach:  Kristina Comforte
Assistant:  Dom Palange
Returning Starters (10):  Emma Andres (Jr), Chae Campbell (So), Frida Esparza (So), Norah Flatley (Sr), Margzetta Frazier (Sr), Kendal Poston (Sr), Samantha Sakti (Sr), Pauline Tratz (Sr), Sara Ulias (So), Sekai Wright (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Paige Hogan (Jr), Chloe Lashbrooke (Jr/I), Brooklyn Moors (RS Fr), Kalyany Steele (Jr), Sara Taubman (Sr)
Graduated (4):  Nia Dennis, Savannah Kooyman, Nicki Shapiro, Lilia Waller
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (6):  Jordan Chiles, Alexis Jeffrey, Emily Lee (I), Emma Malabuyo, Katie McNamara (So/TR/Washington), Ana Padurariu

Quick Assessment:  The Bruins welcomes back 19 routines from a squad that missed the National Championships, after placing 3rd behind Michigan and Cal at the Regionals.  However, high expectations remain from the Coaches' pull, that elevate the team into the top eight.  This is not only due to their past history of success and the talent on the roster, but is also likely due to their outstanding frosh class.  The Bruins will be without the services of four gymnasts, including standout Nia Dennis.  Dennis' potential big scores and dynamic presentation will be missed.  

The Bruins will be led in 2022 by seniors Norah Flatley and Margzetta Frazier, along with sophomore AAer Chae Campbell.  Flatley stood out at the recent Meet the Bruins meet, sporting an updated triple series on BB (front aerial to back handspring to layout) and a triple full on FX. They will capably supported by senior Kendall Poston, who brings a key 10.0 SV vault and a triple series on BB.  Senior Pauline Tratz also looks to be back on track after some injuries.  She brings a key VT and FX set, and has added back her full-in mount during her performance at the recent Meet the Bruins meet.  Sophomore Frida Esparza also could be due for an expanded role this season, while a fully healthy Sekai Wright could give a lift on her best events.

The story for the Bruins is the full arrival of a superb frosh class, headlined by Olympian Jordan Chiles.  Following her gym switch, Chiles became of the country's most outstanding gymnasts, winning the Winter Cup and placing 3rd AA at the US Championships and the Olympic Trials.  Another gymnast with an outstanding 2021 was Emma Malabuyo.  After a period of injury, she rebounded in 2021 to grab an alternate spot on the US Olympic Team and placed 4th AA at the US Championships.  Both gymnasts appear ready to adapt quickly to college competition, based on their exhibitions at the Meet the Bruins event.  The Bruins also welcome Canadian Olympian Brooklyn Moors, who enrolled last season but took off the year to train.  She is potentially another impact gymnast on all four events, but in particular on FX.  The Bruins also add World BB Silver Medalist Ana Padruriu of Canada.  She is working back from an ankle injury but showed her progress at the Meet the Bruins event.  Another standout American elite, Emma Lee, was an Olympic Trials finalist.  However, she tore her Achilles' at the trials and is still working her way back.  Not to be overlooked, however, is former jr. international elite and L10 drop back Alexis Jeffrey.  Having focused on getting ready for college, she appears set to contribute immediately this season.  In top form at the recent exhbition, she also finished 6th AA at the 2021 L10 Nationals.        

The Bruins have plenty of potential to contend for titles in the future.  Whether it is this year or a future year depends on how quickly the frosh can adjust to collegiate competition and contribute to bolster the Bruin lineups. They are a big wild card, with a spot at Nationals or even on the podium within their grasp. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Jenny Hansen
Associate Head Coach:  Rich Stenger
Assistant:  Geralen Stack-Eaton
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 0 UB, 2 BB, 0 FX
Returning Starters (12):  Gianna Gerdes (So), Kate Grotenhuis (Jr), Mya Hooten (So), Emily Koch (So), Mallory LeNeave (Jr), Ona Loper (Sr), Abbie Nylin (Sr), Maddie Quarles (Jr), Lexy Ramler (Sr), Halle Remlinger (Jr), Tiarre Sales (Sr), Hannah Willmarth (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Maya Albertin (Jr), Erin Fortman (So/I), Katie Horak (So), Ella Sirjord (So/I), Ali Sonier (Sr)
Graduated (2):  Mary Korlin-Down (RS Sr), Lexi Montgomery (Sr)
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):  Alissa Fuelling, Marissa Jencks, Lauren Pearl, Olivia Reed, Haley Tyson

Quick Assessment:   Minnesota looks to improve on last year's fourth place finish at the NCAA semi-final.  They finished just 0.25 out of 2nd place at the meet, and return all the key pieces from 2021.  Leading the way are two superstar fifth year athletes:  2021 AA/VT All-American Ona Loper and 2021 Big Ten AA champ Lexy Ramler.

Ten other starters return to support the Gophers effort to break through to the finals. Sophomore All-American Mya Hooten looks to build on her breakout sophomore campaign.  She especially shines on FX, with one of the cleanest full-in mounts in the NCAA.  Senior Tiarre Sales was a key gymnast on two events last season, but can also go AA.  She's also a key part of the UB and BB lineups.   Junior Maddie Quarles brings her Yurchenko 1 1/2, a top event for the Gophers.  Minnesota has a large squad, with 12 returner starters from last year's lineup.  Unlike other large rosters, most of the returners have lineup experience already, standing out in particular events or providing depth.

Minnesota welcomes five newcomers for 2022, led by L10 standout Haley Tyson.  Tyson is a former two-time L10 National Team member (2017, 2018) who tied for 15th AA at the 2021 L10 Nationals (she had a mistake on her Ray on UB).  She brings another potential Yurchenko 1 1/2 to the strong Gopher VT lineup but is a lineup threat on all four events.  The Gophers also add former jr. elite Lauren Pearl.  She brings another strong VT option but is also capable of a big number on BB.  A third frosh, Marissa Jencks, won the 2021 Region 4 L10 Regional title on BB and placed 4th AA.  However, she missed out on the National meet.  She tied for 15th AA at the 2019 L10 Nationals.

The Gophers are led by an experienced and talented core, and could easily field a top lineup from their 17 returners.  The newcomers, however, have the potential to bolster the squad's depth on the key events and help close any gaps with the other squads.  With a quick adjustment from the frosh and the avoidance of major injuries, Minnesota should once against contend for a spot at Nationals, if not more. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Associate Head Coach:  Linas Gaveika
Assistant: Dave Kuzara
Starting Routines Returning: 22/23
Routines Gone/Missing:  0 VT, 0 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Returning Starters (8):  Lynnzee Brown (Sr), Rosie Casali (So), Jessica Hutchinson (So), Bella Mabanta (So), Rylie Mundell (So), Alexandra Ruiz (Sr), Mia Sundstrom (Sr/I), Abbie Thompson (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Emma Brown (Jr/TR/LIU), Victoria Fitts (Jr), Emily Glynn (Sr), Callie Schlottmann (Jr)
Graduated (0):  N/A
Other Losses (4):  Amoree Lockhart (Jr/R), Natalie Morton (Jr/?), Akoray "AK" Subject (Jr/?), Alexis Vasquez (Jr/R)
Newcomers (2):  Mia Hebinck, Momoko Iwai

Quick Assessment:  Denver placed 3rd at the Athens Regional final last season, just 0.15 behind Minnesota.  They did this tremendous feat despite only competing five gymnasts on FX.  They return 22 routines from that squad but experienced a wave of retirements in the offseason, including BB standout Alexis Vasquez.  Vasquez had a career high of 10 on the BB and competed up to three events for the Pioneers. 

However, the core of the Pioneer squad returns, led by superstar Lynnzee Brown.  The 2019 NCAA co-champ on FX, Brown rebounded from injury in 2020 to return to her status as a top AA threat.  She was joined last year in the AA by sophomore Jessica Hutchinson and senior Alexandra Ruiz.  Sophomore Rose Casali is another top returner, with big skills on all her events.  She competed up to three events last season and is capable of a pike full-in on FX and a Yurchenko 1 1/2.  Her cassmate Rylie Mundell contributes key sets on UB and VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) but is also capable of being an AAer.  Both sophomores could be even stronger this year, after a full offseason of training and the added experience from last season.   

Another fifth year senior, Mia Sundstrum, has had to overcome injuries in the past but is another key piece of the DU puzzle.  Her classmate Emily Glynn, who provides a key VT (layout Kasamatsu) and missed last year's Regional meet.  Having both seniors in top form would be a big boost for DU.    

DU welcomes two frosh to the squad for 2022.  Momoko Iwai placed 7th AA at the 2021 L10 Nationals but stands out for her presentation and form on UB and BB.  As a junior elite, she competed in her native Japan.  The second frosh, Mia Hebinck, did not appear to compete in 2021 but finished 18th AA at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  She's been training strongly this fall and appears set to break into the lineups as well.  The Pioneers also welcome back Emma Brown, who transferred to LIU for her sophomore season but transferred back for her junior year.  She gives some necessary depth on FX and BB. 

With a smaller squad, depth will continue to be a watchword for the Pioneers.  Behind the strength of Brown, the Pioneers do have enough pieces available to once again challenge for a spot at Nationals.  Having nearly the full squad together in the post-season could be the difference maker for DU, as they have the skills and execution to keep up with the leading contenders. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Jordyn Wieber
Assistants: Chris Brooks, Felicia Hano
Returning Starters (9):  Amanda Elswick (Sr), Kiara Gianfagna (Jr), Kennedy Hambrick (Sr), Madison Hickey (Jr), Abby Johnston (Sr), Maggie O'Hara (Gr), Savannah Pennese (Sr), Jensen Scalzo (So), Sarah Shaffer (Gr)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Emma Kelley (So), Bailey Lovett (Sr/I), Claire Rogers (Jr)
Graduated (1):  Sophia Carter
Other Losses (3):  Katarina Derrick (Sr/R), Jordan Olszewski (So/I/R), Gillian Rutz (So/?)
Newcomers (6):  Kalyxta Gamiao, Maddie Jones, Frankie Price (I), Makenzie Sedlacek, Leah Smith, Cami Weaver

Quick Assessment:  Arkansas returns 20 of 24 routines from a squad that placed third at their 2021 Regional Final.  They lose a number of gymnasts from that squad, including standout BB/FX worker Sophia Carter.  However, the GymBacks return 12 athletes from their final linups including senior AA standout Kennedy Hambrick.  Hambrick had a breakout season last year, winning three regular season All-American honors and four 2nd team NCAA All-American honors.

She's capably supported by grad student Sarah Shaffer, another standout AAer.  Seniors Amanda Elswick and Savannah Pennese also were key contributors, along with juniors Kiara Gianfagna and Madison Hickey.   Arkansas also got a boost from two transfers last season, grad student Maggie O'Hara and senior Abby Johnston.  At the Regional meet, the GymBacks were missing the services of Bailey Lovett, a senior who brings a big double layout on FX and some big scoring potential on BB.  She's working her way back into top form, and looks ready to contribute at a high level once again.

To this strong set of returners, Arkansas brings an exciting class of newcomers, led by 2021 Nastia Liukin Cup champion Leah Smith.  Smith brings some big tumbling (pike full-in), super clean work on UB (double layout) and huge Yurchenko Full.  She was also 2nd AA and 2nd on UB at the 2021 L10 Nationals.  Coach Wieber has also called out Makenzie Sedlacek as a potential standout.  The 2018 L10 National Team member brings a Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT and full-in on FX.  She also excels on UB, where she tied for 3rd at the 2021 L10 Nationals.  2019 L10 National Team Member Kalyxta Gamaio is capable of the same E skills as Sedlacek on VT and FX, and adds strong skills on BB as well.  She placed 2nd on FX and 17th AA at the 2021 L10 Nationals.  Unfortunately, L10 Frankie Price tore her ACL in the spring after a strong club season.  Fellow frosh Cami Weaver and Maddie Jones are also challenging for lineups.  Weaver is a three-time L10 National qualifier while Jones has excellent form and technique, and was a Region 8 AA champ in 2019 and L10 National FX co-champ in 2018. 

After a strong initial season in the Weber era, Arkansas looks to continue the momentum and challenge for a spot at Nationals.  They have a gap to close on the top eight, but with Hambrick, a solid set of returners and a potential high impact frosh class it will be interesting to see how far they can progress this season.    

Official Web Site:   Link    Schedule      Roster
Head Coaches:  Jay and Jessica Santos
Assistant:  Kristin White
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 0 BB, 1 FX
Returning Starters (10):  Cassi Barbanente (So), Juliette Boyer (Jr), Sarah Clark (So), Jasmine Gutierrez (Sr), Jada Mangahas (So), Gracie Reeves (Jr), Hannah Scharf (Jr), Anaya Smith (So), Megan Thompson (Sr), Emily White (So)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Skye Harper (So), Jordyn Jaslow (Jr), Alina Miller (Jr), Isabel Redmond (Jr), Cienna Samiley (So)
Graduated (2):  Cairo Leonard-Baker, Maya Williams
Other Losses (1):  Kaitlin Harvey (Jr/Manager)
Newcomers (2):   Mallory Marcheli, Alex Theodorou

Quick Assessment:   ASU returns 21 of 24 routines from a squad that finished just 0.15 from 2nd place at the Salt Lake City Regional Final.  Gone from that squad is star Cairo Leonard-Baker.  Despite being limited at times by injury, she was a major end-of-the lineup athlete for the Gym Devils.  Her leadership and big 9.9+ scores will be missed. 

ASU welcomes ten starters from last year's Regional Final lineup.  They are led by junior AAer Hannah Scharf.  Scharf emerged as a top AAer last season, with clean execution on all four events.  Another junior, Juliette Boyer, competed on UB in every meet last year and went AA twice.  Sophomore Emily White also has competed on every event, but excels on UB (Van Leeuwen) and BB where her beautiful form and clean execution pay off.  Classmate Sarah Clark also made a big splash last year, competing on all but VT.  She can bring in big scores on UB and BB.  Another sophomore, Jada Mangahas, was a key part of the high impact sophomore class and looks even stronger in the preseason, especially on VT and FX (full-in).  The Gym Devils also count on a key vault from another sophomores, Anaya Smith as well as solid contributions from classmate Cassi Barbarente.  All told, ASU had 11 routines at the Regional Final coming from frosh.  That level of experience will serve the squad well for years to come.

ASU welcomes a pair of frosh, Mallory Marcheli and Alex Theodorou.  Theodorou will be looked upon to replace the high impact routines of Leonard-Baker.  She has a 10.0 SV vault, a full-in on FX and clean work on BB and UB (Jaeger, double layout).  She placed 2nd AA at the 2021 L10 Nationals and tied for 6th at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  Marcheli, a former jr. elite, excels on BB (side aerial to back handspring series), where she tied for 4th at the 2021 L10 Nationals.  She'll also provide depth on the other events.

ASU just missed a spot at Nationals last season, using a remarkable performance from some key veterans and a strong class of newcomers.  Now with one more year of experience, we'll see if the Gym Devils are ready to take the next step to Nationals.  They'll need to keep their key athletes healthy, particularly on VT, and get immediate contributions from frosh Theodorou.     

Teams #13 to #25

Intro

The COVID-19 pandemic cut last season short and has raised new challenges for 2021.  With the season about to get started, we've prepared a new set of Season Previews.  We're covering the entire Top 25 teams, as ranked by the Coaches' Preseason Poll.  In each Preview, we've summarized the team's returning routines, their lost routines, their returning starters and the rest of their roster, with a special focus on their newcomers.  We'll also give a brief overview preview of their prospects and challenges.

Here are the first 12 teams in our Capsule Previews of our Top 25, based on the 2021 Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Routines Gone: 1 VT, 2 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
Assistants: Adrian Burde, Owen Field
Returning Starters (8):  Alyssa Baumann (Sr), Leah Clapper (Jr), Nya Reed (Jr), Payton Richards (So), Savannah Schoenherr (Jr), Megan Skaggs (Sr), Halley Taylor (Jr), Trinity Thomas (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Jazmyn Foberg (Sr), Sydney Johnson-Scharpf (Jr)
Graduated (4):  Sierra Alexander, Maegan Chant (I), Rachel Gowey, Amelia Hundley
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Chloi Clark, Gabrielle Gallentine, Ellie Lazzari, Alex Magee

Quick Assessment:  Florida claimed the top spot in the WCGA Coaches' Preseason Poll, gathering the same number of first place nods as OU, but outpointing them on the rest of the ballots.  The Gators finished 2020's abbreviated season in 2nd place.  They lose a pair of key leaders and potential AAers in Hundley and Gowey, both two-time NCAA All-Americans.  They also lose a big vault from specialist Sierra Alexander as well as Canadian Maegan Chant, whose career was hampered by injury. 

Leading the way for the Gators in 2021 will be 2020 SEC Gymnast of the year, Trinity Thomas, now a junior and a 10-time All-American.  She'll be an early favorite for the NCAA AA title, as the top returning athlete (by NQS ranking).  She's also the top returner on FX, tied for #1 on UB, #2 on BB and #5 on VT.  She'll be capably supported by senior All-American Alyssa Baumann, junior All-American Savannah Schoenherr, and NCGA All-American Megan Skaggs.  Baumann has been featured on all four events during the Fall training and looks to be healthy and in top form.  Sophomore Payton Richards hit 39.5 in the AA as a frosh, and should only get better with another year of experience.  The Gators could also see a boost from a healthier Jazmyn Foberg and Sydney Johnson-Scharpf, with the latter also looking especially strong this Fall.  Junior Nya Reed also provides a lot of potential scoring power on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (double layout) and looks ready to go on both events.  

Florida welcomes a quartet of frosh, led by Ellie Lazzari and Gabrielle Gallentine, both former junior international elite gymnasts.  Of the two, Lazzari (Legacy Elite) looks set to make an immediate impact, based on preseason training.  In 2019, she won the AA, BB and FX at the Level 10 Nationals.  Gallentine is a former 2017 Level 10 National Team member who, like other Everest-trained athletes, excels on UB.  In 2020, competing as a L10, she broke 38.0 in the AA twice, and posted a 9.9 on UB.  She is also capable of a triple full and double Arabian on FX.  Clark is L10 from Gymtegrity who excels on the leg events.  She tied for 4th on VT and placed 26th AA at the 2019 Level 10 Nationals.  The fourth frosh, Magee, is a local L10 from Orlando Metro.

Florida is an early favorite for the title, with a strong and experienced core that will be supplemented by the frosh, led by Lazzari.  The key for the Gators will be avoiding injuries and managing the health of their stars.  It's been a problem the last several years that at times has eaten into the depth of the UF lineups.  It is particularly important this season as a COVID-19 infection could quickly take out multiple athletes, as many athletes tend to room together.   Stars like Thomas and Baumann will lead the way, but to hold off OU and the rest of the contenders the Gators will need six strong routines per event. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Assistants: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Returning Starters (10):  Jordan Draper (Sr), Jenna Dunn (So), Emily LaPinta (Jr), Evy Schoepfer (Sr), Ragan Smith (So), Allie Stern (Jr), Karrie Thomas (Sr), Olivia Trautman (Jr), Anastasia Webb (Sr), Carly Woodard (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Vanessa Deniz (So), Erin Hutchison (So)
Graduated (3):  Jade Degouveia, Maggie Nichols, Breahanna Showers (I)
Other Losses (1):  Brooke Weins (So/?)
Newcomers (9):  Audrey Davis, Julianne Fehring, Danae Fletcher (January 2021), Bell Johnson, Katherine Levasseur, Audrey Lynn, Sheridan Ramsey, Quinn Smith, Meilin Sullivan (I)

Quick Assessment:  OU finished 2020 once again at the top of the rankings, and just missed out on the top spot in this year's Preseason Coaches' Poll, matching the Gators with the number of first place votes.  They say goodbye to a trio of seniors, headlined by two-time NCAA AA champ Maggie Nichols.  Nichols worked through persistent knee injury issues to be a formidable and consistent force for the Sooners.  The leadership, grace, ability and courage she demonstrated will be hard to replace.  All-American Degouveia had a standout senior season, becoming a 9.975 threat in three events.  They also graduated All-American Showers, an AAer who missed the 2020 season, and whose career had been limited due to numerous injuries. 

Leading the Sooners in 2021 will be senior Webb and sophomore Smith.  All-American Webb is their top returning AAer, and the #2 returning AAer in the country (based on NQS finish).  She has gone 9.95 or higher on all four events, including a 10.0 on BB and is the country's top returning vaulter.  Former US National champ Ragan Smith could surpass Webb this season, after having posted a 39.65 in last year's abbreviated campaign.  Vault was her weakest apparatus last season, and it is where she will have to battle for the lineup.  Junior Olivia Trautman could also emerge as an AA force, and the All-American has posted 10s on VT and FX.  Those three will be capably supported by a range of specialists, including All-Americans Stern (VT), Thomas (UB) and Woodard (BB).  Sophomore Deniz will also look to expand her impact this season, after a strong preseason and a good start last season. 

To that experienced core, OU adds no less than nine newcomers.  The class is headlined by former senior international elite Davis, who has been excelling during the preseason and in 2020 on UB and BB.  The WOGA athlete placed 14th AA at the 2018 US Championships.  They also add some talented L10s, including Fehring, Fletcher, Levasseur, Smith and Sullivan.  Two-time L10 National Team member Fehring (LaFleur's) won VT and placed 3rd AA, 6th(t) on BB and 7th on UB at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  She also won FX (triple full) and was runnerup on VT and UB(t) in 2018, to go along with a 3rd place AA in 2017.  Fletcher is expected to join the team early, in January.  The 2019 L10 National Team member from MG Elite was the L10 FX co-champ in 2019.   Levasseur (Mavericks) placed 16th AA at the 2019 L10 Nationals and 3rd on VT ('20 Yurchenko 1 1/2).  She also tied for 7th AA at the 2018 Nationals.  Former L10 AA (2017) champ Quinn Smith, from the Arizona Sunrays, won the VT title in 2018 with a Yurchenko 1 1/2, defending her title from 2017. She also was 2nd on FX and 9th AA in 2018.  She came back strong during the club season in 2020, hitting 38.6 in the AA.  Sullivan unfortunately will reportedly miss the season due to long-term complications resulting from a case of COVID-19.  The Fuzion-trained athlete was 5th on UB at the 2019 L10 Nationals, and tied for 5th on FX (triple full) and placed 8th AA in 2018.  The Sooners also add local product Johnson (Bart Conner), a three-time National qualifier who placed 15th AA at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  Clubmate Lynn trains a pike front-half on VT and is looking excellent in hitting the upgrade in Fall training while Ramsey (Aim High), who trains a full-in on FX and also trains a Yurchenko 1 1/2, complete the class.     

The Sooners will have the challenge of integrating a large but talented class of newcomers.  Although they have 7 big routines to replace, they certainly have the potential to eventually replace those scores with such a large and talented incoming class.  The 2020 Sooners had an edge on VT on the rest of the country, and that looks to continue in 2021 with this class, with more than six 10.0 Start Value vaults to choose from.  The only thing lacking at this point is meet experience, and so we'll likely see the Sooners grow throughout the season as the frosh gain experience.   

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 0 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Jay Clark
Assistants: Ashleigh Gnat, Bob Moore
Returning Starters (10):  Reagan Campbell (Sr), Rebecca D'Antonio (Jr), Bridget Dean (Sr), Christina Desiderio (Sr), Sami Durante (Sr), Courtney Goodrich (So), Kiya Johnson (So), Maddie Rau (So), Kai Rivers (So/I), Alyona Shchennikova (So)
Other/Injured Returners (5):   Sarah Edwards (Sr/I), Olivia Gunter (Sr/I), Lexie Nibbs (So), Kamryn Ryan (So), Caitlin Smith (So/I)
Graduated (2):   Kennedi Edney (I), Ruby Harrold
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):  Elena Arenas, Sierra Ballard, Chase Brock, Haleigh Bryant, Olivia Dunne

Quick Assessment:   LSU finished 2020 in sixth position, but the coaches' poll has elevated the Tigers to the 3rd position, based on the strength of the returners and a strong frosh class.  The Tigers lose two graduated seniors in Edney and Harrold.  Former two-time NCAA VT champ Edney suffered through some injury issues in 2020, which limited her impact and held back the Tigers from a stronger finish.  The All-American was a potent force in the AA, when she was fully healthy.  Harrold, in contrast, had her best season in 2020.  The All-American won 8 event titles in 2020, and excelled on three events.  LSU will also be missing the services of sophomore Kai Rivers, a potential 3 event star, who tore her Achilles' in the fall. 

The 2021 Tigers will be led by sophomore standout Kiya Johnson.  As a frosh, she made an immediate impact, achieving WCGA All-American status on VT, FX and the AA.  The SEC Freshman of the Year was also the Region 1 Gymnast of the Year.  Supporting the young star will be seniors Reagan Campbell, Bridget Dean, Christina Desiderio and Sami Durante.  Campbell was the BB anchor and a two-time NCGA All-American.  BB leadoff Desiderio is also another key performer, especially on FX, but missed the start of last season with an injury.  Durante bumped up her contributions to three events at the end of last season, but shines brightest on UB and BB.  Also key for the Tigers will be the further development of sophomore Shchennikova, who is training AA for the 2021 campaign, after being limited to mostly UB during the truncated season (due to an Achilles' injury the prior sping).  She's even showed a strong Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT in training, the same VT as classmate Ryan.  Senior Gunter is also looking stronger, with a solid performance at the Gym 101 exhibition. 

The big story for LSU is a strong incoming class of five, led by former junior international elite Arenas, Level 10 standout Bryant, and senior international elite Dunne.  Bryant (Everest) is a two-time Nastia Liukin Cup champion and three time Level 10 National Team member.  She's won L10 National titles in the AA (2018), VT (3x), FX (2x) and UB.  She also competes big skills like a superb pike front half on VT (almost in a layout position) and a clean and high double front on FX.  Dunne (ENA Paramus) is a former junior National Team member and 4x US Championships qualifier who was 18th AA in the Senior division in 2018.  This past season, she was 11th at the Nastia Liukin Cup.  Arenas trained at Georgia Elite and competed at the 2017 P&G Championships.  In 2019, she placed 8th AA at the Level 10 Nationals and prior to that tied for 12th AA in 2018.  Level 10s Ballard and Brock complete the class.  Ballard is the niece of LSU Head Coach Clark and trained in-state at North Shore.  She's a two-time L10 National qualifier and boasts a double layout or double Arabian on FX and a potential Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT.  She also has shown well on BB during the preseason.  Brock, a L10 from Gymnastix, is a 3 time L10 National qualifier who placed 6th on UB and 8th on VT in 2018.  She has competed a Yurchenko 1 1/2 and a rare full-out on FX.  

LSU will look to improve upon last year's sixth place finish with a team that is potentially deeper than 2020.  While they'll miss the big scores from Edney and Harrold, they have plenty of candidates for replacements, led by Bryant and Dunne.  They could also get a boost from a much stronger Shchennikova, who has taken advantage of the extra long break to complete her recovery.  The squad will need some time to mature and get used to competition, as the nerves were sometimes on display at the recent Gym 101 exhibition. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 3 UB, 0 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Tom Farden
Assistant:  Carly Dockendorf, Garrett Griffeth
Returning Starters (8):  Alexia Burch (Sr), Cammy Hall (Jr), Emilie LeBlanc (Sr), Maile O'Keefe (So), Abby Paulson (So), Adrienne Randall (Jr), Cristal Isa (Jr), Sydney Soloski (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Jillian Hoffmann (So/I), Jaedyn Rucker (So/I)
Graduated (2):  Missy Reinstadtler, Kim Tessen
Other Losses (2):   Deanne Soza (Fr/R), Hunter Dula (Sr/I/R)
Newcomers (3):  Jaylene Gilstrap, Alani Sabado, Lucy Stanhope

Quick Assessment:  Utah loses 7 routines from their last competition in 2020.  Reinstadler's elegant presentation and long lines will be sorely missed in the Ute lineups, as will her potential AAer capabilities.  Tessen shone brightest on UB and VT (with a 10 this past season), but also hit career highs on FX this past season.

The 2021 Utes feature a solid returning core of key athletes, including a number of potential AAers, including Burch, Isa, Randall, O'Keefe and Paulson.  Isa was the only one to compete AA as part of the regular lineups at the Red Rocks Preview, but she shines brightest on UB and BB.  She is tied with her teammate Paulson as the #5 returning beamer in the country (based on NQS).  Senior Burch showed much improvement last season, and was a regular on VT and BB.  Randall has been primarily a BB and FX gymnast, but could also step forward this season on other events.  O'Keefe was a standout on BB but also competed AA four times last season.  The aforementioned Paulson was a NCGA All-American on BB and competed on everything but VT last season.  Senior All-American Soloski is a standout on FX, where she is tied for the #5 returning athlete (based on NQS), but also has competed on VT and BB.  Hall adds an important 10.0 VT and big tumbling, while LeBlanc really shone on UB and BB.  The Utes also look to get a boost from the return of Rucker, who is training on all four events and showed a full-in on FX at the Red Rocks preview.   

The Utes welcome a strong class of three, including former international elite Jaylene Gilstrap (Metroplex), L10 standout Sabado (SCEGA), and former British National team member Stanhope.  Stanhope is a potential clear early standout, showing AA potential with a Yurchenko 1 1/2 VT, full-in on FX, Bharwaj on UB and full-twisting back handsprings on BB.  Gilstrap was a rising elite star and P&G Championship qualifier who suffered some injuries and dropped back to L10 last season.  She's known for her beautiful lines and execution and achieved a high level of success under the L10 code, which should translate well into the NCAA.  Sabado, who graduated early to join the Utes this season, was a L10 National Team member in 2019 and a 3-time JO National qualifier.  She finished 3rd AA, 3rd(t) on UB, 5th(t) on VT, 6th on BB and 8th(t) on FX (double Arabian) at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  The Utes unfortunately lost one of their standout recruits, former elite Soza, who retired early during the preseason.   

The Utes finished 4th last season, the same as their preseason rank.  The Utes have plenty of upside potential this season, with two departed athletes being replaced by three promising frosh and the return of Rucker.   Stanhope and Rucker look to inject some big skills in the Ute VT and FX lineups, an area where the Utes might lag the top teams a bit.  The Utes also had some depth issues last year on UB, and things are already looking stronger with the addition of the frosh and Rucker.  With their strength on BB and some added depth and power, the Utes could find themselves challenging the leaders. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Routines Gone: 0 VT, 0 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Assistant: Scott Sherman
Returning Starters (8):  Abby Brenner (Jr), Sierra Brooks (So), Lauren Farley (Sr), Abby Heiskell (Jr), Nicoletta Koulos (So), Maddie Mariani (Jr), Gabby Wilson (So), Natalie Wojcik (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Anna Dayton (Sr), Abigail Gaies (So), Anne Maxim (Sr/I)
Graduated (3):  Lexi Funk, Maggie O'Hara (GR/T/Arkansas), Maddy Osman (I)
Other Losses (1):  Sam Javanbakht (Sr/?), 
Newcomers (4):  Carly Bauman, Reyna Guggino, Naomi Morrison, Jenna Mulligan

Quick Assessment:  Michigan is slotted in fifth in the preseason rankings, the same as their 2020 finish.  There is plenty of upside here, with four gymnast departing but that represent just three lineup routines.  Funk was a key member of the Wolverine lineups for four years, often competing AA as an underclassman and earning All American honors on BB in 2019.  O'Hara and Osman were limited by injury throughout their careers, although O'Hara came back to have a solid season on UB and BB   Osman competed on up to three events, winning All-American honors on BB in 2019. 

The core of the Wolverine lineup returns, led by 2019 NCAA BB champ Wojcik and super sophs Brooks and Wilson.  Wojcik's beautiful lines and execution are complemented by some surprising power (Yurchenko 1 1/2, full-in on FX).  She's one of the top 10 returning AAers in the NCAA, along with teammate Brooks.  Brooks will only get better as a sophomore, a top AAer whose best events are VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and UB (full twisting double layout).  Wilson is another powerhouse, but has the potential to be another star AAer as well.   Junior Brenner was a NCGA All-American on VT, with another steady Yurchenko 1 1/2.  She's also the #4 returning vaulter (by NQS finish) in the country.   Along with Heiskell, Mariani and Farley, the Wolverines have a solid and deep core of returning talent.  Sophomore Koulos is looking improved in preseason training, and could increase her contributions in 2021.  Senior Maxim also returns with another potential 10.0 start value vault and a clean UB set.  Any of those five could easily pick up the slack of the departed seniors.  

Michigan adds another top class, led by L10 standouts Bauman and Morrison (Arizona Dynamics).  Morrison, originally an Oregon State commit, placed 5th AA, 2nd on FX and 4th(t) on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) at the 2019 JO Nationals.  She had an exceptional 2020 club season, winning all four meets, including a 39.05 in the AA.  In the recent intrasquad, she competed on all four events.  Bauman was the L10 National AA co-champ in 2018, where she also won the BB and tied for 1st on UB.  She finished 12th in 2019, with a 2nd on BB and 4th on UB.  Although her best events are BB and UB, she also vaults a pike Omelianchik (10.0 Start Value).  The Michigan newcomers are rounded by L10s Guggino (Tampa Bay) and Mulligan (Gymnastics Unlimited).  Guggino showed promise at the recent intrasquad on BB and FX, and has shown a strong improvement trend in club.   Mulligan tied for 5th on FX and 8th on BB and the 2018 L10 Nationals, and competed both at the recent intrasquad.    

Michigan has a high potential to make a run at the top four, with a strong set of returnees led by NCAA title contender Wojcik.  Along with Brooks and Wilson, the Wolverines have plenty of scoring potential lower in the lineup.  Michigan also can match or exceed OU's firepower on VT, with a full complement of 10.0 start value vaults in the stable.  For Michigan, the keys will be getting the consistency and scoring potential of the first part of the lineups on the other events to match.  Morrison and Bauman will help in this regard, with Brenner, Heiskell and Mariani also being key. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  3 VT, 3 UB, 0 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach:  Dana Duckworth
Assistants:  Bill Lorenz, Ryan Roberts
Returning Starters (7):  Luisa Blanco (So), Ella Burgess (So/I), Makarri Doggette (So), Emily Gaskins (Jr), Lexi Graber (Sr), Alonza Klopfer (Sr), Shallon Olsen (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Jensie Givens (Jr), Griffin James (Jr/I), Sania Mitchell (Jr), Mati Waligora (So)
Graduated (4):   Wynter Childers, Madison Desch, Kylie Dickson, Shea Mahoney
Other Losses (2):  Emma DeSantis (So/?), Macy Orosco (So/TR/Pitt)
Newcomers (5):  Shania Adams, Sarah Duhe, Cam Machado, Isabella Martin, Kaylee Quinn (Jr/TR/Nebraska)

Quick Assessment:  Alabama loses eight routines and six athletes from 2020, including key contributions and leadership from grads Childers, Desch, Dickson and Mahoney.  Mahoney was a key gymnast on up to three events, but was especially strong on UB.  Desch, a former World Championship Gold medalist, had some of her strongest contributions as a senior, competing on up to three events .  Childers was slowed by injury last season but competed as an AAer earlier in her career.  Unfortunately, Bama will be missing the services of sophomore Burgess after a preseason Achilles' injury.   

In 2020, the Tide will be led by senior Graber, junior Olsen and sophomores Blanco and Doggette.  Graber, a 2018 Regional AA and VT champ, was Bama's top AAer last season.  Her VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (full-in) are her best events, and she's gone 39.65 in the AA.  Blanco appears to be training all four events, as another potential AAer.  Her beautiful lines and execution made her a fan favorite on BB and FX last season.  Doggette is also another potential AAer, although some injury issues limited her on the leg events last season.  She'll be a key gymnast to get healthy and competing up to her full potential.  World Championship medalist Olsen has been training in Canada in preparation for the Olympics, and appears to be in top form as she returns to campus.  She's primarily contributed on everything but UB, but is ready if needed to be an AAer.  Several other gymnasts will be counted on to step up, especially as Bama works through some injury recoveries.  Givens and Dickson are key UB workers while Klopfer emerged last season as a steady BB worker and FX backup.  Former elite Gaskins has plenty of upside beyond UB and BB, and sophomore Waligora was a top L10 before coming to Tuscaloosa. 

Bama's incoming class is headlined by Senior National Team member Adams (Buckeye).  A five-time US Championships qualifier, she was 3rd AA and 1st on UB at the 2019 American Classic.  She'll have an immediate impact on the Tide on all four events, although she is strongest on UB and BB.  Bama also welcomes former jr. international elite Machado (First State) and L10 Isabella Martin (The Klub/Paramount Elite).  Machado qualified to the 2016 P&G Championships and returned to tie for 10th on UB and place 17th AA at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 13th AA and 7th on BB in 2018.  Martin is graduating early to join the Tide in January.  She placed 8th AA and tied for 4th on BB at the 2018 L10 Nationals.  The Tide also add Duhe (Elwood), a L10 Regional qualifier who shines on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2), as well as NU transfer Quinn.  Quinn was a L10 standout who has been limited by injury, but if she is able to recover fully has big skills on VT and FX.    

Bama finished 8th last season, so the 6th place Preseason pick will require some key pieces to come together.  The Tide have a strong returning core, with the potential from big scores from the likes of Graber, Blanco and Olsen.  Getting standouts like Doggette and Waligora healthy and in top form, along with the quick adjustment of Adams to NCAA competition could make the difference for the Tide.  There are a lot of teams gunning for a spot in the top eight, and Bama will need to have their stars healthy and in top form to make their best showing. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 11/24
Routines Gone:  3 VT, 3 UB, 3 BB, 4 FX
Head Coach: Chris Waller
Associate Head Coach:  Kristina Comforte
Assistant:  Dom Palange
Returning Starters (8):  Nia Dennis (Sr), Norah Flatley (Jr), Margzetta Frazier (Jr), Savannah Kooyman (Sr), Kendal Poston (Sr), Samantha Sakti (Jr), Nicki Shapiro (RS Sr), Sekai Wright (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Emma Andres (So), Paige Hogan (So), Chloe Lashbrooke (So), Kalyany Steele (So), Sara Taubman (Jr), Pauline Tratz (Sr), Lilia Waller (Sr)
Graduated (8):  Anna Glenn (I), Grace Glenn, Felicia Hano, Madison Kocian, Gracie Kramer, Kyla Ross, Mercedez Sanchez (GR/TR/SJSU), Macy Toronjo
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Chae Campbell, Frida Esparza, Brooklyn Moors (taking RS season), Sara Ulias

Quick Assessment:  The Bruins find themselves knocked down several notches from last year's #3 finish.  UCLA has experienced some big losses to graduation, led by superstars Ross and Kocian.  Ross and Kocian ended their storied careers as the only two gymnasts to win Olympic, World and NCAA team titles.  Ross was on track to having a remarkable senior season, after having scored 10s on every event during her career.  Kocian overcame persistent injury issues to contribute on three events.  Hano was also a key member of the lineups, and competed AA as a senior.  Grace Glenn marked her first 10 on BB this past season, and Kramer received one of her own on FX.  The Bruins are losing a lot of "end of the lineup" routines and a lot of leadership and depth.

Coach Waller welcomes a strong set of returners, led by elites Dennis, Flatley, and Frazier.  Fan fav Flatley, a NCGA All-American, had a standout year last season, competing on up to three events.  She's a potential AAer, as she has appeared in her rookie season.  Dennis is also another potential AAer, but injury problems limited her contributions last season to mostly VT and FX.  Her shoulder injury status could be a difference maker.  Likewise, Frazier saw action mostly on UB last year after starting the year as an AAer.  She's the #5 returning gymnast (by NQS) on the UB.  Her return to the AA will be key to keeping the Bruins in the top pack.  The Bruins also get back the services of German elite Tratz, who was also hampered by injury last season.  She's back training the AA, but has contributed mostly on FX and VT in past seasons.  Senior Poston is a key vaulter but has also contributed on BB.  BB is where Shapiro shines, as does junior Sakti.  Sakti was an AAer as a frosh at W&M, and her FX has strong potential for UCLA.  Wright is powerful vaulter capable of a Yurchenko double twist and fully healthy we could see her on more events.  

The delay in the Tokyo Olympics has hit the Bruin incoming class hard.  A number of elite athletes set to start this season are now deferring entry (Jordan Chiles, Emma Malabuyo, Ana Pandarariu) or redshirting the season to focus on training (Moors).  All is not lost as UCLA welcomes Mexican National team member Esparza, top L10 and former jr. international elite Campbell (Metroplex) and L10 Ulias (Paramount Elite).  Esparza's best events are UB and BB, but she is also a potential AAer, having finished 32nd at the 2018 World's and having competed as a US sr. international elite for Head Over Heels.  Campbell is a two-time Level 10 National Team member who was 9th AA at the 2020 Nastia Liukin Cup.  In 2019, she was 2nd(t) on FX, 3rd(t) on BB and 3rd AA at the L10 Nationals.  Ulias is a L10 Regional qualifier whose best Regional finishes have come on UB.

UCLA faces some major challenges with the loss of the experience and marquee scoring power of the departed stars.  That's a lot of potential 10s missing from the lineups, and the Preseason Poll acknowledges that, dropping the Bruins to the #7 slot.  Injuries and the resulting depth issues have been a problem in the past, and the deferring recruits won't help in that respect.  The Bruins will need their stars healthy and in peak form, as well as getting strong contributions from Campbell and Esparza.  There's still a ton of talent on the roster, at times hidden in the shadow of the superstars, and now is their time to step forward and shine.   

Official Web Site:   Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coaches:  Justin Howell and Elizabeth Crandall-Howell
Assistant Coach:  Janelle McDonald
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 1 FX
Returning Starters (8):  Maya Bordas (Jr), Milan Clausi (Jr), Neveah DeSouza (So), Kyana George (Sr), Maya Green (So), Grace Quinn (Jr), Nina Schank (Sr), Emi Watterson (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Talitha Jones (Jr/I), Alma Kuc (Sr/I), Natalie Sadighi (So), Victoria Salem (Sr), Abi Solari (Jr), Ashton Woodbury (So/I)
Graduated (1):  Rachael Mastrangelo
Other Losses (1):  Maleah Pearson (Sr)
Newcomers (6):  Elise Byun, Cosette Carranza, Blake Gozashti, Andi Li, Gabby Perea, Kennedy Quay

Quick Assessment:   Cal loses just one senior from their active roster.  Mastrangelo came back from an injury early in her career to compete upgraded sets on VT and FX as a senior.  The Coaches' Poll recognizes these minimal losses and have elevated the Bears one rank from their #9 2020 finish.  

This season, Cal will be paced a strong core experienced athletes, led by Bordas, Clausi, DeSouza and George.  Senior George was a top AAer for Cal in 2020, and top returning scoring on FX, VT and BB.  Bordas had a strong 2020, with the AAer becoming the top returning scorer on UB and showing an upgraded full-in on FX.  Classmate Clausi continued her strength on three events, but was even better on 2020, with an (often stuck) Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT.  Sophomore DeSouza also quickly impacted with consistent routines on all four events, including some standout BB (triple series) and UB routines, and a dependable Yurchenko 1 1/2.  Senior Nina Schank is another potential AAer, if needed, but it's on UB where she shines.  Classmate Watterson is another UB ace, and a 9.95+ threat every time she mounts the apparatus.  She also contributed BB last season.  Quinn showed marked improvement in 2020, winning a spot in the FX rotation and competing on all four events.  Several other Cal athletes who have battled injuries in the past could conceivably step up this season.  Jones was a steady competitor on up to three events before tearing her ACL.  Solari has struggled with injury during her first two seasons but the former UK elite has shown a pike front 1/2 on VT and double Arabian on FX in training this fall.  Kuc has been a regular on UB but an injury ended her season early.

The Bears welcome six frosh, led by two of the nation's top recruits in L10 Li and former senior international elite Perea, both from Legacy Elite.  Li, younger sister of UCLA and elite standout Anna, placed 3rd AA at the 2020 Nastia Liukin Cup.  She's a former Level 10 National AA champ (2018), a two time runnerup (2019, 2016) and former L10 UB and FX champ (2018).  She's amassed no less than 13 top 4 finishes at L10 Nationals over five years and three top 4 finishes at the Nastia Liukin Cup, including the 2016 title.  This track record of top finishes over so many seasons is a high indicator for future success in college.  Perea is a former National Team member and junior national UB champ (2016) who finished 15th AA as a senior at the 2019 US Championships.  In 2020, she dropped down to L10 and placed 6th AA at the Nastia Liukin Cup.  She's been looking strong in preseason training, and looks ready to compete a rare full twisting standing back tuck on BB.  She has beautiful lines and toepoint that play well on UB and BB, but also has a full-in and an expressive style on FX.  Also looking to make an impact are Carranza (Texas Dreams) and Quay (SCEGA).  Carranza was a L10 National Team member back in 2016 with a 2nd place finish at Nationals but competed on a limited basis until the 2019 season.  Quay placed 6th AA at the 2018 L10 Nationals (tied for 2nd on VT) and 5th AA (2nd on VT and FX) in 2017.  She returned to competition on three events in 2020, posting a 9.8 on the UB.  They'll be complemented by local L10s Byun (Airborne) and Gozashti (Gymnastics Zone).  Byun is a two-time L10 National qualifier who placed 1st on UB and 3rd AA at the 2019 Region I L10 Regionals.  Gozashti is a L10 Regional qualifier who put together a strong season in 2020, including two event wins on VT (Yurchenko Layout Full). 

Cal returns an experienced and talented core complemented by two of the top incoming frosh in the NCAA.  One could easily argue they deserve a higher preseason rank, although there are some remaining questions about injuries and depth.  Relative to the top rank of teams, they've lacked some difficulty and power on VT and FX in the past, but the returning athletes plus the frosh could definitely help close the gap on those events.  Relative to other teams, UB could be a huge highlight and advantage.  A series of strong recruiting classes is starting to pay dividends, and we'll see if that continues in 2021.   

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Linas Gaveika, Jimmy Pratt
Starting Routines Returning: 17/23
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 2 FX
Returning Starters (7):  Emily Glynn (Sr), Amoree Lockhart (So), Natalie Morton (Jr). Alexandra Ruiz (Jr), Callie Schlottmann (So), Akoray "AK" Subject (So), Alexis Vasquez (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Lynnzee Brown (Sr/I), Victoria Fitts (So), Mia Sundstrom (Sr/I)
Graduated (1):  Maddie Karr
Other Losses (1):  Emma Brown (So/TR/LIU)
Newcomers (5):  Rose Casali, Jessica Hutchinson, Isabel Mabanta, Rylie Mundell, Abbie Thompson

Quick Assessment:  Denver finished the 2020 season in 7th place, despite losing some key gymnasts to injury like Brown and Sundstrom.  The Pioneers lose superstar Karr to graduation, and her 9.95+ potential on all four events will be sorely missed.  She won no less than 106(!) event titles during her storied career.  That type of dependability and leadership is hard to replicate.  They also lost sophomore Emma Brown, who transferred to the new program at LIU. 

The big news for the Pioneers is that AA star Lynnzee Brown is back and already showing her superb Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT in preseason training.  She'll be needed on all four events, and a rapid recovery is good news.  She is the #4 returning AAer from last season (based on NQS), despite her shortened season.  Senior Sundstrom is also fully back and looking better than ever, and forms a second AAer to support Brown.  Classmate Glynn was a standout on three events for the Pioneers.  During preseason training, Glynn has been showing improved dynamics on her layout Tsuk full vault (10.0 SV) and continued strong execution overall.  Junior Vasquez has been an amazing BBer and anchors the event with 10.0 potential.  She competed on VT last season but has been training other events as well this preseason.  Classmate Ruiz is another AA option for DU, with steady performance across all four events, but her highest marks have come on BB and FX.  Sophomores Lockhart and Subject both competed three to four events as frosh.  True to Pioneer history, they could continue their improvement as they move into their second seasons. 

Denver's frosh class represent not only an injection of talent but much needed depth across all four events.  DU has run lean the last several seasons, often using only five athletes per event.  Five frosh, in addition to the 10 returners, give the Pioneers more depth than they've had in quite some time.  Casali, a L10 from Southeastern, placed 5th on UB and 6th AA at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  She was also 4th on VT and 30th(t) AA at the 2018 Nationals.  Hutchinson is the daughter of former Bulgarian great Silvia Mitova and competed for Hungary at the 2016 Europeans, the same year she won L10 National titles on VT and FX.  More recently, following some knee problems, she tied for 17th AA and 10th on FX at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  She's coming off a strong 2020, with a 38.65 season high AA.  Mabanta is a former sr. elite from Denton.  In 2018, she won the BB title, placed 3rd(t) on VT and 18th AA at the L10 Nationals.  In 2020, she won her session at the Metroplex Challenge .  Mundell has been a top L10 from IGI for several seasons, qualifying to four Nastia Liukin Cups, including placing 7th AA in 2020.  She was a L10 National Team member in 2019, placing 4th AA and tying for 6th on VT and FX.  She was 2nd on BB at the 2018 L10 Nationals and tied for the UB title at L10 Nationals in 2017.  The fifth frosh is Thompson, a L10 National Team members (2018) from Orlando Metro.  She's coming off a strong 2020, winning AA titles at five invitationals and posting a 39.225, showing a triple twist dismount on FX and 2 1/2 off BB.  In 2019, she was 6th AA, 4th(t) on FX and 6th(t) on BB at the L10 Nationals.  In 2018, she won the National BB title (side aerial to back layout stepout) and placed 4th AA.  

Denver's story is not about how 2020 finished but about big expectations for 2021.  With the return of Brown and Sundstrom and standouts like Vasquez and Glynn, the Pioneers have a strong base upon which to build.  On top of that, they've added five strong frosh that provide much needed depth on the leg events and some potential standout routines to the mix.  Although the Pioneers usually start strong, the large number of frosh and the return of Brown means that the Pioneers could build momentum throughout this season.      

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Courtney Kupets Carter
Assistants: Josh Overton, Jason Vonk
Returning Starters (10):  Rachel Baumann (Jr), Haley de Jong (So), Loulie Hattaway (SO), Soraya Hawthorne (So), Rachael Lukacs (Jr), Mikayla Magee (Jr), Marissa Oakley (Sr), Alyssa Perez-Lugones (Jr), Megan Roberts (Jr), Abbey Ward (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Sterlyn Austin (Jr), Amanda Cashman (So/I), Emily Schild (Sr)
Graduated (2):  Rachel Dickson (I), Sabrina Vega
Other Losses (0):  N/A 
Newcomers (3):  Nhyla Bryant, Katie Finnegan, Victoria Nguyen

Quick Assessment:   Georgia enters the 2021 season with the #10 Preseason rank, an improvement over their 12th place finish in 2020.  Gone from that squad were star AAers Dickson and Vega.  All-American and former World Championship Gold Medalist Vega competed on up to four events as a senior for UGA, but was a key anchor on BB and FX, with the potential for a 10 on both events.  NCAA All-American Dickson was a key AAer before suffering a season ending injury in January 2020.  She was a key scorer on all four events, but especially valuable on VT and UB.  Although the Gym Dogs only technically lose the 2020 routines from Vega, in reality their scoring potential had been already hit severely by the loss of Dickson.

UGA enters 2020 with a large group of ten returning starters plus three other returnees.  Seniors Oakley and Schild are two former elites that have struggled with injury throughout their career.  Although we say it too often, their health during the long season could really improve the Gym Dogs prospects.  The junior class will be key across the lineups, impacting the team scoring potential and leading with experience on all four events.  WCGA All American Lukacs excels with a double twisting Yurchenko and double layout on FX but also competed AA eight times last season, while Baumann has competed on up to three events, with her best efforts coming on BB (side aerial to back layout).  Classmate Roberts rebounded from injury as a frosh to compete three events as a sophomore.  Another junior, Magee, shines on BB (triple flight) and VT but also is a strong FX worker.  Finally, Perez-Lugones broke through last season and impressed as the lead-off on FX.  The sophomore class will also look to step up contributions in 2021.  de Jong competed last esason primarily on UB and BB, but is capable of an AA impact.  Hawthorne shone on the leg events, VT and FX, but also competed BB.  The return of Cashman from an Achilles' injury could provide a boost, although traditionally we usually see others with the same injury return first on UB and BB. 

The Gym Dogs welcome three frosh, as they seek to replace the scoring power of the two departed stars.  Leading the way is former senior international elite Nguyen.  She was both a junior and senior National Team member who placed 6th on VT and UB at the 2019 American Classic.  She's known for her beautiful flexibility and presentation, especially on BB, where she has the potential to fully replace Vega's scoring potential.  Georgia will also depend on immediate contributions from Finnegan (Apex), who has graduated early to join this class.  In 2019, she placed 6th AA and 3rd on UB (stalder to Pak, Van Leeuwen, full-in dismount) at the L10 Nationals.  She was also 7th AA and 3rd(t) on FX in 2018.  The third frosh is Bryant, from the Raleigh School of Gymnastics.  She placed 9th(t) on FX and 37th(t) AA at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  Her best events are VT and FX, with plenty of amplitude and power that provide margin to upgrade in the future.

With the loss of the two stars, UGA will need some of the returnees to step up and fill the scoring gap of the end of the lineup routines that will be missing in 2021.  They'll get a boost from the addition of the frosh, especially Nguyen and Finnegan.  Nguyen in particular has a lot of upside, if she can follow the career arc piloted by Vega.  However, the Gym Dogs will also need to avoid any of the injury issues that have depleted their lineups in the past, especially on the UB, which happens to be the weakest apparatus of some of the roster.  The latter event is where Finnegan, Nguyen and Schild could really elevate the Gym Dog scoring potential.       

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Jenny Hansen
Associate Head Coach:  Rich Stenger
Assistant:  Geralen Stack-Eaton
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Returning Starters (8):   Mary Korlin-Down (RS Sr), Ona Loper (Sr), Lexi Montgomery (Sr), Maddie Quarles (RS So), Lexy Ramler (Sr), Halle Remlinger (So), Tiarre Sales (Jr), Hannah Willmarth (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Maya Albertin (So), Kate Grotenhuis (So/I), Mallory LeNeave (So), Abbie Nylin (Jr), Ali Sonier (Jr)
Graduated (4):  Casey Betts, Ivy Lu, Kristin Quaglia, Paige Williams
Other Losses (3):  Carson Cronin (Jr/?), Kaitlyn Higgins (Jr/TR/NU), Andrea Stancik (So/?)
Newcomers (6):  Erin Fortman, Gianna Gerdes, Mya Hooten, Katie Horak, Emily Koch, Ella Sirjord

Quick Assessment:   Minnesota finished 10th in the rankings last season, and find themselves down one spot in the Coaches' Preseason rankings.  They lose six routines from seven departed gymnasts.  Foremost in those losses are the routines from former stars Lu and Williams. Lu was a 10.0 threat on both events.  Her grace and execution helped elevate the Gophers back on the national radar. Williams competed as an AAer earlier in her career, and was a key end of the lineup performer on FX.  Quaglia was a dependable depth performer on VT and UB, while Betts battled injury as an underclassman but contributed as a senior on up to two events.

The Gophers will be led, once again, by Loper and Ramler, who are now both seniors.  The two stars have been a potent one-two punch since their freshman seasons.  Ramler's beautiful lines, toepoint and execution have made her a fan favorite.  She's a 10.0 threat on multiple events, and was the #1 gymnast on BB last season (by NQS) and is the #2 returning gymnast on the UB.  Loper's lines and crisp execution also bring in some big scores, especially on VT with her Yurchenko 1 1/2.  Junior Sales is another key potential AAer, known not just for her BB work but for an UB set that ends with a full twisting double layout.  Sophomore Remlinger was the top rookie, with powerful VT and FX sets that could see upgrades this season.  A big variable this season will be the health and readiness of Quarles.  The former DU transfer lent her Yurchenko 1 1/2 to the lineups last season but she is capable of being an AA star.  Korlin-Downs is returning for her sixth season as a key BB specialist.  The Gophers will also look to get juniors Nylin and Sonier back into the lineup.  Sonier, in particular, was a steady performer on up to three events last season.  Both were looking strong in recent practice footage, with Nylin hitting a triple series on BB.   

Minnesota welcomes six frosh for 2021, as they seek to boost their depth and find replacements for the high scoring routines from Lu and Williams.  Hooten, a L10 from Classic Gymnastics, will certainly be that and more on the power events.  She was the L10 National champ on FX (full-in) in 2019.  She was also the runnerup on FX in 2017, and placed 7th AA in 2017 and 8th AA in 2018.  She is also training a Yurchenko 1 1/2 for this season.  Gerdes, a L10 from Gym X-Treme, tied for 10th AA at the 2017 L10 Nationals.  She also won a Regional title on VT and qualified to Nationals in 2018.  In 2020, she a trio of AA titles at various invitationals and hit a new career best 38.275 in the AA.  Fortman, a L10 from Flyaways Gold, was a L10 National qualifier and Region IV FX champ in 2019 with a clean front layout to front double full.  Coming from Revolution, Horak is another 2019 L10 National qualifer.  She was also the Level 9 Western National AA and BB champ in her division in 2018.  This past season, she won a trio of invitational meets and hit a 37.625 AA career high.  Emily Koch, trained as L10 most recently at Legacy Gymnastics.  She tied for 10th on FX (front double full-punch front) at the 2019 L10 Nationals.  She also finished 7th in 2017.  Last but not least, Sirjord, a L10 from Jam Hops, tied for 3rd on BB and 10th on FX (front double full) at the 2019 JO Nationals.     

Minnesota looks to boost their ranking this season and break into the Top 8.  To do that, they'll not only need to keep their three AAers healthy, but find strong routines to replace the other departed stars.  Hooten looks like she'll boost the VT and FX lineups, but a combination of returnees and frosh must step up to elevate the depth chart to the level of the leaders.  Depth on UB is perhaps a concern, with the frosh mostly excelling on the other events.  In contrast, VT looks to be a strength this season.  

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Associate Head Coach:  Rachel Garrison
Assistant: Chuck Dickerson
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 2 BB, 2 FX
Returning Starters (8):  Josie Angeny (Jr), Kaitlin DeGuzman (So), Shealyn Luksik (So), Megan Monfredi (Jr), Cally Nixon (Jr), Arianna Patterson (Jr), Ella Warren (Sr), Raena Worley (So)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Raina Albores (So), Madison Averett (Sr), Anna Haigis (Jr), Mackenzie Harman (Sr), Kassidy Howell (So), Ashlyn Laclair (So), Elyssa Roberts (So)
Graduated (4):   Mollie Korth, Alaina Kwan, Katherine Marianos, Hailey Poland
Other Losses (1):  Allison Snyder (Sr/I/R)
Newcomers (7):  Bailey Bunn, Makenna Clarke (So/TR/Arkansas), Carissa Clay, Hailey Davis, Isabella Magnelli, Gianna Ortiz, Krista Zultevicz (I)

Quick Assessment:   Kentucky finished the 2020 season in 13th position, and rise to 12th in the Preseason poll.  They did, however, lose some key pieces from 2020.  Korth joined the Wildcats in January of her frosh season, after graduating early from high school.  She had an immediate impact as a frosh and didn't slow a bit throughout her four seasons at UK.  She'll be especially missed on VT and FX.  Poland was a key member of the BB and FX lineups, while Kwan provided depth on VT and UB. 

The post-Korth era begins under the leadership of senior Warren, juniors Angeny, Nixon and Patterson, and sophomore Worley.  Warren emerged as a key all-arounder in 2020, hitting 39.375 across the four events.  While known for her beautiful, tight form on BB and FX in prior seasons, her emergence as an AAer really helped UK last season.  Junior Angeny expanded to three events in 2020, but shone brightest on BB with a bhs to two layouts. Nixon expanded her efforts in 2020 as well, adding a beautiful and flighty Yurchenko Layout Full to her precise UB work.  Classmate Patterson continues to impress with a huge pike front 1/2 on VT, and also competed BB and FX last season.  Sophomore Worley could be in store for an even better 2021, with another year of experience benefitting the talented AAer.  The Wildcats could also use broader contributions from DeGuzman, a former elite who has been working back from injury.  Likewise, classmate Albores has the potential to expand beyond FX and UB.  

Kentucky brings aboard no less than seven newcomers as they seek to replace the big missing routines.  Leading the class are Magnelli and Bunn.  Magnelli is a 2020 Nastia Liukin Cup qualifer from ENA Paramus.  She's also a two-time L10 National qualifier who tied for 3rd BB and placed 11th AA in 2018.  She excels on VT and brings another front pike 1/2 to the lineup.  She's complemented by Bunn (Rose's), a 2018 L10 National Team member.  This past season, she won the AA title at four invitationals, including a sweep at the Elevate the Stage meet with a career-high 38.275.  Clay is a three-time L10 Regional qualifier who trained with the Mission Valley YMCA program.  Davis is a two-time L10 National qualifier from New Bern.  This past season, she won her session at the Atlanta Centennial Classic with a 38.125.  Ortiz is a two-time L10 National qualifier from Orlando Metro.  This past season, she posted a 38.325 in the AA.  Zultevicz is a two-time L10 National qualifier (2017, 2019) who tied for 4th on VT in 2017.  Unfortunately, she was reportedly injured during the preseason.  Arkansas transfer Clarke didn't compete as a frosh but is a two-time L10 National qualifier who placed 8th on BB in 2019.  These athletes all seem to have a strong trajectory in 2020, and we'll see if that translates into an immediate impact in 2021.   

Kentucky enters 2021 with a large (22) squad led by some talented and experienced core athletes.  They lose a bit of scoring "punch" from star Korth, but will instead look to a collection of returnees and newcomers to close the gap left by the departed veterans.  Gymnasts like Worley and Warren will need to take their gymnastics up to the next level, while the large squad reinforces the depth behind the leaders.  The Wildcats have shown a good progression of steady improvement, and we should see more of that this season, especially from the underclassmen.    

Teams #13 to #25

Intro

The season is right around the corner, and with the New Year, we've prepared a new set of capsule Season Previews.  We're covering the entire Top 25 teams, as ranked by the Coaches' Preseason Poll.  In each Preview, we've summarized the team's returning routines, their lost routines, their returning starters and the rest of their roster, with a special focus on their newcomers.  We'll also give a brief overview preview of their prospects and challenges.

Here are the first 12 teams in our Capsule Previews of our Top 25, based on the 2020 Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 3 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Assistants: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Returning Starters (7):  Jade Degouveia (Sr), Maggie Nichols (Sr), Evy Schoepfer (Jr), Karrie Thomas (Jr), Olivia Trautman (So), Anastasia Webb (Jr), Carly Woodard (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Jordan Draper (Jr), Emily LaPinta (So), Brehanna Showers (Sr/I), Allie Stern (So)
Graduated (4):  Brenna Dowell, Ashley Hiller, Nicole Lehrmann, Alex Marks
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):  Vanessa Deniz (Fr), Jenna Dunn (Fr), Erin Hutchingson (Fr), Ragan Smith (Fr), Brooke Weins (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  The OU Sooners are seeking to defend their National Title and have been instilled by the coaches as the Preseason #1.  Heading into 2020, they've lost 8 routines from that Championship run, including key end of the lineup sets from Brenna Dowell and Nicole Lehrmann.  Replacing 9.95+ sets is never easy, and the task is especially tough on UB with 3 total routines lost.   

However, they have plenty of firepower, least of which is senior Maggie Nichols, the two-time defending NCAA AA champion.  She'll be capably supported by junior Anastasia Webb and sophomore Olivia Trautman.  Classmate Jade Degouveia has been training bars in the off-season and also looks to join the core as a potential AAer.  The other four returners, especially Brehanna Showers, also have lineup experience.   

The Sooners also landed what is quite possibly the top recruit in the country in Ragan Smith.  The 2017 US National AA champ and World Championships Gold Medalist (team) stepped down from elite competition to join OU for this season.  Although she has battled injuries in the past, the lower difficulty requirements of the NCAA should enable her to have a hugely successful career.  Also figuring into the Sooner mix this season is Vanessa Deniz, who placed 4th on FX, VT(t) and UB(t) and tied for 9th on AA at the 2018 Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals.   

The defending Champions had some work to do this Fall, with some huge holes in the lineup left by the departure of Dowell and Lehrmann.  Smith looks like she's slotting in nicely for Dowell, but the rest of the squad will need to step up to fill Lehrmann's 9.9+ scores on VT, UB and BB.  OU will also be counting on Smith staying healthy and doing what she's clearly capable of doing, while others will need to step up to fill in the gaps.  Meanwhile, Nichols will lead a squad that has perfected the art of combining high execution and unshakeable consistency.  Look for them to challenge for another title in April.  

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Routines Gone:  3 VT, 3 UB, 1 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: D-D Breaux
Associate Head Coach:  Jay Clark
Assistant: Bob Moore
Returning Starters (7):  Reagan Campbell (Jr), Bridget Dean (Jr), Christina Desiderio (Jr), Sami Durante (Jr), Kennedi Edney (Sr), Sarah Edwards (Jr), Ruby Harrold (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):   Rebecca D'Antonio (So), Olivia Gunter (Jr/I)
Graduated (4):   Julianna Cannemela, Sarah Finnegan, McKenna Kelley, Lexie Priessman  
Other Losses (2):  Bailey Ferrer (So/Sitting out 2020), Ashlyn Kirby (R)
Newcomers (7):  Courtney Goodrich (Fr), Kiya Johnson (Fr), Lexie Nibbs (Fr), Kai Rivers (Fr), Kamryn Ryan (Fr), Alyona Shchennikova (Fr/I), Caitlin Smith (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   LSU finished the season 2nd last year, and once again find themselves projected to finish in the same spot by the Coaches' Poll.  However, Coach D-D Breaux will need to find no less than 10 new routines to replace some top scoring sets from the departed Tigers.  In particular Sarah Finnegan, McKenna Kelley and Lexie Priessman demonstrated the ability to anchor lineups and pull down the 9.95+ scores that are so essential for a National title contender.

LSU will be led by senior Kennedi Edney, a top AA (two-time All-American) who excels on VT, where she is a former National champion  (2017).  Also look for top marks to be brought in by senior Ruby Harrold and junior Christina Desiderio.  Junior Reagan Campbell has been looking strong in preseason, as has junior Sami Durante on UB and BB. 

LSU also welcomes seven newcomers, who comprise an exceptionally strong incoming class.  They are led by L10 standouts Kiya Johnson and Kai Rivers, and elite Alyona Shchennikova.  Johnson was the Level 10 JO National champ in the AA, BB and FX.  She also tied for the AA title and won FX in 2018.  Rivers won the UB and was the AA runnerup at the JO Nationals in 2019.  She was also 3rd AA in 2018 and won the AA, VT and UB in 2017.  Look for Johnson to make an immediate impact, potentially in the AA, while Rivers works her way into at the lineups.    Likewise Shchennikova is coming back from an Achilles' tear, and so she'll be likely coming back first on UB and BB.  She placed 9th AA at the 2018 US Gymnastics Championships, but her best events are the ones where she is coming back the first. 

LSU lost a huge amount of top-line scoring power in Finnegan, Kelley and Priessman, along with a good measure of depth.  Fortunately, the coaching staff has brought in a standout frosh class to a join a strong core, but it may take some time for their full impact to be felt.  Look early on for the veterans to lead the way, as the Tigers build to a strong post-season finish.     

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone: 1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
Assistants: Adrian Burde, Owen Field
Returning Starters (8):  Sierra Alexander (Sr), Alyssa Baumann (Jr), Rachel Gowey (Sr), Amelia Hundley (Sr), Nya Reed (So), Savannah Schoenherr (So), Megan Skaggs (Jr), Trinity Thomas (So)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Maegan Chant (Sr), Leah Clapper (So), Jazmyn Foberg (Jr/I), Sydney Johnson-Scharpf (So), Halley Taylor (So)
Graduated (2):  Alicia Boren, Amanda Cheney
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (1):  Payton Richards (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Florida finished an uncharacteristic 10th last season, after spending much of the season in the upper ranks.  A shaky Regionals BB performance left the talented squad at home in April.  Gone from that squad is superstar AAer Alicia Boren, the 2019 NCAA FX champion and an 8 time NCAA All American.  

The loaded Gators squad has been voted #3 on the basis of the huge talent left on the roster.   They'll be led in 2020 by super sophomore Trinity Thomas, the rare NCAA gymnast that has maintained US National Team status despite competing during the NCAA season.  She's simply one of the best gymnasts in the world.  However, UF has plenty of other stars, including seniors Rachel Gowey and Amelia Hundley.  Junior Alyssa Baumann has been looking strong in preseason training and could also emerge as an all-around force.  Sophomore Savannah Schoenherr had a strong debut campaign, and looks to excel again.    

UF has just one frosh, but she's a strong one.  Payton Richards is a three-time JO National team member from Aerials in Illinois.  She is already making an impression in the preseason with a potential Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT and double layout on FX.  The Gators could also get a boost from increased contributions from their other returners, notably Jazmyn Foberg, who had surgery last season.  Sophomores Sydney Johnson-Scharpf and Leah Clapper have had another year to get used to competing, and have the opportunity to step up. 

With such a deep array of top elite and L10 talent, the Gators are well positioned to chase for the National title, and their preseason rank reflects it.  They also demonstrated the importance of consistency in the new NCAA format, for any squad, no matter how talented, through their 2019 Regional stumbles.  Look for them to correct the mistakes of the past and challenge once again. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 0 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Chris Waller
Associate Head Coach:  Kristina Comfore
Assistant:  Dom Palange
Returning Starters (10):  Nia Dennis (Jr), Norah Flatley (So), Margzetta Frazier (So), Grace Glenn (Sr), Felicia Hano (Sr), Madison Kocian (Sr), Gracie Kramer (Sr), Kyla Ross (Sr), Pauline Tratz (Jr), Sekai Wright (So)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Anna Glenn (Sr), Savannah Kooyman (Jr), Kendal Poston (Jr), Mercedes Sanchez (Sr), Nicki Shapiro (RS Rr), Sara Taubman (So/I), Macy Toronjo (RS Sr)
Graduated (3):  Brielle Nguyen, Katelyn Ohashi, Stella Savvidou
Other Losses (0):  N/A 
Newcomers (5):  Emma Andres (Fr), Paige Hogan (Fr), Chloe Lashbrooke (Fr), Samantha Sakti (So/TR/W&M), Kalyany Steele (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  The Bruins, despite a #3 National finish last year, find themselves knocked a peg in the Preseason Coaches' Poll.  That is much a reflection of their star athlete, Katelyn Ohashi, but also the loss of their legendary coach, Valorie Kondos-Fields.   Chris Waller takes over the reigns this season, as the new staff looks to carry on the traditions set in place by Kondos-Fields. 

Despite the coaching shift, the Bruins remain ridiculously loaded, with a roster that is more than capable of regaining the title they gave up in 2019. Seniors Kyla Ross, Felicia Hano and Madison Kocian were all a key part of the 2018 Championship squad, along with juniors Nia Dennis and Pauline Tratz. The Bruins also welcome back key routines from sophomores Norah Flatley and Margzetta Frazier.  The elite credentials of those seven stand without a need for further elaboration.  Ross competed in 2019 with new upgrades and at a higher level overall.  She's looking strong in the preseason, and seems capable of challenging again for a National AA title.  Kocian, who has battled through a number of injuries, also looked strong in the recent Meet the Bruins preview meet. 

UCLA also welcomes four frosh and a transfer from W&M, Samantha Sakti.  The frosh are led by former elite Kalyany Steele, who looks like she'll be contributing first on the UB.  Sakti posted some big scores on BB and FX for W&M, with a full-in on the latter event and a triple series (bhs to two layouts) on BB.  

With the loss of their legendary coach and two key BB routines, the Bruins will have the most work to do on BB.  But with such a talented squad, finding a strong working lineup should be a manageable task.  Look for the Bruins once again to challenge for the title, led by their super senior class. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 10/24
Routines Gone:  4 VT, 3 UB, 3 BB, 4 FX
Head Coach: Tom Farden
Assistant:  Carly Dockendorf, Garrett Griffeth
Returning Starters (6):  Alexia Burch (Jr), Hunter Dula (So), Adrienne Randall (So), Missy Reinstadler (Sr), Sydney Soloski (Jr), Kim Tessen (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Cristal Isa (So/I), Cammy Hall (So/I)
Graduated (4):  Kari Lee, Shannon McNatt, Makenna Merrell-Giles, Macey Roberts
Other Losses (2):   MyKayla Skinner Harmer (Sr/training for Olympics), Lauren Wong (Jr/R)
Newcomers (5):  Jillian Hoffmann (Fr), Emilie LeBlanc (Jr/TR/Maryland), Maile O'Keefe (Fr), Abby Paulson (Fr), Jaedyn Rucker (Fr/I)

Quick Assessment:  Utah returns just 10 routines from last year's disappointing 7th place national finish.  What's worse, they Utes have lost almost all of their "back of the lineup" routines.  First and foremost among the losses is the decision of Mykayla Skinner Harmer to sit out this season in order to train for the Olympics.  The former 2x NCAA AA runnerup and former FX and VT champion was a critical piece of the equation for the Utes.  What's more, the Utes lost four more to graduation, including AA stars Makenna Merrell-Giles and Kari Lee.  The loss of such experience and 9.9+ scoring power will be felt in the lineups.      

Leading the way for the Utes in 2020 are seniors Missy Reinstadtler and Kim Tessen.  Both have struggled with injury in the past, but when healthy are capable of strong scores.  The Utes are also seeing some gymnasts take a step up in training, notably juniors Alexia Burch and Sydney Soloski.  The Utes will also look to get back sophomores Cristal Isa and Cammy Hall, whose seasons were cut short by injury.  It's a smaller squad overall, and health and rehab from injury could play a factor.   

Utah will need to get some big contributions from their newcomers, and they look capable of contributing immediately.  Leading the way is former junior elite champion (2017) Maile O'Keefe.  Although injuries led to her elite retirement, she dropped down to L10 this past season and joined the Utes over the summer.  She's looking strong already in training.  The Utes also welcomer former elite Senior National team member Abby Paulson and L10 standouts Jillian Hoffman and Jordyn Rucker.  Hoffman is a much needed powerhouse on VT and FX (double layout) while Paulson also has high potential on those events, as well as BB.  Rucker is coming back from knee surgery last season and is listed as indefinite.  She's especially strong on FX and VT.   The Utes also added another Maryland transfer, Emillie LeBlanc, who looks to be battling for lineup spots on BB and possibly UB.

The Utes will need to get their frosh quickly adjusted to the rigors of NCAA competition.  It's not always an easy task, but Utah has had a good history of helping that transition.  Increased contributions from the likes of Isa, Burch and Soloski will also be needed.  From what they've shown thus far, it looks like FX is the Utes' current weakest event, and so they'll need some of the power athletes to come back strong through the course of the season.   

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone: 1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Assistant: Scott Sherman
Returning Starters (8):  Abby Brenner (So), Lauren Farley (Jr), Lexi Funk (Sr), Abby Heiskell (So), Maddie Mariani (So), Anne Maxim (Jr), Maddie Osman (Jr), Natalie Wojcik (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Anna Dayton (Jr), Sam Javanbakht (So), Maggie O'Hara (Sr/I)
Graduated (2):  Olivia Karas, Emma McLean
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Sierra Brooks (Fr), Abigail Gaies (Fr), Nicoletta Koulos (Fr), Gabryel Wilson (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Michigan welcomes back 20 of 24 routines from last season's fifth place finish, an excellent position for any squad.  However, the Wolverines will miss two stars from that squad, AAer Olivia Karas and VT/FX standout Emma McLean (who did not compete at the Semi-Finals).  Both stars produced high scores and were fixtures at the end of their respective lineups.

The 2020 Wolverines are led by sophomore Natalie Wojcik, the 2019 BB champion and a top AAer.  She'll be capably supported by senior Lexi Funk, who was a regular AAer in the past, and junior Lauren Farley.  Michigan will also look to get more contributions from the rest of the talented sophomore class, including Abby Brenner, Abby Heiskell and Maddie Mariani.  

To this experienced core, Michigan has added an exciting frosh class led by future superstars Sierra Brooks and Gabryel Wilson.  Brooks graduated high school early to join the Wolverines in time for the Fall training. In 2019, she won the VT, BB, FX and AA at the Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She also tied for 2nd on UB.  She also made the JO National team in 2016, 2018 and 2018.  She competes with a high level of difficulty on all four events, and looks set for an immediate AA role.  Complementing her is powerhouse Gabryel Wilson.  At the 2019 JO Nationals, she won the AA and tied for first on FX.  She also won the FX and AA titles in 2018 and 2016 (adding titles on VT and BB(t)).  She's another potential AA star, although she did not make the BB lineup for the exhibition quad meet. 

With three star underclassmen, the Wolverines are set to become a big force in the future.  While they have some key losses to make up, they have a deep and talented roster.  If all the pieces fall into place, they too could challenge for a spot in the final.

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Linas Gaveika, Jimmy Pratt
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Returning Starters (6):  Lynnzee Brown (Jr), Emily Glynn (Jr), Maddie Karr (Sr), Alexandra Ruiz (So), Mia Sundstrom (Jr), Alexis Vasquez (So)
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Natalie Morton (So)
Graduated (4):  Grace Broadhurst, Diana Chesnok, Claire Kern, Kaitlyn Schou
Other Losses (2):  Courtney Loper (R/Sr/student coach), Maddie Quarles (TR/So/Minnesota)
Newcomers (5):  Emma Brown (Fr), Victoria Fitts (Fr), Amoree Lockhart (Fr), Callie Schlottmann (Fr), Akoray "AK" Subject (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Denver surprised the field and outperformed the skeptics to gain a spot in the National final last season.  This season, they enter 2020 missing five routines from six gymnasts.  While that is only five routines, the departed gymnast, notably Diana Chesnok, Claire Kern, Kaitlyn Schou and Courtney Loper, collectively represented a good chunk of the depth chart as well.  Schou also presented some key top scores, in particular on BB.

The Pioneers in 2020 will be led by senior AAer Maddie Karr and junior AAer Lynnzee Brown.  Both AA stars are capable of 39.6+ AA tallies, while Brown was also the 2019 NCAA co-champ on FX.  Over the past several season, Karr has been a key fixure of the lineups, while the squad's overall depth has been an issue.  Karr recently had a minor knee procedure, so a slightly slower start may be expected.  This may require a few early lineups to be adjusted (or not, as she has resumed training).  The Pioneers also saw big improvements last season from Emily Glynn and especially Mia Sundstrom, while sophomores Alexandra Ruiz and Alexis Vasquez became key contributors almost immediately. 

The DU coaching staff has boosted their incoming class with two early graduates, bolstering the squad's depth.  They are led by AK Subject and early grad Amoree Lockart, along with former junior elite Emma Brown.  Subject made the JO National team in 2019, while Lockhart rebounded from an injury to place 9th AA at the 2019 JO Nationals.  She was a two-time JO National team member, winning the title in 2016.  Brown tied for 6th AA at the 2018 JO Nationals and shows great form, especially in her dance elements.  

Denver has a few early season challenges and a relatively large frosh class, including two gymnasts joining the team in December.  This may produce a somewhat unpredictable early result, but DU has a great history of maximizing the potential of the roster.  

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Courtney Kupets Carter
Assistants: Josh Overton, Jason Vonk
Returning Starters (8):  Rachel Baumann (So), Rachel Dickson (Sr), Rachael Lukacs (So), Mikayla Magee (So), Marissa Oakley (Jr), Megan Roberts (So), Sabrina Vega (Sr), Abbey Ward (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Sterlyn Austin (So), Alyssa Perez-Lugones (So), Emily Schild (Jr/I)
Graduated (1):  Sydney Sneed
Other Losses (2):  Alexa Al-Hameed (So/?), Sami Davis (So/?)
Newcomers (4):  Amanda Cashman (Fr), Haley De Jong (Fr), Loulie Hattaway (Fr), Soraya Hawthorne (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   Georgia returns all but six routines from last year's NCAA Semi Final appearance, where they finished 8th.  No less than four of those routines were from AA star Syndey Snead.  Snead's leadership and 9.9+ scoring potential will be sorely missed in each lineup.  Two of last year's competing frosh did not return this season, Alexa Al-Hameed and Sami Davis. 

Leading the way for Gym Dogs will be senior AAers Rachel Dickson and Sabrina Vega.  Dickson was part of a one-two AA punch with Snead last season and will be a key leader this season as well.  Vega was primarily a key "end of the lineup" performer on BB and FX, but has added UB to the mix for this season.  Often sophomores come back even stronger than their frosh campaigns, and Rachel Bauman, Rachael Lukacs, Mikayla Magee and Megan Roberts look to reinforce that trend after strong fall training sessions.  UGA could also see a boost from the return of Emily Schild.  She's battled injuries in the past but could really provide a boost, especially on UB, where depth is perhaps a potential issue.     

UGA will also welcome four new frosh, including signees Amanda Cashman, Haley De Jong and Soraya Hawthorne.  All three competed at the recent Preview meet.  Both De Jong and Hawthorne are capable of some high level FX and VT skills, but will need to work their way back into that higher level difficulty. 

UGA has all the ingredients to continue their rise:  strong senior leaderships, excuting newcomers and an improving roster.  If they can avoid injuries and get their underclassman contributing to their potential, they will be set for a return trip to Nationals. 

Official Web Site:   Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coaches:  Justin Howell and Elizabeth Crandall-Howell
Assistant Coach:  Janelle McDonald
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 3 FX
Returning Starters (8):  Maya Bordas (So), Milan Clausi (So), Kyana George (Jr), Talitha Jones (So), Cassidy Keelen (Sr), Alma Kuc (Sr), Rachael Mastrangelo (Sr), Emi Watterson (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Maleah Pearson (Jr), Grace Quinn (So), Victoria Salem (Jr/I), Nina Schank (Sr), Abi Solari (So)
Graduated (4):  Sofie Seilnacht, Sylvie Seilnacht, Chelsea Shu, Toni Ann Williams
Other Losses (0):  N/A 
Newcomers (4):  Neveah DeSouza (Fr), Maya Green (Fr), Natalie Sadighi (Fr), Ashton Woodbury (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Cal suffered some key losses from last year's squad, including some of their most consistent and steady gymnasts.  Star AAer Toni Ann Williams, however, was injured during the season and was not part of that Regional squad.  They managed to finish third in their Regional, missing out by 0.375 on a spot at Nationals.  Besides Williams, the 2020 Bears are without Sofie Seilnacht, Sylvie Seilnacht and Chelsea Chu, who were key consistent and durable performers for the Bears.

Cal will be led this season by junior Kyana George and sophomore Milan Clausi.  George is a top AAer while Clausi excels on VT (1 1/2 Yurchenko), BB and FX (full-in).  Sophomore Maya Bordas also has been looking strong in training, with a new full-in and has demonstrated AA potential.  Classmate Talitha Jones was also a key contributor on three events last season.  The Bears will also look to get senior Nina Schank back into the lineups while classmate Rachael Mastrangelo has been looking strong in the preseason, with upgrades on VT and FX.  Sophomore Grace Quinn has been looking stronger in training, and could break through this season as well, along with classmate Abi Solari.  

Cal welcomes four newcomers, led by Neveah DeSouza.  DeSouza is a two-time JO National Team member who has an excellent vault (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and strong work on UB and BB.  Maya Green excels on the UB with beautiful lines while Natalie Sadighi's best event is VT.  Woodbury has competed a 10.0 SV vault and full-in on FX in the past, and could, in time, add power on those events.

Cal has a large roster with a potential to put forth strong and competitive lineups in each and every event.  However, with the departed athletes, the returners will need to stepup and/or the frosh will need to contribute immediately to help close the gap, particularly on the FX where the Bears have three routines to replace.     

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach:  Dana Duckworth
Assistants:  Bill Lorenz, Ryan Roberts
Returning Starters (8):  Wynter Childers (Sr), Madison Desch (Sr), Kylie Dickson (Jr), Emily Gaskins (So), Lexi Graber (Jr), Alonza Klopfer (Sr), Shea Mahoney (Sr), Shallon Olsen (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Jensie Givens (So), Griffin James (So), Tira Kiaku (Jr/I), Sania Mitchell (So)
Graduated (3):   Abby Armbrecht, Angelina Giancroce, Ariana Guerra
Other Losses (2):  Asia DeWalt (So/?), Bailey Key (Jr/R)
Newcomers (6):  Luisa Blanco (Fr), Ella Burgess (Fr), Emma DeSantis (Fr), Makarri Doggette (Fr), Macy Orosco (Fr), Mati Waligora (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Alabama finished a disappointing 12th last season, after a third place finish at the Regional finale.  They finished just 0.05 points behind host Michigan, and had to sit home last April.  They lost a total of six routines from that squad, including top routines from the graduated Abby Armbrecht and Ariana Guerra.  They will feel these losses perhaps the most on VT and FX.

The 2020 Crimson Tide will be led by junior Lexi Graber and sophomore Shallon Olsen.  Graber was a key AA force for Bama last season, while Olsen capped her season with a performance at the World Championships.  Both are looking strong in the fall training, which is especially remarkable for Olsen considering the extended elite training she undertook.  They'll also be joined by a trio of seniors, Wynter Childers, Madison Desch and Shea Mahoney.  Although injuries have slowed them from time to time, their experience and scoring potential will be key for Bama.

The Tide also welcome six newcomers, including L10 stars Makarri Doggette and Mati Waligora, and former elite Luisa Blanco.  Doggette, a two-time JO National AA champ, is poised to be a superstar, with a high level of difficulty and clean execution on all her events.  Waligora is coming back from injury but is a three-time JO National Team member and former L10 AA national champion.  Both Luisa Blanco and Ella Burgess are joining Bama in January, so their competitive status (especially for Blanco) will be a wildcard factor for the Tide this season. 

Bama's returning a strong core of athletes that will produce a competitive squad for SEC and National honors.  However, the development of their frosh class may be the key ingredient that pushes the Tide to the next level. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Tanya Chaplin
Associate Head Coach:  Mike Chaplin
Assistant:  Brian Amato
Returning Starters (11):  Halli Briscoe (Sr), Lacy Dagen (RS Sr), Madi Dagen (So), Savanna Force (Jr), Sabrina Gill (Sr), Lena Greene (Sr), Maela Lazaro (Sr), Isis Lowery (Sr), Niya Mack (Jr), Kaitlyn Yanish (Jr), Colette Yamaoka (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Destinee Davis (Sr), Lexie Gonzales (Jr), Jaime Law (Sr), Alex McClung (So), Alyssa Minyard (Sr/I), Kristina Peterson (So)
Graduated (3):   Mariana Colussi-Pelaez, Mary Jacobsen, McKenna Singley
Other Losses (1):  Leah Bivrell (So/?)
Newcomers (3):  Kayla Bird (Fr), Jenna Domingo (Fr), Jane Poniewaz (Fr/I)

Quick Assessment:   The Beavers enter 2020 with even higher expectations after a strong sixth place National finish.  Oregon State defeated Florida last season at the Corvallis Regional to earn their spot in the Semi Final, and then just missed out on the Final by .1375 (to Denver).  They lose 7 routines from that squad, including key multi-event scores from Mary Jacobsen and McKenna Singley.

The Beavers return no less than 11 competitors from that Semi Final squad, led by senior Isis Lowery and junior Kaitlin Yanish.  Lowery successfully added UB last season and potentially this season will add VT to become an AAer.  Yanish is another potential AAer, but is best known for her super double layout on FX.   Sisters Lacy Dagen and Madi Dagen also look strong in preseason training and look ready for expanded roles.  Oregon State also welcomes back senior Sabrina Gill (capable of all four events) and BB ace Maela Lazaro.  Sophomore Kristina Peterson also looks ready to expand her contributions this season, and has added a new 10.0 SV vault.  Seniors Destinee Davis and Alyssa Minyard also have lineup experience, and if healthy, can contribute at a high level.       

The Beavers also welcome three newcomers, led by Kayla Bird.  Bird has a Yurchenko 1 1/2 in her arsenal and is also solid on BB and FX.  Unfortunately, Jane Poniewaz will sit out the season after a pre-season injury.  

The Beavers will look to make another run at Nationals by tapping into the talents of their large roster.   In the Preview meet, the Beavers showed some potential depth issues on FX.  As the season develops, getting a strong lineup on FX under the new rules will likely be a key focus area.  With those issues addressed, the Beavers will push to improve upon last season's results. 

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Associate Head Coach:  Rachel Garrison
Assistant: Chuck Dickerson
Starting Routines Returning: 11/24
Routines Gone:  4 VT, 3 UB, 3 BB, 3 FX
Returning Starters (6):  Josie Angeny (So), Mollie Korth (Sr), Alaina Kwan (Sr), Cally Nixon (So), Hailey Poland (Sr), Ella Warren (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Madison Averett (Jr), Anna Haigis (So), Mackenzie Harman (Jr), Katherine Marianos (Sr), Megan Monfredi (Jr), Arianna Patterson (So/I), Allison Snyder (Jr)
Graduated (5):   Danaea Davis, Sidney Dukes, Alex Hyland, Aubree Rosa, Katie Stuart
Other Losses (1):  Katrina Coca (GR/TR/Pitt)
Newcomers (7):  Raina Albores (Fr), Kaitlin DeGuzman (Fr), Kassidy Howell (Fr), Ashlyn Laclair (Fr), Shealyn Luksik (Fr), Elyssa Roberts (Fr), Raena Worley (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   Kentucky rose back to National prominence via a core of gymnasts that included Sidney Dukes, Alex Hyland and Katie Stuart.  The 2020 Wildcats return just 11 routines from 2019.  Losing All-Americans and such strong "end of the lineup" scoring potential is a challenge for any squad.  Kentucky finished 9th last season, after placing 4th in their Regional Semi-Final.

Not all is lost at UK, however, as senior Mollie Korth returns to lead the Wildcats in 2020.  The AAer has superb difficulty across the events, but is best known for her ability to stick her Yurchenko 1 1/2 and for her big tumbling on FX.  Her leadership and scoring potential will be even more important for the Wildcats, given the loss of Dukes and Hyland.  Last season, senior Alaina Kwan became a stronger contributor on VT/UB last season while classmate Hailey Poland also returns as a key BB/FX performer.  Junior Ella Warren has been a key performer on FX and broke into the BB lineup late last season.  Kentucky will also look to get back Arianna Patterson, who sat out last season with an injury but will be a key to replenishing the depleted VT lineup.  Sophomore Cally Nixon also returns, after making NCAA as an individual on UB last season. 

UK has brought in no less than seven newcomers to help lessen the sting of the loss of the graduated stars.  They are led by Raena Worley and Kaitlin DeGuzman.  Worley is a two-time JO National Team member who excels in all four events.  On her best event, FX, she'll bring a key full-in while on VT she is capable of a Yurchenko 1 1/2.  DeGuzman is a former junior international elite who has competed internationally for the Philippines.  When she's healthy and in top form, she can be a strong contributor for UK.  Kentucky also welcomes a slew of other signees, including Shaelyn Luksik, a UB ace and former JO National champ on the event, and AAer Raina Albores.  

Kentucky has a solid core of talent but its the development of the frosh class that will be key, especially on events like VT where the depth chart took a real hit to graduation.  While the large frosh class work their way into the lineups, the upperclassmen will need to step up and address the key lineup gaps.  Look for UK to get stronger as the season progresses. 

Teams #13 to #25

Intro