Administrator

Wednesday, 29 May 2019 21:02

2019 Superlatives

Skills of Note in the 2019 Season (W)

The following is a listing of high level skills performed by women's NCAA competitors in the 2019 Season.  To make this list, the skill had to be successfully competed in a meet sometime during the season.  The skill competed must have an FIG rating of "E" or "F" or "G", or an FIG Vault Difficult Value of 5.0 or higher.  Due to it's high usage in a number of routines, the commonly performed Pike Jaeger on UB, a 2017 FIG upgrade to an E, has been excluded to keep the list size manageable.  

The issue of escalating difficult leading to higher injury rates and more wear and tear on the athlete is important.  The purpose of this list is not to encourage or foster unreasonable risk or other threats to the safety of the athletes.  In fact, many of the skills on this list were only competed in special circumstances.  This list simply serves as an archive and collection of skills actually performed by the athletes.

The season is right around the corner, and with the new year, we have a new set of capsule Season Previews of the Top 25 teams, as ranked by the Coaches' Preseason Poll.  In each Preview, we've summarized the team's returning routines, their missing 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.

Sunday, 02 December 2018 18:01

2019 Capsule Previews: Teams #1 to #12

Here's the first 12 teams in our Capsule Previews of our Top 25, based on the 2019 Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

 

 1.  UCLA Bruins

Official Web SiteLink      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 0 FX
Head Coach: Valerie Kondos Field
Associate Head Coach:  Chris Waller
Assistant: Randy Lane
Returning Starters (10):  Nia Dennis (So), Anna Glenn (Jr), Grace Glenn (Jr), Felicia Hano (Jr), Madison Kocian (Jr), Gracie Kramer (Jr), Brielle Nguyen (Sr), Kateyln Ohashi (Sr), Kyla Ross (Jr), Pauline Tratz (So)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Savannah Kooyman (So), Giuliano Pino (Jr), Kendal Poston (So), Mercedes Sanchez (Jr), Stella Savvidou (Sr/I), Macy Toronjo (Sr/I)
Graduated (5):  Rechelle Dennis, Napualani Hall, Janay Honest, Christine "Peng Peng" Lee, Sonya Meraz
Other Losses (3):  Sofia Gonazalez (So/?), Rebecca Karlous (So/?), Lilia Waller (So/?)
Newcomers (4):  Norah Flatley (Fr), Margzetta Frazier (Fr), Sara Taubman (Fr), Sekai Wright (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Defending National Champion UCLA returns 20 of 24 routines from 2018, as they are the Coaches' Preseason Poll favorites to repeat as National Champions.  They lose a total of 8 athletes from 2017-2018, most important of all being Christine "Peng Peng" Lee, whose two scores of perfect 10 on UB and BB propelled the Bruins to a victory last April.  Replacing this type of scoring ability at the end of the lineup is no easy task.  The Bruins also lose both Janay Honest and Sonya Meraz, who despite the fact they only contributed one routine in the Super Six final lineups (Honest on UB), were key members of the Bruin rotation over their four years at Inglewood.  UCLA will also miss a 10.0 start value (SV) vault from Pua Hall. 

The 2019 Bruins will be led by superstars Kyla Ross, Madison Kocian and Katelyn Ohashi.  Ross was the 2017 NCAA UB and BB champ and the 2018 Pac 12 AA and UB champion, and is an 11-time AA American (and Olympic and World champion, of course).  Ohashi was the NCAA and FX co-champ on FX and is a six time All American.  Although she has had to work around injuries, Kocian is a four-time All American and former World and Olympic Gold Medalist who, like Ross and Ohashi, brings the potential for 10.0.  She's swinging UB but an injury will likely delay her full impact until later in the season.  It is that potential for 10s that helps separate out the Bruins from the rest of the title contenders.

The Bruins will also get key routines from a number of returning specialists, including BB All American Grace Glenn and her sister Anna Glenn, three-time All American Felicia Hano and Regional VT champ Pauline Tratz.  Sophomore Nia Dennis looks set to make a bigger impact in 2019, after a strong preseason period including an upgraded Yurchenko 1 1/2 vault for this season.  Junior Grace Kramer is also looking strong on FX and on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2).  Likewise, Kendal Poston also looked promising at the recent "Meet the Bruins", showing a strong pike front 1/2 vault.  The Bruins could have easily constructed a title contender from the returning squad, making choosing lineups very difficult for the staff.

The standout Bruin frosh class is led by a pair of elites, Norah Flatley and Margzetta Frazier.  Flatley is a former junior National Team member and elite standout known for her stellar BB work who has battled through injuries to return to form. She's been looking strong on all four events during the preseason.  Frazier is a Senior National Team member from Parkettes who has big tricks and a big personality that should translate well into NCAA competition.  The Bruins also welcome Sekai Wright and Sara Taubman.  Wright is a L10 standout known for her power on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (double layout), but has been recently slowed by an ankle injury.  She is due back this season. 

Both Wright and Frazier are training 10.0 Start Value vaults, which along with upgrades (Ross, Poston, Dennis) and improvements from the returnees (Hano, Kramer), should make UCLA a powerhouse on this event, with a full slate of 10.0 Start Value Vaults.  Last season, you could easily point to VT as the Bruin's weak event.  They simply overcame their deficit in Start Values by doing their 9.95s SVs vaults as perfectly as possible and by hitting 9.95+ on UB and BB.  With the scoring deficit on VT potentially erased, the only thing stopping the Bruins could be themselves.  Coach Valorie Kondos Fields' last season should be an interesting one to watch unfold, with a squad that should be motivated to deliver her the ultimate retirement gift.     

 

 2.  Oklahoma Sooners

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Assistants: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Returning Starters (7):  Jade Degouveia (Jr), Brenna Dowell (Sr), Nicole Lehrmann (Sr), Maggie Nichols (Jr), Evy Schoepfer (So), Brehanna Showers (Jr), Anastasia Webb (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Jordan Draper (So), Ashley Hiller (Sr), Alex Marks (Sr), Carly Woodard (So)
Graduated (4):  Natalie Brown, Stefani Catour, Samantha Craus, AJ Jackson
Other Losses (1):  Abigail Matthews (?)
Newcomers (4):  Emily LaPinta (Fr), Allie Stern (Fr), Kerrie Thomas (So, transfer from Maryland), Olivia Trautman (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  The OU Sooners were voted the Preseason #2 pick by the Coaches, but actually received more first place votes than the Bruins.  This is likely a reflection of the strength of the Sooner's regular season performance and the fact that they finished 2nd in the Super Six Final by just 0.0375 points.  Yes, literally they finished less than a hop behind.  They return 19 of 24 routines from their Super Six lineups, with key losses from Natalie Brown, Stefani Catour and AJ Jackson.  Six-time All American Jackson's dependable 10.0 start value Yurchenko 1 1/2 was clean and consistent, and her FX could always could be counted on for a good 9.9+ score.  Brown was an All-American on BB while Catour was an All American on UB (x2) and BB.  These are five big scores and depth that will need to be replaced.

Of course, leading the way back for the Sooners is the NCAA Champion in the AA and co-champion on the UB and FX, Maggie Nichols.  The 8-time All American has been unflappable and brave, setting an example for women across the country as she continues to excel in the gym and in the classroom.  She'll be joined in the chase for the National team title by Seniors Brenna Dowell and Nicole Lehrmann, juniors Jade Degouveia and Brehanna Showers and sophomore Anastasia Webb.  2018 National VT co-champ Dowell will seek to break into the BB lineup to join Nichols as an AAer, while 2017 UB co-champ Lehrmann has been showing an upgraded vault.  Both Showers and Webb could also assume AA roles, with Showers looking especially strong in the preseason and Webb showing strong work across the events, but especially on VT. 

OU welcomes four newcomers, with frosh Emily LaPinta, Allie Stern, and Olivia Trautman joined by Maryland transfer Kerrie Thomas.   Trautman is an elite gymnast who trained with Nichols at Twin City Twisters.  In 2016, she placed 8th on FX and 17th AA at the 2016 P&G Championships.    Dropping back to L10 this past spring, she placed 3rd AA, 1st on FX, 2nd(t) on VT and 5th(t) on UB at the Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She is known for some big skills on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2 and double) and FX (double layout) and could address the loss of Jackson on these events.  Another power gymnast, Stern, was the 2017 L10 JO National co-champ on VT in her age division with her Yurchenko 1 1/2.  She's continued to look strong on that vault during the preseason training. Thomas excels on the UB, and it is that even where she can provide some much-needed depth for OU. 

For OU, closing the gap on UCLA will require improvements from the lower half of the lineup, and the elimination of the small mistakes that caused OU to fall short of UCLA last season.  In fact, OU lost ground to UCLA in the Super Six Final specifically on UB and BB, with their largest advantage coming on VT.  With UCLA working to improve their vaults, the Sooners will need to close the gaps on the other events.  While both teams have 9.95+ capable gymnasts in the lower half of the lineups, it is the depth players in positions 4 to 6 that will make the difference.  One area of concern this season for the Sooners may be on UB, where their depth possibly is not as great as in year's past.  And, they'll need to find BB routines that not only replace, but exceed, the routines they lost as that is the event where the Bruin advantage was the largest.


 3.  Florida

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone: 3 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
Assistants: Adrian Burde, Owen Field
Returning Starters (6):  Alyssa Baumann (So), Alicia Boren (Sr), Jazmyn Foberg (So/I), Rachel Gowey (Jr), Amelia Hundley (Jr), Megan Skaggs (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Sierra Alexander (Jr/I), Maegan Chant (Jr), Amanda Cheney (Sr/I)
Graduated (4):  Kennedy Baker, Grace McLaughlin, Alex McMurtry, Rachel Slocum
Other Losses (2):  Francesca Lawal (So/?), Nicole Webb (So/TR)
Newcomers (6):  Leah Clapper (Fr), Sydney Johnson-Scharpf (Fr), Nya Reed (Fr), Savannah Schoenherr (Fr), Halley Taylor (Fr), Trinity Thomas (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Florida returns 18 of 24 routines from a squad that finished just 0.225 behind NCAA Champion UCLA in the Super Six Final.  The Gators achieved this remarkable finish despite the loss of superstar Kennedy Baker to an Achilles' tear during their meet vs. Arkansas.  The six-time All American was a big loss early on.  Now, the Gators face the 2019 season missing not only Baker, but all-everything star Alex McMurtry, the former 2017 NCAA AA champ, 2017 UB co-champion and 2018 vault co-champion.  The 14-time All American was the 2017 Honda Award winner for gymnastics and the NCAA Elite 90 award winner.  Also departed is spark plug Rachel Slocum, a former two-time All-American who provided key scores on VT and FX.  It's also been reported by GatorChomp.com that sophomore Jazmyn Foberg has had elbow surgery this fall and will likely miss the season. 

These are some major loses for a team that returns just six starters.  However a talented set of 10 returners and 6 newcomers will quickly compensate for the loss of those 8 routines.  Leading the way will be senior Alicia Boren and sophomore Alyssa Baumann.  Boren is a six-time All American and 2018 SEC FX champ who is coming off one of her strongest seasons.  Bauman was an All American last season on FX (double layout) and seems ready to contribute at a higher level this season.  Amelia Hundley is another potential AA contributor, and is a two-time All American, as is her classmate, Rachel Gowey.  Either athlete could be a star AAer on another squad, but here they may get limited in the post-season, due to the strength and depth of the incoming class.  The same fate holds true for sophomore Megan Skaggs, a SEC All-Freshman team member last season who came on strong during the post-season.  The Gators will also gain back the services of VT/FX specialist Sierra Alexander and Canadian Maegan Chant, who was slowed by injury last season.   

Despite the loss of the superstars, there is real excitement around this Gator squad as it reloads for 2019.  Headlining the newcomers is current Senior National Team member Trinity Thomas.  It's been a while since we've had a gymnast still actively training on a US team, and Thomas' visit to the November US Women's Training camp showed that she's competing at the highest of levels. She's proven her ability to handle many tasks at once, and even had a successful high school diving season earlier in the year.  She's got power, amplitude, execution and consistency on all four events.  She's capably backed by former elite Sydney Johnson-Scharpf, elite/L10 Leah Clapper, and L10s Nya Reed, Savannah Schoenherr and Halley Taylor.  Johnson-Scharpf was 6th AA as a junior elite at the 2015 P&G Championships and 4th(t) on FX as a senior at the 2017 P&G Championships.  She's a powerful tumbler and vaulter but is strong on UB and BB as well.  Clapper tied for 8th on FX and 9th AA at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals but also competed as a sr. international elite at the 2017 P&G ChampionshipsReed did not complete the meet at the 2018 JO Nationals but tied for 4th on FX and VT.  She was also 8th AA in 2017.  With a Yurchenko 1 1/2 and double layout on FX, she brings some big skills to the leg events.  Schoenherr was the UB co-champion and AA runnerup at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  With clean lines and strong execution, she also tied for 4th on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and 6th on BBTaylor, an in-state product, placed 8th AA at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals. 

With five returning starters and a super strong frosh led by future superstar Trinity Thomas, the Gators look to again challenge for a National team title.  For that to happen, we'll need to see the rest of the lineups fill out and increased depth in the five-six spots, especially on VT and BB.  We may actually see the lineups evolve over the year, as the frosh adapt and break into more events. 

 

 4.  LSU

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Head Coach: D-D Breaux
Associate Head Coach:  Jay Clark
Assistant: Bob Moore
Returning Starters (10):  Reagan Campbell (So), Julianna Cannamela (Sr), Christina Desiderio (So), Sami Durante (So), Kennedi Edney (Jr), Sarah Edwards (So), Sarah Finnegan (Sr), Ruby Harrold (Jr), Ashlyn Kirby (Jr), Lexie Priessman (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):   Bridget Dean (So), Olivia Gunter (So/I), McKenna Kelley (Jr/I)
Graduated (4):   Myia Hambrick, Lauren Li, Erin Macadaeg, Kylie Moran  
Other Losses (1):  Gracen Standley (So/R)
Newcomers (2):  Rebecca D'Antonio (Fr), Bailey Ferrer (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   LSU finished fourth last season, part of a quartet of teams that finished just 0.2375 points apart from each other at the top of the Super Six.  Thus, it's easy to look at a fourth place finish and forget just how close the Tigers came to winning it all for the first time last season.  LSU loses just five routines from that final lineup, but they are important ones.  AA superstar Myia Hambrick was a nine-time All-American and one of the finest AA gymnasts in the country.  Classmate Erin Macadaeg was a specialist and BB All-American who led off the Tigers her entire career.  Both gymnasts were 9.95+ threats on any event they competed.  That type of consistency and high scoring ability is the toughest kind to replace.  And with a small incoming class, the Tigers will need to look to the returners to stepup and shoulder a big load this season.

Leading the way will be senior Sarah Finnegan and junior Kennedi Edney.  Seven-time All American Finnegan emerged as a big AA threat last season, with super clean execution across all four events.  While other gymnasts may compete more difficulty, few approach her execution.  Five-time All American Edney is more of a power gymnast, with big skills that can bring in big scores, like a huge Yurchenko 1 1/2, an event where she won a National title in 2017.  UB All American (3x) Lexie Priessman could also make a big impact, as long as injuries don't hold her back.  She's capable of a strong FX and VT scores, but her past injuries were primarily to the lower body.  Likewise Ruby Harrold could see an expanded role, after winning All American honors on UB last season.  She's also a force on VT and FX.  Senior Julianna Cannamela, who won All-American honors on VT last season, could also see more time lineup time as well, including on BB where she competed as a frosh.  The sophomore class made a big impact last season, and after another year of adapting to NCAA competition, could take another step forward.  In particular, Christina Desiderio and Sami Durante could take on larger roles.  Desiderio may leadoff on BB while Durante will also join the event, helping backstop two key gaps for the Tigers.  Sophomore Sarah Edwards also returns, with her VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) being a key part of the Tigers' plans.   

Two other gymnasts who were not part of the Super Six lineups could also make a big impact.  McKenna Kelley looks to be back at 100% from her Achilles' tear and is already tumbling a big double layout on FX.  Bridget Dean showed strong routines on UB and BB, and could break into the lineups there.

The Tigers welcome two frosh, Rebecca D'Antonio and Bailey Ferrer.  Ferrer is a former junior international elite gymnast who will graduate early and join the Tigers for January.  As a L10 in 2017, she placed 3rd in the AA and on VT at the L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She also tied for 6th on FX and 7th on UB.  She's a powerful gymnast, throwing a double Arabian on FX and a Pike Omelianchik on VT in 2017.  D'Antonio is a L10 from Cypress Point who qualified to JO Nationals in 2018.         

So will LSU be able to compensate for the loss of their two stars and close the gap on the leaders?  With a depth of talent and some key pieces returning, LSU seems to be on a path to do just that.  The big challenge is that the leaders are a moving target, and are taking their own leaps forward.  Coach D-D Breaux has been seeking her first ever National title, and her squad keeps inching closer and closer to that final milestone. 

 

 5.  Utah Utes

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Head Coaches: Tom Farden and Megan Marsden
Assistant: Robert Ladanyi
Returning Starters (6):  Kari Lee (Sr), MaKenna Merrell-Giles (Sr), Missy Reinstadler (Jr), MyKayla Skinner (Jr), Sydney Soloski (So), Kim Tessen (Jr/I)  
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Alexia Burch (So), Shannon McNatt (Sr), Macey Roberts (Sr), Lauren Wong (So)
Graduated (3):  Tiffani Lewis, Erika Muhaw, Maddy Stover
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Hunter Dula (Fr), Cammy Hall (Fr/I), Cristal Isa (Fr), Adrienne Randall (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Utah returns 20 of 24 routines from their 5th place squad last season.  It's been some time since the Utes have won a National team title, and they have considerable ground to close on the lead pack of four teams.  In fact, under the new four team final format, without some big gains or some help from the leaders, they may struggle to make the new final this spring.  Gone from last year's squad are Tiffani Lewis, Erika Muhaw, and Maddie Stover.  Lewis is the biggest loss from that squad, as she was a former All American on VT and a former Pac 12 champion on UB and VT.  Stover's impact had been muted by injury and illness, but she was a key member of the BB lineup.

Leading the way back for the Utes will be Mykayla Skinner and MaKenna Merrell-Giles.  Skinner is a nine-time All-American, a two-time NCAA champion (floor 2017, vault in 2018) and a two-time NCAA all-around runnerup.  Besides a team title, it's clear that Skinner has an AA title in her sights.  Throwing the most difficult sets in the NCAA on VT and FX, Skinner has revamped her UB construction in 2018, adding a Ray and eliminating a source of deductions in the process (on her Maloney).  It's a key move that will enable her to strengthen her bid for the title in 2019.  Merrell-Giles had a breakthrough season last year and looks to continue that momentum in 2019.  The three time All-American has shown an upgraded dismount on UB (full-in) that will also lift her scores there.  Another Ute, Kari Lee, is back for a fifth year and will provide depth on up to four events.  The two-time All American had a strong fall as well.  Junior Missy Reinstadler was an All American in the AA and a Regional BB champion in 2018.  She's the fourth potential AAer for a veteran Ute squad.  Utah will also look to get expanded contributions from sophomore Alexia Burch and senior Macey Roberts, who both looked strong in the Red Rocks Preview.

To this veteran core, the Utes add four talented frosh.   Leading the way are Cristal Isa and Adrienne Randall.  Isa won UB and placed 4th (t) AA at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She also tied for 6th on BB.  In 2017, she also the UB champion and tied for 2nd on BB en route to a 3rd place AA finish.   Randall is also a JO National Team member after her 4th(t) place AA finish at the 2018 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She also tied for 2nd on BB (Rulfova), 5th on UB and 6th on FX (full-in) at the meet.  She was also 6th AA and 1st on BB at the 2017 L10 JO Nationals.  Classmate Hunter Dula was reportedly slowed during the fall by illness but is working her way back.  She was 9th AA and 4th(t) on UB, 8th(t) on VT (piked Luconi) and 8th(t) on FX (full-in) at the 2018 Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  Unfortunately one of the frosh, Cammy Hall, tore her Achilles during the fall.  She was expected to contribute some big skills on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (double Arabian).

The Utes have a strong veteran core with superstars capable of pulling down some big scores.  Utah ran into some consistency issues on VT at the last Super Six and in general did not have the same depth as some of the top squads.  To join that top rank, they'll need some stepup contributions from the other returners and/or some quick progress by their frosh class. 

 

 6.  Alabama Crimson Tide

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 3 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach:  Dana Duckworth
Assistants:  Bill Lorenz, Ryan Roberts
Returning Starters (7):
  Abby Armbrecht (Sr), Wynter Childers (Jr), Madison Desch (Jr), Kylie Dickson (So), Lexi Graber (So), Ari Guerra (Sr), Shea Mahoney (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Angelina Giancroce (Sr), Alonza Klopfer (So), Baillie Key (So/I)
Graduated (4):   Mackenzie Brannan, Nickie Guerrero, Jennie Loeb, Kiana Winston
Other Losses (1):  Peyton Ermst (Jr/R)
Newcomers (6):  Asia Dewalt, Emily Gaskins, Jensie Givens, Griffin James, Tira Kiaku (So/TR from Ball State), Shallon Olsen

Quick Assessment:  Alabama faces some steep graduation losses, with four departed senior athletes, including stars Mackenzie Brannan, Nickie Guerrero and Kiana Winston.  However, since they had already lost four-time All American Brannan during the season, the Tide must realistically only replace seven routines from last year's semifinals squad.  However, these scores were among the highest in the Bama lineup, with a 9.9+ potential in each routine.  Five-time All American Winston competed AA at times but was a key fixture on UB, BB and FX.  Guerrero was an anchor and All-American on BB and a key 10.0 Start Value in the Tide VT lineup (Yurchenko 1 1/2).  Peyton Ernst, who battled injuries to compete on BB last season, is also no longer on the roster and former clubmate Key underwent surgery in December.

Leading the way for Alabama in 2019 will be seniors Abby Armbrecht and Ari Geurra and sophomore Lexi Graber. Graber emerged late in the season as a leading AAer, winning the Tuscaloosa Regional AA and VT titles.  After a slow start due to some minor injuries, she used her big skills on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (full-in) to boost the Tide's effort.  Seniors Abby Armbrecht and Ari Guerra both stepped up last season to take on major roles for the Tide.  Armbrecht was a consistent force on three events, while likewise Guerra won the SEC title on FX and adds a key 10.0 SV vault to the Bama lineup.  The junior class also brings both key contributions and the high potential to do more:  Wynter Childers, Madison Desch, and Shea Mahoney.  They each could compete in three to four events each but have been battling various injuries.  All three are looking solid in preseason training and that continued progress could result in some new high scores and newly expanded contributions.  

The Crimson Tide also welcome a large and talented class of six newcomers, led by elites Emily Gaskins and Shallon Olsen.  Gaskins has been slowed in her elite career by injury but has been looking solid in her preseason training.  Her strong execution and big skills (double layout on FX) could give Bama an edge to break into the 9.9+ range in the post season.  In contrast, Olsen, the newly minted world Silver medalist on VT, appears to be in top form.  She's been known as somewhat of a trickster in her (ongoing) elite career, but with her routines (somewhat) scaled back to NCAA requirements, she has the potential to excel.  With a double twisting Yurchenko on VT and many E skills to choose from on FX, she too has the potential to challenge for some titles.  Griffin James is a L10 from Gymstrada who finished 4th on VT, 8th(t) on FX and 21st(t) AA at the 2017 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  Asia Dewalt, a L10 from AIM Athletics, tied for 5th on VT and 9th on UB and placed 33rd AA at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  Finally, Bama also adds L10 Jensie Givens and Ball State transfer Tia Kiaku.  Kiaku was an individual qualifier to Regionals in 2018 while Givens shows great lines and potential on UB and BB.  

There is plenty of depth and talent on the Bama roster to form a Championship-challenging team once again.  But, after last year's disappointing finish in the NCAA Semifinals, the squad will need to work hard to bring more 9.9+ scores into the mix.  In particular, BB is missing thee routines from last season and finding the right lineup mix can be challenging.  In their last meet, the highest Bama individual score was just a 9.8625.  With a talented frosh class and some big names and big skills on the squad, we'll see if the 2019 squad has the drive to push for a spot in the final round. 

 

 7.  UGA Gym Dogs

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/23
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: Courtney Kupets Carter
Assistants: Josh Overton, Jason Vonk
Returning Starters (5):  Rachel Dickson (Jr), Marissa Oakley (So), Emily Schild (So), Sydney Snead (Sr), Sabrina Vega (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (0):  N/A 
Graduated (6):  Jasmine Arnold, Viviana Babalis, Lauren Johnson, Gigi Marino, Hayley Sanders, Natalie Vaculik
Other Losses (4):  Gracie Cherrey (Sr/R), Ashley Foss (So/R), Madison McPherson (So/I/R), Jordyn Pedersen (Jr/R/team manager)
Newcomers (9):  Alexa Al-Hameed (Fr), Sterlyn Austin (Fr/I), Rachel Baumann (Fr), Sami Davis (Fr), Rachael Lukacs (Fr), Mikayla Magee (Fr), Alyssa Perez-Lugones (Fr), Megan Roberts (Fr), Abbey Ward (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   Georgia overcame depth issues all season last year to put together a terrific semifinals appearance, finishing in 7th in a tightly grouped field.  They accomplished that great result despite only competing five on UB.  Gone from that squad are six seniors and four other athletes.  Normally the loss of that many athletes would be a huge issue, but the Gym Dogs had unfortunately already lost the services of most of that group to injuries, with only four of them appearing in the final lineups.  Jasmine Arnold put together a fantastic final season to contribute VT/FX to the effort, while Vivi Babalis did BB and FX.  After a slow start, Natalie Vaculik came back to contribute UB to the final effort.  Jordyn Pederson, another contributor last season, retired in the pre-season.   

The 2019 GymDogs will be led by a strong and talented core of five athletes.  Leading the way will senior Sydney Snead and juniors Rachel Dickson and Sabrina Vega.   Snead has worked around a back injury to star as an AAer the last three years.  She'll be a key to the GymDogs rise this season.  Juniors Dickson (4x All-American) and Vega (2018 FX All-American) also look strong in the preseason.  Dickson has a new Omelianchik VT and a double Arabian on FX.  Vega is looking strong and fit, with a pike full-in on FX.  They'll be joined by Marissa Oakley, an All-American on BB, and Emily Schild.  Both former elites have a ton of potential but had to work around injury issues last year to excel down the stretch.  

To this strong core UGA adds in no less than 9 frosh, led by Rachel Baumann, Rachael Lukacs and Mikayla Magee.  Baumann is a former jr. international elite and WOGA-trained L10 who won BB and was runnerup in the AA at the 2017 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She was also the AA co-champ at the 2016 JO Nationals.  Lukacs has been a fixture of the L10 scene for a number of years, and is known for her near-perfect double-twisting Yurchenko.  She's a four time JO National champ on VT, 3 time AA champ, and two-time FX champ.  Magee is a L10 from Pearland Elite with big skills on VT and FX (pike full-in).  She tied for 10th AA, 3rd on BB and 8th on VT and FX at the 2017 Junior Olympic Nationals.  Former Canadian National Team member and Olympic alternate Megan Roberts was looking strong during the preseason but suffered an ankle injury that will delay her impact until the 2nd half of the season.  She has some big tumbling (Dos Santos) but can also contribute a strong UB routine (toe full to Maloney to overshoot) and potential 10.0 SV vault (Yurchenko 1 1/2). 

Former elite Sami Davis has been bothered by a bad back and although she is training, she has been limited by the injury.  Dropping down to L10 in 2017, she placed 4th AA, 4th(t) on BB, 5th on VT and 6th(t) on UB at the L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  Late addition Alexa Al-Hameed was 5th on BB and 14th AA at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals, after coming back from injury.  She's a strong swinger on UB where she shows a huge Tkachev, and has also been making a strong impression during preseason training.  Another frosh, Abbey Ward, has a 10.0 start value layout Kasamatsu

For UGA, keeping the squad healthy and paced to the post season will be key.  They are expected to build as the season progresses and the super strong frosh class gains more experience.  With so many frosh and only five returners, they'll need some key performances from the frosh from the start.  One particular area of concern will be depth on UB, the event where they only have four returning routines and a dearth of backups in 2018. 

 

 8.  Cal Bears

Official Web Site:   Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Justin Howell
Associate Head Coach:  Elizabeth Crandall
Assistant Coach:  Janelle McDonald
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Returning Starters (8):  Kyana George (So), Cassidy Keelen (Jr), Chelsea Shu (Sr), Sofie Seilnacht (Sr), Sylvie Seilnacht (Sr), Nina Schank (So), Emi Watterson (So), Toni-Ann Williams (RS Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Alma Kuc (So), Racheal Mastrangelo (Jr), Maleah Pearson (So), Victoria Salem (So/I)
Graduated (3):  Alicia Gallarzo, Ariana Robinson, Yuleen Sternberg
Other Losses (0):  N/A 
Newcomers (5):  Maya Bordas (Fr), Milan Clausi (Fr), Talitha Jones (Fr), Grace Quinn (Fr), Abi Solari (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Cal graduates just three gymnasts from a squad that put together a 9th place finish last season.  The biggest loss will be Ariana Robinson, a VT and FX specialist with the potential to put up 9.9+ with her unusual vault (pike Ilg) and big tumbling (double Arabian).  Alicia Gallarzo was sometime All Arounder who had a strong final senior campaign and a key BB set (triple series).  Yuleen Sternberg was a key fixture of the Bear UB (Ray) lineup.  In total, Cal will look to replace six routines from last season.  However, all in all, Cal gains five strong frosh and retains most of their key returners.  As a result, the Coaches' have elevated the Bears by one place in the Preseason Poll.

Leading the way for Cal in 2019 will be redshirt senior Toni Ann Williams and sophomore Kyana George.  Williams, a 2018 NCAA AA All-American (2nd team) has been slowed by injury in the preseason.  However, when healthy she'll contribute big scores at the end of the Bear lineups, particularly on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (double layout).  George emerged last season as one of Cal's key performers, competing AA 14 times during the season.  Her BB set includes a smooth double turn in wolf, and she has competed the rare triple wolf in the past.  Strongly supporting this duo are the Seilnacht twins, Sofie and Sylvie.  Now seniors, they've been rocks in the lineups the last three years, competing two to three events each.  Another senior, Chelsea Shu, contributes up to three events but was a key BB team member last season.  Junior Cassidy Keelen has battled injury during her Bear career, and has the potential to go AA when fully healthy. 

Sophomore Nina Schank was a standout on UB last season, but could challenge on other events.  Classmate Emi Watterson and Alma Kuc could also make a larger impact this season.  Kuc is known for her excellent form and smooth invert work on UB.  Junior Racheal Mastrangelo is looking strong in the preseason and appears ready to rejoin the lineups as well, in particular on VT. 

The big news with Cal this season is the strong frosh class, led by former JO National Champs Milan Clausi (2017, tie and 2nd in 2018) and Maya Bordas (2017, tie).  Clausi has some big skills in her repetoire, including a Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT and full-in on FXBordas has clean lines and strong technique that should translate well to NCAA competition.  British Elite Abi Solari also brings a high level of difficulty, with unique skills front a tuck front full on VT, strong tumbling (full-in) and smooth swing on UB.  Former jr. international elite Grace Quinn has been out of competition for quite a while, but has been showing strong form and execution on BB in preseason.  Another frosh, Talitha Jones, brings a big 10.0 start value VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) that will further strengthen one of Cal's historic best events.

Cal has a large and deep squad, and has the ingredients in place to make a run at the Nationals finals.  Developing consistency will be key, especially with all of the new frosh in the mix.  The health of Toni Ann Williams could be a big difference maker, especially for her big scores on VT and on FX, where past injuries have limited some of Cal's scoring potential (relative to the other top teams). 

 

 9.  Michigan

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 11/24
Routines Gone: 3 VT, 3 UB, 4 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Assistant: Scott Sherman
Returning Starters (4):  Lauren Farley (So), Lexi Funk (Jr), Emma McLean (Sr), Sydney Townsend (So)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Sam Javanbakht (So), Olivia Karas (Sr/I), Maggie O'Hara (Jr), Maddie Osman (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Brianna Brown, Lauren Marinez, Paige Zaziski
Other Losses (2):  Sam Roy (Jr/R/Student Coach), Polina Shchennikova (Jr/R/Student Coach)
Newcomers (6):  Abby Brenner, Anna Dayton, Abby Heiskell, Maddie Mariani, Anne Maxim (So/TR from MSU), Natalie Wojcik

Quick Assessment:  Michigan graduated just three athletes but those losses, when combined with the retirement of Polina Shchennikova (now a student coach), mean that the Wolverines lose 13 routines from their 2018 squad.  That squad placed 13th in the final standings following a 4th place at Regionals, just 0.15 behind UGA.  In addition, Michigan lost assistant coach Scott Vetere following his arrest during the preseason.  The three Michigan graduates were Brianna Brown, Lauren Marinez, and Paige Zaziski.  Both Brown and Zaziski were key All Arounders for the Wolverines.  Brown, a three-time All-American, was a Regional champion on UB last season while Zaziski was the Northeast Regional Gymnast of the Year.  Along with BB/FX ace Lauren Marinez, their efforts will be missed in 2019.

Michigan returns potentially as few as three starters and 8 routines from 2018.  Junior Lexi Funk and senior Emma McLean lead the way.  Funk was a member of the All-Big Ten First Team and emerged as a consistent AAer last year.  McLean was a standout on VT, winning the Regional and Big 10 title with her Yurchenko 1 1/2.  She's also the anchor on FX, and looks to add more events this season.  Sophomore Lauren Farley also looks set to make a bigger impact this season, after competing primarily on UB and BB.  The Wolverines also welcome back superstar Olivia Karas, who is working her way back from an Achilles' tear.  When healthy, she's a force in the AA but shines on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (double Arabian).  Also looking to make a bigger impact this year, based on preseason training, are juniors Maggie O'Hara and Maddie Osman.  O'Hara competed UB strongly during the preseason quad meet while Osman showed routines on three events.

The Coaches' have installed Michigan as the Preseason #9, likely on the basis of the return of Karas and a super strong frosh class.  The class is headlined by Natalie Wojcik, a Level 10 standout who is destined to become Michigan's next superstar.  She competes with a high level of difficulty but also has superb amplitude and clean lines.  The 2018 L10 Junior Olympic AA champion in Senior F, she also placed 2nd on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2), 2nd(t) on UB (pike Jaeger, double layout), 4th(t) on FX and 5th on BB.  She'll be complemented nicely by Abby Brenner, who also competed AA in their preseason quad meet.  She won the Level 10 Junior Olympic AA title in 2017 (Senior D), winning the UB and FX in the process (and coming 2nd on VT).  She was 4th AA and tied for 4th on VT and UB at the 2018 Nationals.  She's a five time JO National team member who especially excels on FX, where she tumbles a pike full-in.  She also vaults another big Yurchenko 1 1/2.  The third gymnast in this triumvirate of JO National champions is Abby Heiskill.  She tied for the JO National AA title in 2016 but unfortunately for the Wolverines, is coming back from injury.  She shows strong technique and clean execution, especially on UB (Tkachev, Pak, double front).  Also coming back from injury is Madison Mariani, a member of the Junior Olympic National team in 2017.  She especially stands out on UB, where she finished 5th(t) at the 2017 JO Nationals and was 2nd(t) in 2016.

Michigan certainly has the talent on the roster to make a run at the final 8 at Nationals this season.  What they lack in NCAA competitive experience they make up for in big skills and high scoring potential.  You can expect them to build as the season goes on, as the frosh adapt and as Karas works herself back into top form on all four events.  Consistency for two nights in a row will be key for the Wolverines.

 

 10.  Kentucky Wildcats

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Assistants: Chuck Dickerson, Rachel Garrison
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Returning Starters (9):  Katrina Coca (Sr), Danaea Davis (Sr), Sidney Dukes (Sr), Alex Hyland (Sr), Mollie Korth (Jr), Alaina Kwan (Jr), Hailey Poland (Jr), Aubree Rosa (Sr), Katie Stuart (Sr), Ella Warren (So)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Madison Averett (So), Mackenzie Harman (So), Katherine Marianos (So), Megan Monfredi (So), Allison Snyder (So)
Graduated (2):   Katie Carlisle, Cori Rechenmacher
Other Losses (1):  Erynne Allen (Jr/TR to PSU)
Newcomers (4):  Josie Angeny (Fr), Anna Haigis (Fr), Cally Nixon (Fr), Arianna Patterson (Fr/I)

Quick Assessment:   Kentucky finally returned to Nationals last season, after a couple of very strong seasons that ended up just a bit short.  They did count a fall last season on UB, so without that major mistake would have finished higher than 12th.  What's even better, they return 21 of 24 routines from that squad.  They lost Katie Carlisle and Cori Rechenmacher to graduation.  Both provided some key routines but neither were in the critical, end of the lineup slots occupied by their key stars. 

The senior class has made a strong impact on the Wildcats since their freshman campaigns.  In particular, Sidney Dukes, Alex Hyland, and Katie Stuart, along with junior Mollie Korth, have traded AA duties over the last several seasons.  Dukes is a former BB All-American (triple series) while Hyland was the 2017 SEC co-champ on the event.  While Dukes was out of the final UB lineup, she's looking strong for an AA return this season.  Hyland has been a strong and consistent force, and her leadership will be counted upon.  Korth made All-American in two events last season, and brings a big and consistent Yurchenko 1 1/2 to the anchor spot for UK.  Stuart winnowed down to two events last season, but exceled in the important lead-off spot on BB.  She's been spotted training a Yurchenko 1 1/2, a big upgrade that UK might need this season.  Kentucky also welcomes back Hailey Poland, a key BB/FX performer with a triple series and front double full on FX, and sophomore Ella Warren, who joined mid-season to bring her clean lines to the Wildcat lineups, and who performs a front double full on FX of her own.  Danaea Davis and Aubree Rosas bring some strong Yurchenko Fulls to the VT lineup, while Alaina Kwan has potential to break through on multiple events.  Consistency and injury, however, have held her back in the past.        

Kentucky also welcomes four frosh for this season, including Josie Angeny, Anna Haigis, Cally Nixon and Arianna Patterson.  Angeny was 12th AA and tied for 7th on BB (bhs-layout-layout series) at the 2017 Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She also was 3rd on UB (Jaeger, double layout) and 8th AA at the 2018 Region VII L10 Regionals.  Haigis qualified to JO Nationals in 2018, after placing 5th at the 2018 Region V L10 Regionals.  Her best events are BB and FX.  Unfortunately, Patterson, a strong potential lineup contributor in the leg events (layout Kasamatsu, full-out on FX), is reportedly out for the season.   Another powerful gymnast, Nixon placed 5th on VT and 9th on FX at the 2016 JO Nationals but did not compete in the post-season last year. 

Kentucky will look to return to Nationals this season by leveraging their biggest strength, consistency, to knock teams off during this rigorous new format.   While they may lack, outside of Korth, some of the big skills and 10.0 SV vaults of the top teams, they'll depend on a veteran crew that focuses on clean, consistent execution to succeed.  That should be enough to carry them deep into the April postseason, with that final Regional matchup to get to the National finals the only obstacle remaining. 

 

 11.  Nebraska

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  11/24
Routines Gone:  3 VT, 3 UB, 4 BB, 3 FX 
Head Coach:  Heather Bring
Assistant:  Mike Heredia
Returning Starters (6):  Sienna Crouse (Sr), Sierra Hassel (Jr), Taylor Houchin (Jr), Catelyn Orel (Jr), Kynsee Roby (Jr/I), Megan Schweihofer (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Kelli Chung (Jr), Makayla Curtis (So), Anika Dujakovich (So/I), Rachel Thompson (So), Megan Verceles Carr (So)
Graduated (3):  Danielle Breen, Abbie Epperson, Grace Williams 
Other Losses (2):  Karley Hutchinson (So/?), Torri Hutchinson (So/?) 
Newcomers (5):  Adnerys De Jesus (Fr), Sarah Hargrove (Fr), Abby Johnston (Fr), Kaylee Quinn (Fr), Megan Thompson (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Nebraska is coming a Super Six finish last season, after a strong season that built momentum through the season.  The Coaches have placed the Huskers in 11th, likely reflecting a tendency to underestimate this squad and to also acknowledge the large losses NU faced in the offseason.  The Husker need to replace 13 routines from last seasons, including three top graduates in Dani Breen, Abbie Epperson and Grace Williams.  The Huskers also lost longtime Head Coach Dan Kendig, who abruptly resigned this past fall, as NCAA compliance issues were raised in an investigation.  On top of that, NU reportedly lost the services of AAer Kynsee Roby, for the season.  That's at least half of each lineup and four routines on BB, the event where experience often counts the most. 

Fortunately for the Huskers, they still have a strong core of returners, led by seniors Sienna Crouse and Megan Schweihofer, and junior Taylor Houchin.  All three can go AA and are capable of posting big, end of the lineup scores.  Crouse has developed into a force, particularly on VT, where she made All-American with her Yurchenko 1 1/2.  2018 Big 10 AA champ Schweihofer also returns after a stellar year.  She earned 2018 All-America honors on FX (full-in) and the AA.  The AA trio is completed with Houchin, who returned from an injury-related slow start to earn All-American honors last season on V and UB.  She also won regional titles on UB and VT (tie).  She's been looking strong in preseason training, adding a Yurchenko double twist and a pike full-in on FX.  The Huskers also welcome back junior Catelyn Orel, who contributed last season on UB and FX (but has reportedly been slowed by injury), as well as junior Sierra Hassel. 

To this strong core, Nebraska adds what is perhaps their strongest overall frosh class in years.  The class includes Adnerys De Jesus, Sarah Hargove, Abby Johnston, Kaylee Quinn and Megan Thompson.  Johnston was the AA runnerup at the 2018 Level 10 Junior Olympics (Senior F).  She was also the BB champion and tied for 2nd on FX (full-in mount) while placing 6th on UB and 7th(t) on VT.  Hargrove is another L10 standout.  She placed 7th AA and 3rd(t) on UB at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She was also 3rd AA, 3rd(t) on BB and 4th(t) on FX in 2017.  Quinn is another accomplished L10, and was runnerup on FX and 11th AA at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals (Senior E).  She was the FX (pike full-in) champ in 2017, where she also placed 4th on VT and tied for 10th AA.  She was the L10 National Champ on BB in 2016 as well.  Two more L10s complete the class:  Thompson qualified to L10 Nationals in 2018 and tumbles a tight triple twist on FX and a bhs-layout-layout series on BB.  De Jesus is a two-time JO National qualifier, and has looked strong in training with a Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT and triple twist on FX.  

Nebraska will face a challenge of not only missing their long-time coach but in losing no less than 13 routines from 2018.  With a large and talented frosh class, the Huskers will likely build momentum as the season progresses.  Injuries have paid a role in the past, and they'll have to keep the starts healthy while bringing along the talented newcomers.      

 12.  Arkansas Razorbacks

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Mark Cook
Assistants: Jaime (Pisani) Arnbrust, Garrett Griffeth
Returning Starters (6):  Michaela Burton (Jr), Sophia Carter (So), Hailey Garner (Jr), Sydney Laird (So), Sarah Shaffer (So), Jessica Yamzon (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Makenzie Anderson (Sr), Kailey Gillings (So), Sydney McGlone (Sr/I)
Graduated (3):  Mia Bargiacchi, Braie Speed, Amanda Wellick
Other Losses (3): Kirby Rathjen (Jr/?), Lakin Legereit (So), Ellie Wylie (So)
Newcomers (5): Katarina Derrick (Fr), Amanda Elswick (Fr), Kennedy Hambrick (Fr), Bailey Lovett (Fr), Savannah Pennese (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Arkansas returned to Nationals in 2018, placing 10th.  They lose 6 gymnasts from that squad, including graduates Mia Bargiacchi, Braie Speed and Amanda Wellick.  Wellick came back last season as a fifth year season to lead the squad as an all-arounder.  The "end of the lineup" scores from this three-time All-American are going to be missed.  Speed was also a key contributor on three events, and was an All-American on VT last season.  In total, the GymBacks will look to replace 7 routines and a bunch of leadership from last year's squad.

They'll be lead in 2019 by junior Jessica Yamzon and sophomore Sarah Shaffer, along with BB All-American Hailey Garner.  Yamzon was a steady and consistent AAer for Arkansas last season, excelling on UB (full twisting double layout) and BB.  Shaffer rebounded from an injury her frosh season to become a key three event contributor (and going all around at times).  Garner also competed on three events last season, but like Shaffer can go AA if needed.  Junior Michaela Burton was also a key member of the FX and BB lineups, but has competed on all four events. 

Sophia Carter and Sydney Laird both had strong frosh debuts but look to make even a greater impact this season.  The GymBacks could use Carter, as needed, in the AA, while Laird returns primarily as a UB/BB specialist.  The GymBacks also welcome back Sydney McGlone, who missed the balance of 2018 with an elbow injury.  She's a powerful gymnast with a double layout on FX and career highs of 9.9s on VT, BB and FX.  She could immediately step into the footsteps of one of the departed stars.  

The GymBacks welcome no less than five frosh, led by Amanda Elswick, Bailey Lovett and Kennedy Hambrick.  Elswick placed 29th AA, 3rd on VT and 4th(t) on BB at the 2017 Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She vaults a Yurchenko 1 1/2 (and trains a double) and has a double Arabian on FXLovett missed the post season last year but finished 6th AA, 2nd(t) on BB and 3rd on FX (double layout) at the 2017 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She was also 6th AA in 2016.  Hambrick is coming off a strong club season where she tied for 14th AA, 4th on UB and 9th on VT and FX at the 2018 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She also tied for 7th on VT and placed 44th AA at the 2017 JO Nationals. Katarina Derrick is a L10 from Pearland Elite who was 12th AA at the 2016 Region III L10 Regionals.  The final frosh, Savannah Pennese, was 11th AA and 3rd on VT at the 2018 Region III L10 Regionals.  Both gymnasts provide Yurchenko Full options on an event where the GymBacks have struggled with depth, fielding only five gymnasts at times. 

Arkansas looks to build on last year's season and challenge once again for a spot at Nationals.  They have some challenges ahead with the loss of the 9.9+ potential of their stars.  But a strong frosh class and the return of McGlone give the GymBacks some potentially increased depth, as long as they can avoid additional injuries to their key gymnasts and the frosh can recover from preseason issues. 

 

Teams #13 to #25

Intro

 

Key to the Tables:

 

Ranking: By 2019 Preseason Coaches' Poll

Coaches: Only regular, paid coaches are listed.

Starting Routines: Defined by starting lineup in last meet of the post season.
Returning Starters:
Defined by starting lineup in last competition
Year in School:
(Is listed as reported on the school's roster)

Fr = Freshman
So = Sophomore
Jr = Junior
Sr = Senior

Status Codes for Returners:

I = major season ending injury in 2018 or preseason 2018-2019
R = retirement/not competing (for any other reason than transfer or injury)
TR = Transfer
RS = Redshirt (note:  not all eligible gymnasts will employ or are awarded a redshirt year)
?=unconfirmed/unknown information

Friday, 16 November 2018 23:32

Men's Commits 2019-2020

This list contains gymnasts who have publicly committed to schools for the 2019-2020 season.  As always, corrections are welcomed and encouraged.

Items in italics will be considered verbal commit "rumors", until a signing or intent to attend is publicly confirmed. However, many of these "rumors" may have actually been submitted by the gymnast, their family, or club. For consistency, the site will continue to be updated as information becomes public. Where available, links are provided to press releases, web sites, and newspaper articles.  Please note due to NCAA regulations, we are unable to confirm a commit directly with the source nor with the college.

Please see the FAQ section of this site for a further explanation of the policies for this site.

Updated:  11/28/18

 

College/University

Air Force;

 

Army;

California, Berkeley; release

Kyle Shutle, Accel
Noah Sano, Gymnastics Olympica USA

Illinois; release

Connor McCool, St. Louis
Evan Manivong, Fuzion
Sebastian Abedi, Technique
Dylan Kolak, US Gymnastics Development Center
Zachary Ziolkowski, Gymnastics Michiana

Illinois Chicago;

 

Iowa; 

 

Michigan; 

 Adam Wooten, Harpeth

Minnesota;  release

Crew Bold, Tag USA
Andrew Hyde, Mini-Hops
Donte McKinney, Triumph
Victor Perez, Fuzion
Valen Watrous, GymTek

Navy;

Nebraska;

Ohio State;  release

Kazuki Hayashi, Apollo
Donovan Hewitt, Paragon
Jakob Murray, Impact
Justin Ah Chow, Universal

Oklahoma;  release

Lazarus Barnhill, Cypress
Jack Freeman, Cypress

Penn State; release

Chase Clingman, Apollo
Cannon Johnson, US Gymnastics Development Center II
Jalen Peterson, Apollo
Robbie Shamp, All Stars

Springfield

Stanford; release

Brandon Briones, Aspire
JR Chou, Cypress
Riley Loos, Technique
Zachary Martin, Elevate

William and Mary;

Wednesday, 07 November 2018 21:15

2023-2024 Commits

The table below lists Women's commits and signings for incoming frosh for the 2023-2024 school year, consisting mainly of 2023 high school graduates.  Men's commits are in the Men's section.  Please see the information at the bottom of the page for important explanations about this page.  Scholarship counts in BOLD GREEN are based on our survey conducted in August 2022.  Scholarship counts in BOLD RED are based on our survey conducted in the July of 2021.  Scholarship counts in BOLD PURPLE are based on our survey of coaches conducted in July of 2020.  Prospective student-athletes should contact each school to get the latest updates.  Coaches, please check your email for the latest survey or call or contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Submissions: Site submissions of commits and other news items can be made to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by using the contact form.  Press Releases and other signed statements can be FAXed to (415) 873-1523 or sent via regular post.  See the contact page for more information.

Responses in italics and other colors are estimates made by CollegeGymFans.com or are from the prior year's survey.  N/A indicates that no athletic-based aid is offered.

Updated: 6/17/23

College or University

# Available for incoming '23-'24 (total/remaining)

 
Air Force
All appointments include
scholarships

Peyton Jenkins, 5280 Gymnastics, L10
Kate Cooper-Oliveira, Elite Gymnastics Academy, L10
Maggie Slife, Midwest Twisters, L10
Clara Wallace, Xtreme, L10

Alabama; release

 

Whitney Bjerken, Georgia Elite, L10; not in release
Chloe LaCoursiere, Coastal, L10
Gabrielle Ladanyi, WCC, L10
Natalia Pawlak, So/TR/Pitt
Jamison Sears, World Class, L10
Audrey West, LaFleur's, L10; not in release

Alaska

2 / 0

Marielle Albert, Endless Mountain, L10
Maria Jose Prieto Carrillo, Mexican Elite
Claudia Lessig, WCC, L10
Maddie Murphy, Dynamic, L10
Kacey Pratley, UK
Avery Tillmans, Can-Am, Canada L10

Arizona; release

 

Haley Havenor, World Champion Centre, L10
Sophie Derr, WOGA, L10
Ainsley Greever, Phenom, L10
Sophia Maisel, WCC, L10
Abigayle Martin, Pearland Elite, L10
Tirzah Wise, Salcianu, L10

Arizona State; release

 

Halle Gregoire, American Gold, L10
Lilia Purler, Fuzion, L10
Chloe Seaga, American Twisters, L10
Chavala Shepard, Hopes and Dreams, former jr. elite/L10 

Arkansas; roster

 

Chandler Buntin, ConXion Gymnastics, L10
Dakota Essenpries, Missouri Elite, L10
Hailey Klein, Flips North Shore, sr. elite
Sirena Linton, Sr/TR, Arizona
Priscilla Park, Georgia Elite, L10

Auburn

2 to 30

Bryn Bartman, Everest, L10
Emma Grace Boyd, Orlando Metro, L10
Madelynn Grace Crow, Fr/TR to Auburn
Sophia Greaves, Athletic Edge, L10

Julianne Huff, Jam Jev, L10
Lynden Saltness, Midwest, jr. international elite
Lila Smith, Soph/TR, Kentucky
Paige Zancan, Hill's, L10

Ball State

 

Mary Rose Bellan, JamJev, L10
Lindsay Fuller, Force, L10
Delaney McMahon, Eagles, L10
Ava Molina, CGI, L10
Grace Suchecki, Ball State, L10
Ashley Szymanski, Set-10, L10

Boise State; release

3 / 0

Carly Buell, Ascend, L10
Julia Krzywanski, Golden City, L10
Hannah Laza, Metroplex, L10; not in release
Victoria Smirnov, Shooting Stars, L10; not in release
Mahleea Werline, Salcianu, L10

Bowling Green

3 / 0

Love Akpan, Buckeye, L10
Riece Crooks, CGI, L9
Megan Dzialo, Connecticut Gymnastics, L10
Teegan Milligan, South Essex, British elite
Keira Thornton, Leeds, British elite

Bridgeport (Div II)

 

Emily Hernandez, Majestic, L10
Taylor Pettit, Aspire, L10
Gracie Walker, GMS, L10

Brown

N/A

Talia Blythe, Gotham, L10
Emily Ford, Presige, L10
Gabby Mautner, Atlanta North Stars, L10
Alexa Shields, Stars, L10
Lindsay Van Eyk, Brestyan's, L10
Lindsay Yang, Airborne, L10

BYU;  release

 

Alilah Alvarado, SCEGA, L10
Brynlee Anderson, Bold, L10
Jayden Harsh, Bold, L10
Chloee Hoke, Xquisite, L10
Ava Jorgensen, Gold Medal, L10
Mya Kirkham, Olympus
Hailey Openshaw, Olympus, L10; not in release

California, Berkeley (Cal); release

 2 / 0

Kyen Mayhew, Desert Devils, L10
Annalise Newman-Achee, Arena, Trinidad & Tobago elite/L10

California, Davis (UC Davis)

 

Alana Kim, Gymnastics Olympica, L10
Ayumi Oshiro, San Mateo, L10
Jadyn Wakita, South Coast, L10

California, Los Angeles (UCLA); release

 

Paige Anastasi, Brestyan's, L10
Sydney Barros, Texas Dreams, jr. international elite
Alex Irvine, Byer's, L10; not in release
Katelyn Rosen, Mavericks, jr. elite

Central Michigan

3 / 0

Jenna Germond, X-Cel, L10
Elle Johnson, CGI, L10
Karina Lankamer, North Stars, L10
Zoie Pelfrey, CGI, 10
Sophia Reddy, Euro Stars, L10
Samantha Shannon, Phenom, L10

Clemson; release  

Molly Arnold, TR SO from USU
Takoda Berry, Coastal, L10; graduating early
Trinity Brown, TR SO from USU
Kate Bryant, Active Athletics, L10
Sierra Church, Everest, L10

Brie Clark, TR SO from USU
Kaitlin DeGuzman, Grad/TR/Kentucky
Delaney Fisher, Georgia Elite, L10
Maggie Holman, SGA, L10
Quinn Kuhl, Sonshine, L10; graduating early
Lily Kurrack, LaFleur's, L10

Eve Jackson, TR JR from USU
Grace Lacrosse, Crystal Lake, L10

Kielyn McCright, TR SO from USU
Lauren Rutherforld, So/TR, NCSU

Rebecca Wells, TR SR from USU

Cornell

N/A

Macy Armstrong, Team Attraction, L10
Avery Byun, WIldfire, L10

Vic McMillan, West Valley, L10
Josie Moyland, Agility, L10
Addy Rothstein, Gotham, L10
Natalia Tehrani, Airborne, L10

Denver; release

 

Ashley Gallen, Capital, L10; not in release
Amanda Hargraves, Metropolitan, L10

Maddison Reidenbach, Flips, L10
Madison Ulrich, Southeastern, L10


Eastern Michigan

2 to 3 / 0

Abby Brushwood, Centre Elite,L0
Gwendolyn Cantu, Aspire, L10
Katlin Childress, Kurt Thomas, L10
Genae Daniel, JPAC, L10
Brooke Maycroft, Fluent in Technique, L9
Jackie Patterson, Perection Gymnastics, L10
Taylor Wetherbee, Gym America, L10

Fisk

 

Madyson Baucom, KPAC, L10
Cinian Rosby, KPAC, L10
Skyy Henson, Sportsplex, L10
Zenell Mangal, Githam, L10
Elizabeth Moore, Gymnastics World, L10
Aniyah Taylor, Everest, L10

Florida; release

 

Alyssa Arana, Leyva Gymnastics, former jr. elite/L10; walkon
Skye Blakely, WOGA, sr. international elite; deferring until 2024-2025
Kaylee Bluffstone, LaFleur's, L10; walkon
Gabriella Disidore, GAGE, L10
Skylar Draser, Infiniti Elite, jr. elite
Danielle Ferris, Florida Elite, L10
Anya Pilgrim, Hill's, elite

George Washington

3 / 0

Delaney DeHaan, Tampa Bay Turners, L10
Brooke Izzo, Infiniti Elite, L10
Maya Peters, Canada sr. high performance

Georgia; release

 

Jaydah Battle, World Class, L10
Ashlyn LaClair, Grad/TR/Kentucky
Kelsey Lee, Lakewood Ranch, L10; not in release
Zora Morgan, Orlando Metro, L10; not in release
Heather Parker, ETC, L10
Lily Smith, Silvia's, L10
Holly Snyder, Docksiders, L10
Anya Turner, CGI, L10; not in release
Adyson Wahl, Zanesville, L10; graduating early to join for 2024

Illinois; release; release 2

 3 / 0

Olivia Coppola, CGI, L10
Destiny Denning, Flip for Me, L10
Kendall Flury, International Gold, L10
Mareli Muller, Frederick, L10
Madison Vitolo, NorthStars, L10

Illinois State

2 / 0

Jada Beswick, First State, L10
Reese Grolla, Calgary Gym Centre, Canada elite/Sr. High Performance
Alexis Hope, Hurricane, L10
Ally Lau, SCEGA, L10

Iowa

 

Olivia Dylnicki, Apex, L10
Ilka Juk, So/TR, LIU
Alyse Karenbauer, X-Cel, L10
Eva Volpe, Pearland Elite, L10
Katelyn Wiederspahn, Gymnatsics Olympica, L10

Iowa State; release

1 / 0

Noelle Adams, Gold Medal, L10
Elizabeth Cairns, Rebound, L10
Gracie Long, ConXion Gymnastics, L10
Lauren O'Brochta, Legacy Elite, L10
Ella Schell, Olympia, L10; graduating early
Frederique Sgarbossa, Unigym, Canadian elite/sr. high performance
Paige Wills, Parkettes, L10

Kent State

3 / 0

Stephanie Alvine, Coastal Realm, L10
Dani Fuertez, Olympia, L10
Grace Knurek, Gymnastics World, L10
Ashley Morgan, BIO Gymnastics, L10
Kaileigh Norton, Flytz, L10
Gabby Riley, Crystal Lake, L10

Kentucky

 

Creslyn Brose, Bull City, L10
Cadence Gromley, Virginia International Gymnastics, L10
Kaila Lawrence, Rose's, 10
Sharon Lee, Capital, L10
Cecily Rizo, Texas Dreams, L10
Delaynee Rodriguez, Gymcats, L10

Lindenwood

2 to 3 / 0

Reese Baechle, So/TR/Missouri
Ellie Brownfield, CGI, L10
Jaidan Kossuth, USA Youth Fitness Center, L10
Leah Parton, Emerge, L10
Kayla Reingold, Gymnastics Olympica, L10
Juliette Rider, J&R, L10

Long Island University

1 to 3 / 0 to 2

Kady Bills-McCoy, Brandy Johnson's, L10
Alina Danilchenko, Orlando Metro, L10
Kate Parks, CGI, L10
Danyella Richards, Tumblebees, L10/Jamaican elite

LSU; release

 

Kylie Coen, Empire, L10
Amari Drayton, WCC, sr. international elite
Jillian Hoffman, Sr/TR, Utah
Konner McClain, WOGA, sr. international elite; not in release
Leah Miller, Arizona Dynamics, L10
Zoe Miller, World Champions Centre, sr. international elite; not in release
Savannah Schoenherr, Gr/TR/Florida
Brooke Simpson, Premier, L10

Maryland; release

 

Logan Buckmon, Hill's, L10
Lauren Brendlinger, Capital, L10, not in release
Isabella Ferraccio, First State, L10, not in release
Layla Hammer, Legacy Elite, L10
Natalie Martin, Buckeye, L10
Hailey Merchant, Soph/TR, NC State
Gianna Ruffing, Elite Gymnastics, L10, not in release

Michigan; release

 

Kayli Boozer, North East Texas Gymnastics, L10
Ava Jordan, DeVeau's, L10; not in release
McCaleigh Marr, TR/Graduate from Michigan
Haylen Zabrowski, American Twisters, L10

Michigan State; release

3 / 0

Kendall Abney, Michigan Elite L10
Emma Misenheimer, Bull City, L10
Gabriella Ortiz, LaFleur's, L10 (originally committed to Pitt)
Isabella Trostel, Buckeye, L10

Makayla Tucker, DeVeau's, L10

Minnesota; release; release 2

3 / 0

Marisa Fisher, Phenom, L10
Leah Gonsiorowski, Lake City, L10
Kaviana Jurries, Bronco Elite, L10; walkon
Kendall Landry, WOGA, L10; walkon
Jordyn Lyden, Flips, L10
Sophia Nguyen, Legacy, L10; walkon
Jenna Olshefski, Universal, L10
Sophie Swartzmiller, Salto, L10; walkon

Missouri; release

3 / 0

Jessa Conedera, Stacey's, L10; not in release
Kennedy Griffin, Five Star, L10
Hannah Horton, Tobler, L10
Rayna Light, Golden City, L10
Kendall McGuire, Florida Elite, L10
Kylie Minard, Fuzion, L10
Kaia Tansskanen, Michigan Elite, L10
Mara Titarsolej, Sr/TR/LIU

Nebraska; release

 

Whitney Jencks, Twin City, L10
Olivia Burns, Xtreme, L10
Jenna Sartoretto, Futures, Canada sr. high performance
Isabel Sikon, J and R, L10/Poland elite
Lucy Stanhope, Jr/TR, Utah

New Hampshire;

 3 / 0

Zoe Arthur, Azarian, L10
Anne Challman, Prestige, L10
Sophia Healey, Daggett's, L10
McCall McMullen, BIO Gymnastics, L10
Olivia Mile, Apex Athletics, L10
Poulina Minaev, Apex, L10
Gwendolyn Ockerbloom, GTC of Simbsbury, L10

North Carolina;

3 / 0

Elly King, WCC, L10
Neve King, WCC, L10
Ashley Knight, High Point, L10
Jessica Naranjo, American Twisters, L10
Molly Neinstein, Flight School, L10
Camryn Rueda, Brestyan's American, L10

North Carolina State; release

2 / 0

Wells Fischer, Chelsea Piers, L10; 
Elle Hadrick, MM23, L10
Maddie Hall, World Class, L10
Katie Harper, Universal, L10; 
Lauren Wright, Stallone, L10; 

Northern Illinois

 

Mikayla Brown, Georgia Elite, L10
Jade Golembiewski, Olympia, L10
Isabella Ross, Sonshine, L10
Dawsyn Sallee, Legacy, L10
Savannah West, Kids Are Tops, L10
Haley Zampella, Head Over Heels, L10
Natalia Ziebell, Lake City Twisters, L10

Ohio State; release

3 / 0

Ellie Binger, Colorado Aerials, L10
Samara Buchanan, American Twisters, L10
Mary Green, FLYTZ, L10; not in release
Laci Keck, JPAC, L10; not in release
Courtney McCann, WOGA, L10
Maisyn Rader, Connecticut Gymnastics Academy, L10
Grace Walker, Integrity, L10; not in release
Sidney Washington, So/Pitt, TR

Oklahoma; release

/ 0

Addison Fatta, Prestige, sr. international elite
Soraya Hawthorne, Grad/TR/UGA
Aspen Lenczner, Salto, L10
Hannah Scheible, All American Flames, L10
Keira Wells, JAG, L10

Oregon State; release

 3 / 0

Olivia Buckner, Olympus, L10
Taylor DeVries, Legacy Elite, L10
Sophia Esposito, New Image, L10
Mia Heather, San Mateo, L10
Sage Thompson, Jr/TR/Utah

Penn;

 

Jordan Barrow, Gymstars, L10
Reganne Cheang, Metroplex, L10
Sophia Paris, JPAC, L10
Madison Perkins, American Gymnastics Academy, L10
Jackie Tunney, Rebound, L10
Ella Woods, Cap Cod, L10

Penn State; release

2 / 0

Alyssa Kramer, Centre Eltie, L10; not in release
Ashley Maul, WCC, L10
Kalea Mcelligott, Infiniti, L10

Pittsburgh; release

 

Annabella Carrascosa, MG Elite, L10
Kaylee Larson, World Elite, L10

Julie Rottam Madso, Norway, Elite
Emily Todd, The Academy (UK), Elite

Rutgers;

2 / 0

Scarlette Ayakawa, Texas Dreams, L10
Olivia DiNovi, First State, L10
Campbell Early, Crenshaw Athletics, L10
Elliot Goldsmith, Gymnastics Center of Chattanooga, L10

Katy Koopman, Sr/TR, LIU
Isabella Nelli, Star Bound, L10
Matis Rains, WOGA, L10
Ginger Richards, Capital, L10

San Jose State; release

 

Marissa Ashton, BIO, L10
Mia Nelson, American Gymnastics Academy, L10
Olivia Reardon, Ascend, L10
Ella Power, Manjaks, Canadian elite/sr. high performance
Devyn Valuch, Dream Xtreme, L10

Sacramento State;

 4 / 0

Mallory Barron, American Gymnastics Academy, L10
Chloe Cohen, 5280 Gymnastics, L10
Summer Hausner, Gymcats, L10
Athena Jones, CCGI, L10
Jilliane Lastra, Coastal, L10
Hannah Sitzman, CGI, L10

Southern Connecticut State (Div II)

 

Anabella Mills, Brestyan's, L10

Southern Utah; release

3 - 4  / 0

Elliot Bringhurst, Brown's Las Vegas, L10
Brinlee Christensen, Olympus, L10
Marisa DeGroot, Calgary Gym Centre, Canadian elite
Maria Ferguson, Salcianu, L10
Alyssa Fernandez, Flames, L10
Brinley Kitchen, Brown's LV, L10
Caralia Martinez, Arete, L10
Kendall McGuire, Florida Elite

Rylee Miller, CanAm, Canadian elite/Sr. High Performance
Niya Randolph, Gymcats, L10
Alex Routsis, Precision 509, L10

Southeast Missouri; release

3 / 0

Courtney Henry, Denton, L10
Ava Johnston, Bull Run, L10
Amelia May, Believe, L10
Jordan Napolitano, Apex, L10
Olivia Raife, Prattville YMCA, L10

Stanford

 

Victoria Cluck, WOGA, L10
Temple Landry, Twin City, L10
Sydney Razeghi, WCC, L10
Sienna Robinson, Salcianu Elite, jr. elite/L10
Ui Soma, San Mateo, Japan National Team

Temple; release

1 / 0

Hailey Best, John's Academy, L10
Amelia Budd, Southeastern, L10

Maddy Elmore, Starlight, L10
Maya Keller, Rise, L10
Gabrielle Linden, American Twisters, L10
Payton Monk, Northeast, L10
Skylar Shafran, Gotham, L10
Gianna Silva, The Klub, L10
Megan White, A2 Gym and Cheer, L10

Texas Woman's (Div II); release

3 / 0

Bailey Bourgeois, Pristine, L10
Caroline Bowns, Bull City, L10
Aaliyah Gilmore, Win-Win, L10
Sophie Hernandez, Bull City, L10
Kaitlyn Hoiland, So/TR, Oregon State
Sophia Isbell, Reading, L10
Sofia Steffan, Legacy Elite, L10

Towson;

3 to 4 / 0 to 2

Reyna Auth, Baltimore County, L10
Chelsey Dennis, Legacy, L10
Retoisha Halsell, Champions, L10
Paige Kaminski, Gym America, L10
Brissa Portillo, Excalibur, L10
Chayse Williams, World Elite, L10

Utah; release

 

Elizabeth Gantner, KPAC, former jr. international/L10
Ashley Glynn, sophomore, TR/Temple
Olivia Kennedy, Georgia Elite, L10
Cami Winger, Bold, L10, graduating early to join in 2023-2024
Ella Zirbes, Flips Gymnastics, jr. elite

Utah State; release

3 to 4 / 0

Alexis Boone, Perfect Balance, L10
Juliette Boyer, grad/TR/ASU
Sydney Jelen, Legacy Elite, L10
Nyla Morabito, Manjak's, Canadian elite/sr. high performance
Riley Sorrell, Sonshine, L10
Isabella Vater, Brown's Las Vegas, L10
Mya Witte, Genie's, L10/former international elite
Hattie Wright, Dynamo, L10

Washington;

4 / 0

Kira Bolden, Waller's GymJam, L10
McKenna Carnesi, Colorado Gymnastics Institute, L10
Chelsea Hallinan, Olympic Gymnastics Center, L10

Kristin Lin, Airborne, L10
Mary McDonough, Let It Shine, L10

Western Michigan;

1 / 0

Brooke Gelesko, Power in Motion, L10
Julia Korfhage, Platinum, L10
Emily Krzciok, Mid Michigan, L10
Hannah Milton, Balance Institute, L10
Reese Samuelson, Phenom, L10

West Virginia; release

3/0

Kaylei Adams, Raleigh School, L10
Julia Brown, Lion's, L10
Jurnee Lane, Let It Shine, L10
Amber Lowe, Atlanta North Stars, L10
Jayden McDonnell, Infiniti, L10
Ashton Meuret, Xtreme, L10
Sierra Muns, So/TR, TWU

William and Mary

 

Samantha Burd, Ocean Tumblers, L10
Melanie Faulkner, Capital, L10
Olivia Mile, Apex, L10
Summer Penzi, New Image, L10

Yale;

N/A

Lily Aucoin, WCC, L10
Evy Chu, San Mateo, L10
Chloe DeJoy, Perfection, L10
Lauren Luu, Gymnastics East, L10

Submissions: Site submissions of commits and news items can be made to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by using this form.  Official Press Releases and other signed statements can be FAXed to (415) 873-1523 or sent via regular post.  See the contact page for more information.

Important Definitions: Items in italics will be considered verbal commit "rumors", until a signing or intent to attend is publicly confirmed. However, many of these "rumors" may have actually been submitted by the gymnast, their family, or club. For consistency, the site will continue to be updated as information becomes public. Where available, links are provided to press releases, web sites, and newspaper articles.  Please note due to NCAA regulations, we are unable to confirm a commit directly with the athlete.  However, the athlete is free to publicly state their intentions.  The college may only confirm the signing after the National Letter of Intent has been received.  Information on recruiting dates, calendars and rules are available in FAQ section of this site.

Other Policies:

Please see the FAQ section of this site for a further explanation of the policies for this site.

Please note some colleges listed below do not offer non-need based aid or do so only on a limited basis.  Some colleges offer partials, and others have other non-athletic scholarships available.  Only Div I and II colleges are listed.

Walkons will only be listed until after May 1st of each recruiting year, unless a confirmation is received and only then the athlete's name will still remain italicized.  Please note that walkon status is not always known, even when rosters are published.  Also, some schools do not finalize rosters until after Fall training has begun.  Also, an intended walkon may change her plans.

COACHES: You may submit a "total" scholarship count to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the number provided. 

 

Saturday, 26 May 2018 13:05

2018 Superlatives

Skills of Note in the 2018 Season (W)

The following is a listing of high level skills performed by women in the 2018 Season.  To make this list, the skill had to be successfully competed in a meet sometime during the season.  The skill competed must have an FIG rating of "E" or "F" or "G", or an FIG Vault Difficult Value of 5.0 or higher.  Due to it's high usage in a number of routines, the Pike Jaeger on UB, a 2017 FIG upgrade to an E, has been excluded to keep the list manageable.  

The issue of escalating difficult leading to higher injury rates and more wear and tear on the athlete is important.  The purpose of this list is not to encourage or foster unreasonable risk or other threats to the safety of the athletes.  In fact, many of the skills on this list were only competed in special circumstances.  This list simply serves as an archive and collection of skills actually performed by the athletes.

Wednesday, 08 November 2017 21:14

Men's Commits 2018-2019

This list contains gymnasts who have publicly committed to schools for the 2018-2019 season.  As always, corrections are welcomed and encouraged.

Items in italics will be considered verbal commit "rumors", until a signing or intent to attend is publicly confirmed. However, many of these "rumors" may have actually been submitted by the gymnast, their family, or club. For consistency, the site will continue to be updated as information becomes public. Where available, links are provided to press releases, web sites, and newspaper articles.  Please note due to NCAA regulations, we are unable to confirm a commit directly with the source nor with the college.

Please see the FAQ section of this site for a further explanation of the policies for this site.

Updated:  6/30/18

 

College/University

Air Force;

 Nathan Reed, WOGA

Army;

 Matthew Davis, WOGA

California, Berkeley; release

Liam Doherty-Herwitz, Brestyan's
Darren Wong, Phoenix (Canada)

Illinois; release;  roster

Michael Fletcher, New England Academy of Gymnastics
Daniel Lasenbby, VSSG
Emanuele Muehlhauser, HITS
Antonio Sacchiero, New England Academy of Gymnastics
Ian Skirkey, Sterling Academy
Clay Mason Stephens, Australian National Team (Soph)

Illinois Chicago;

 

Iowa; 

 Evan Davis, Cypress

Michigan;  roster

 Kevin Penev, RGA

Minnesota; release; 

David Pochinka, WOGA
Ben Eyles, Triad
Michael Moran, US Gymnastics Development Center
Daniel Yoon, SCATS

Navy;

Nebraska; release;  roster

Charlie Giles, Premier
Khilil Jackson, Champions
Dillan King, USA Gym World
Evan Kriley, LaFleur;s
Dylan LeClair, Brestyan's
Noah Unwiler, Nebraska SOG

Ohio State; 

Luke Smigliani, Ellis
Jesse Tyndall, Taiso (Canada)

Oklahoma;  release; 

Spencer Goodell, OMEGA
Vitaly Guimaraes, 5280 Gymnastics
Morgan Seyler, Southlake

Penn State; release

Travis Cooper, WOGA
Eric Lung, Surgent's Elite
Nicholas Mock, Aspire Jr. Sun Devils
Brady Yamamoto, Aspire Jr. Sun Devils

Springfield

Stanford; release;  roster

Ian Gunther, Cypress
Brody Malone, Cartersville
Christopher Osgood, Victory
Curran Phillips, Naperville
Matthew Szot, Prairie
Blake Wilson, SCEGA

William and Mary;

Saturday, 14 October 2017 16:36

2018 Capsule Previews: Teams #1 to #12

Here's the first 12 teams in our Capsule Previews of our Top 25, based on the 2018 Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

 

 1.  Oklahoma Sooners

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 2 UB, 2 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Assistants: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Returning Starters (8):  Natalie Brown (Sr), Stefani Catour (Sr), Jade Degouveia (So), Brenna Dowell (Sr), AJ Jackson (Sr), Nicole Lehrmann (Jr), Alex Marks (Jr), Maggie Nichols (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Samantha Craus (Sr), Brehanna Showers (So)
Graduated (6):  Chayse Capps, Reagan Hemry, Charity Jones, Kara Lovan, Nicole Turner, McKenzie Wofford
Other Losses (1):  Megan Thompson (Jr/?)
Newcomers (5):  Jordan Draper (Fr), Ashley Hiller (Jr/Transfer from Florida), Abigail Matthews (Fr), Evy Schoepfer (Fr), Anastasia Webb (Fr), Carly Woodard (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  The defending National Champion Sooners seek a three-peat in 2018, and hold the top spot in the Coaches' Preseason rankings.  They lose seven routines from last year's Super Six finals, with most coming from graduated superstar Chayse Capps.  However, the Sooners return most of their Championship lineup, headlined by superstar Maggie Nichols.  Nichols had a superb season last year, just missing the 40.0 mark in the AA.  She's had a slower start in the preseason due to an offseason knee recovery but looks strong.  She'll be capably supported by senior All-Americans Natalie Brown, Brenna Dowell, and AJ Jackson.  Dowell is another powerful AAer, while Jackson is looking strong on VT and FX, but continues to push the lineup on the other events.  Junior All-Americans Stefani Catour and Nicole Lehrmann, the co-National Champion on UB, will be both key parts of the UB lineup.  Sophomore Brehanna Showers looks to have rebounded strongly from her injuries and is also ready to challenge for lineups.

To this strong core, OU adds a strong frosh class that bolster the Sooners in key ways.  Leading the way are Evy Schoepfer and Anastasia Webb.  Both can perform 10.0 start value vaults, an event where OU can put forth a full lineup of top value vaults this season.  This effectively neutralizes Florida's challenge on this event.  They are also strong AA gymnasts, with NCAA E skills on FX and solid execution.  L10 and former jr. international elite Abigail Matthews excels on UB, an event where two lineup spots are up for grabs. 

While the Sooners are missing a few pieces from last year's Championship squad, they have earned their top preseason rank through their high level of execution and consistency.  With the newcomers adding some firepower in key areas, the Sooners are set up well to hold off the Florida Gators and earn a three-peat this season.  


 2.  Florida

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 (9):  Sierra Alexander (So), Kennedy Baker (Sr), Alicia Boren (Jr), Maegan Chant (So), Rachel Gowey (So), Amelia Hundley (So), Grace McLaughlin (Sr), Alex McMurtry (Sr), Rachel Slocum (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Amanda Cheney (Jr)
Graduated (1):  Claire Boyce
Other Losses (3):  Vanasia Bradley (Fr/I/R/Student Coach), Lacy Dagen (Jr/TR to Oregon State), Ashley Hiller (Jr/Transfer to OU)
Newcomers (4):  Alyssa Baumann (Fr), Jazmyn Foberg (Fr), Megan Skaggs (Fr), Nicole Webb (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Florida returns 24 of 24 routines and boasts a powerful incoming class.  It's no wonder than many observers as dubbed them the preseason favorite or co-favorite.  The Gators will be powered by NCAA champion Alex McMurtry, a senior, who will be capably supported by classmate Kennedy Baker and junior Alicia Boren.  All three are capable of 39.6+ AA scores, but we may see them in fewer events in order to earn them some rest or because UF is simply "that deep".  Other key returners include VT/FX specialist Rachel Slocum and sophomore Rachel Gowey and Amelia Hundley.  In almost any other team, the two sophomores would be key AAers.

To that talented and superstar core the Gators add what we regard as the best overall recruiting class.  They are headlined by a trio of elites with true superstar potential in the NCAA.  Former World Championship team member Alyssa Baumann leads the way.  Even after taking a gap year to rehab an injury, she looks strong and ready to post huge scores.  Classmate Jazymn Foberg is a former junior elite AA champion, and has a superb range of skills.  She's showing a strong double layout on FX and has a wide arsenal of skills on UB.  Megan Skaggs as a Gold Medalist on the 2015 Pan Am Games teams and excels on BB, but has shown a strong Yurchenko 1 1/2 in preseason.  She appears to be in peak condition and ready to make an immediate impact.  

With some of the NCAA's leading superstars and some fantastic frosh talent, all eyes will be on the Gators this season.  With 6 10.0 Start Value vaults and huge difficulty on every other event, the Gators simply need to master consistency under pressure to battle OU for the title.   

 

 3.  LSU Tigers

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: D-D Breaux
Associate Head Coach:  Jay Clark
Assistant: Bob Moore
Returning Starters (7):  Kennedi Edney (So), Sarah Finnegan (Jr), Myia Hambrick (Sr), Ruby Harrold (So), McKenna Kelley (Jr/I), Erin Macadaeg (Sr), Lexie Priessman (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Julianna Cannamela (Jr), Ashlyn Kirby (So), Lauren Li (Sr), Kylie Moran (Sr)
Graduated (3):   Sydney Ewing, Ashleigh Gnat, Shae Zamardi
Other Losses (1):  Kaitlyn Szanfranki (Jr/TR to ASU)
Newcomers (7):  Reagan Campbell (Fr), Bridget Dean (Fr), Christina Desiderio (Fr), Sami Durante (Fr), Sarah Edwards (Fr), Olivia Gunter (Fr), Gracen Standley (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   LSU seeks to replace 8 routines lost from 2017's squad, including standout routines from Sydney Ewing, Ashleigh Gnat and Shae Zamardi.  This does not include the loss of routines from McKenna Kelley, who tore her Achilles' during the preseason.  The 2018 Tigers will be led by seniors Myia Hambrick and Erin Macadaeg, junior Sarah Finnegan and sophomores Kennedi Edney and Ruby Harrold.  Edney, Finnegan and Hambrick are three superb AAers with 9.9+ potential on every event.  Macadaeg looks to step up in more events this season, as does British elite Harrold.  Sophomore Ashlyn Kirby looks strong during the preseason training, but junior Lexie Priessman may have a slow start due to ongoing knee issues.

This smaller but highly talented core will be supplemented with a large and strong frosh class.  They've seen their share of injury issues as well, but in sheer numbers they'll serve to bolster the lineups.  The key gymnast is Christina Desiderio, a sr. international elite and 2016 Olympic Trials qualifier.  She has the big skills and amplitude, when she's healthy and ready, to fill the spots vacated by Gnat.  Bridget Dean, a L10 and former jr. international elite, has shown strong progress back from injury while Sami Durante, daughter of former UGA coach Danna Durante, looks to be a top candidate for an UB slot.  Former jr. international elite and L10 dropdown Reagan Campbell is an ace on the BB, while L10 frosh Sarah Edwards is training a Yurchenko 1 1/2.

LSU will look to build through the season, as gymnasts work back from injury and the newcomers get a chance to adapt to college competition.  Expect early on to have the veterans carry the bulk of the workload, of which they are quite capable.  We'll know by midseason just how competitive for the top spot this team can become.     

 

 4.  Alabama Crimson Tide

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 3 UB, 2 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach:  Dana Duckworth
Associate Head Coach:  Brian Raschilla
Assistant:  Bill Lorenz
Returning Starters (8):
  Abby Ambrecht (Jr), Mackenzie Brannan (Sr), Wynter Childers (So), Madison Desch (So), Ari Guerra (Jr), Nickie Guerrero (Sr), Shea Mahoney (So), Kiana Winston (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Angelina Giancroce (Jr), Jennie Loeb (Sr) 
Graduated (6):   Katie Bailey, Amanda Jetter, Keely McNeer, Mary Lillian Sanders, Aja Monet-Sims, Mackenzie Valentin
Other Losses (1):   Jenna Bresette (Jr/?)
Newcomers (5): 
Kylie Dickson, Peyton Ernst (So/TR/Florida), Lexi Graber (Fr), Bailie Key (Fr), Alonza Klopfer (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Alabama graduated six gymnasts from 2017's Super Six squad, including stars Katie Bailey, Amanda Jetter, Keely McNeer and Aja Monet-Sims.  All told, the Crimson Tide will need to replace 10 routines in 2018, including half of the lineups on UB and FX.  Leading the charge will be seniors Mackenzie Brannan, Nickie Guerrero and Kiana Winston.  All-American Brannan worked through an injury to keep contributing to the Tide last season.  Bama will look to regain her full services this season.  Fellow All-American Kiana Winston has 10 potential on any event, and has a 39.7 AA best.  The Tide will also look to the sophomore class, especially Wynter Childers, Madison Desch and Shea Mahoney.  Mahoney looks to be stronger this season after her struggles with injuries, and ready to resume a greater role.  Former World Championships Gold Medalist Desch just began to show her full potential last season, and the Tide faithful are hoping for even more in the future.  Likewise, junior Abby Armbrecht looked strong at the preseason exhibition meet and looks ready for an expanded impact.   

To this strong and talented core, Bama brings a tremendous quartet of frosh plus Florida transfer Peyton Ernst.  Bailie Key headlines the class.  The former National Team member placed 4th AA at the 2015 P&G Championships and 1st AA, BB and FX at the 2013 P&G Championships (junior).  Unfortunately, a back injury caused Key to retire from elite in 2016, and her back has hampered her since.  She's been showing BB and UB routines during the Fall intrasquads and appears to be making steady progress.  Kylie Dickson is another gymnast with elite credentials.  A 2016 Olympian for Belarus, she trained at All Olympia and made elite in the US ranks.  Earlier in the year, she showed top skills like a Yurchenko double twist on VT although she only did UB (with no dismount) at the exhibition meet.  Lexi Graber is a L10 from Coast Elite at a three-time JO National Team member.  In 2017, she posted a 10 on VT to win the L10 JO National title on the event (Yurchenko 1 1/2).  The fourth frosh is Alonza Klopfer, a L10 from North Stars.  A 2017 JO National Team member, she won the L10 JO National BB title in 2016.  The fifth newcomer, former elite Peyton Ernst, was primarily a BB specialist at Florida and looked strong in the preseason on that event.  

Despite some heavy losses to graduation, Bama has simply reloaded for 2018.  With more experience to their underclassman, Bama could close the gap on the top two teams.  The new frosh bring some high level skills, including one key 10.0 VT, an event where the Tide lag the top teams.  How quickly the newcomers adapt to competition, in particular Key, could make the difference in how competitive Bama can become.       

 

 5.  Utah Utes

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 1 BB, 1 FX
Head Coaches: Tom Farden and Megan Marsden
Assistant: Robert Ladanyi
Returning Starters (9):  Kari Lee (Sr), Tiffani Lewis (Sr), Shannon McNatt (Jr), MaKenna Merrell-Giles (Jr), Erika Muhaw (Jr), Missy Reinstadler (So), Macey Roberts (Jr), MyKayla Skinner (So), Maddy Stover (Sr)  
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Kim Tessen (So/I)
Graduated (1):  Baely Rowe
Other Losses (1):  Sabrina Schwab (Jr/I/R)
Newcomers (3):  Alexia Burch (Fr), Sydney Soloski (Fr), Lauren Wong (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Utah returns 20 of 24 routines from last year's Super Six squad, with All-American Baely Rowe graduating.  However, they also unfortunately lost Sabrina Schwab to a medical retirement, a blow to their efforts to close the gap on the top teams in the country.  In 2018, as in 2017, they'll be led by superstar MyKayla Skinner.  Her high level of difficulty and consistency will continue to pull in huge scores for the Utes.  The Utes also will get key routines from seniors Kari Lee and Tiffani Lewis, junior MaKenna Merell-Giles, and sophomore Missy Reinstandler.  Giles and Reinstadler have looked especially strong in preseason training, and could make an even bigger impact in 2018.  The Utes also look forward to the return from injury by Kim Tessen, who has a big VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and a double layout on FX in her arsenal. 

Utah welcomes three frosh in 2018:  Alexia Burch, Sydney Soloski and Lauren Wong.  Burch is a former L10 JO National Champ (2015) from Flips USA who placed 10th AA at the 2017 JO Nationals.  She also placed 7th AA in 2016, including a 2nd on FX.  Soloski is a former National Team member from Canada's Calgary Gym Centre.  She's a powerful athlete with a double layout on FX.  At the recent Utah public preview, she showed she is ready to compete for lineup spots on multiple events.  Wong is a local L10 who will graduate early to help bolster the Utes in 2018.

Utah has an experienced and talented core set of gymnasts, led by superstar Skinner.  To return to the Super Six and close the gap on the top teams, they'll need to focus on the details and boost their difficulty in order to push for more post-season scores of 9.9+.  Utah will also need to avoid injury, as this squad has less depth than some past Utah teams, with several gymnasts not training all the events.

 

 6.  UCLA Bruins

Official Web SiteLink      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 0 UB, 2 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Valerie Kondos Field
Associate Head Coach:  Chris Waller
Assistant: Randy Lane
Returning Starters (10):  Napualani Hall (Sr), Felicia Hano (So), Janay Honest (Sr), Madison Kocian (So/I), Christine "Peng Peng" Lee (R-Sr), Sonya Meraz (Sr), Kateyln Ohashi (Jr), Kyla Ross (So), Stella Savvidou (Jr), Macy Toronjo (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (6): Rechelle Dennis (Sr), Anna Glenn (So), Grace Glenn (So), Gracie Kramer (So), Giuliano Pino (So), Mercedes Sanchez (So)
Graduated (3):  Angi Cipra, Michaela Gerber, Hallie Mossett
Other Losses (2):   Madison Preston (Jr/R), Maria Caire (So/R)
Newcomers (8):  Nia Dennis (Fr), Sofia Gonazalez (Fr), Rebecca Karlous (Fr), Savannah Kooyman (Fr), Brielle Ngueyn (Jr/TR from Illinois), Kendal Poston (Fr), Pauline Tratz (Fr), Lilia Waller (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  UCLA returns 18 routines from last year's Super Six final lineups.  They lose three seniors, including Angi Cipra, Michaela Gerber and Hallie Mossett, plus VT/FX specialist Madison Preston (injury retirement).  These losses include some of their top scores on FX and VT, events where the Bruins were challenged for depth at times last season.  In addition, Olympian Madison Kocian, the hero AAer for the Bruins in 2017, had shoulder surgery this fall.  Recovery from this type of surgery is hard to predict, and she could even miss the season or be limited to BB.  This is not factored into the 6 lost routines.  Fortunately, Christine "Peng Peng" Lee was granted a rare sixth year by the NCAA, and she'll be around to contribute top scores on UB and BB.

Leading the way for the Bruins will be Olympian and two-time NCAA champion Kyla Ross.  The five-time All American, who is off to a much stronger start in the preseason, will be counted upon to lead the Bruin squad back into the Super Six.  Supporting her will be a number of athletes, led by junior Katelyn Ohashi.  Ohashi has trained strongly during the off-season, showing off a number of upgrades including an high double layout on FX.  She's targeting an AA role.  The Bruins also have veteran seniors Janay Honest and Sonya Meraz, in addition to sophomore Felicia Hano, as potential AA threats.  Overall the Bruins that competed in the December preview event showed a higher level of fitness at this point in the season, a reflection of a change in strategy. 

To this strong core, UCLA brings in seven frosh, highlighted by Nia Dennis and Pauline Tratz.  Dennis a former senior international elite who dropped down to L10 last season while training at Legacy Elite.  A former National Team member, she finished 9th on UB at the 2016 P&G Championships, and 8th AA at the 2015 P&G Championships.  Tratz actively competed as an elite in 2017, representing Germany at the World University Games.  In 2016, she competed at the Olympic Test Event and helped her country earn a spot at the Rio Games.  Dennis will likely be a top AAer for the Bruins in 2018.

UCLA returns a large and talented squad, and will look to work past their injuries to return to the Super Six.  They are looking to upgrade their VTs and their tumbling on FX, two areas where they lag the top teams in the country.  Their UB and BB lineups are already among the best in the country, so therefore, the leg events will tell the tale.              

  

 7.  Michigan

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone: 2 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Assistants: Scott Sherman, Scott Vetere
Returning Starters (8):  Brianna Brown (Sr), Lexi Funk (So), Olivia Karas (Jr), Lauren Marinez (Sr), Emma McLean (Jr), Maddie Osman (So), Polina Shchennikova (So), Paige Zaziski (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Maggie O'Hara (So), Sam Roy (So)
Graduated (2):  Nicole Artz, Talia Chiarelli
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (3):  Lauren Farley (Fr), Sam Javanbakht (Fr), Sydney Townsend (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   Michigan loses just two gymnasts and seven routines from last year's 10th place squad, but these losses are bigger than they might appear on paper.  All Americans Nicole Artz and Talia Chiarelli were genuine threats to post 9.9+ scores each time they mounted an apparatus.  Replacing these type of scores is not an easy task.  Leading the way in 2018 for the Wolverines will be junior Olivia Karas and Emma McLean, senior Brianna Brown and Paige Zaziski, and sophomores Lexi Funk and Polina Shchennikova.  Karas was Big Ten Frosh of the Year in 2016 and can post 9.9+ scores on every event.  Zaziski is another potential AAer and a 2017 NCAA Regional Champion on VT, UB and the AA.  They'll form a strong 1-2 punch.  Brown was slowed by an injury last year and has competed AA in the past, but likely we'll see her in up to three events.  McLean emerged last season with a Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT and won the Regional Title.  She also had one of the top Wolverine FX routines.  She and the other sophomores like Funk, Osman and Shchennikova will be looked upon to take bigger roles in 2018, after a year of training and adjustment. 

Joining a strong core of returning gymnasts are a trio of frosh.  Lauren Farley leads the way.  The WOGA-trained L10 placed 9th AA and 2nd on BB and 8th(t) on FX at the 2017 L10 JO Nationals. She also made the JO National team in 2015, placing 2nd AA at the L10 JO Nationals.  Classmate Sydney Townsend is a former World Championships team member for Canada.  She's strongest on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (double Arabian).  These two have the potential to further elevate and deepen the Wolverine lineups, especially on VT and FX. 

For Michigan to improve on last year's finish, they'll need some step-up performances from their sophomore class or their frosh to help bridge the gaps left by the departed superstars.  The Wolverines look capable of fielding a stronger VT lineup, but they may have to rely instead on improved depth to continue their success from last season. 

 

 8.  Denver Pioneers

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Linas Gaveika, Robert Ladany
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX
Returning Starters (8):  Nikole Addison (Sr), Diana Chesnok (Jr), Claire Hammen (Sr), Maddie Karr (So), Claire Kern (Jr), Leah Lomonte (RS Sr), Courtney Loper (So), Kaitlyn Schou (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Grace Broadhurst (So)
Graduated (2):  Julia Ross, Rachel Fielitz
Other Losses (1):  Sam Ogden (So/?)
Newcomers (3):  Lynnzee Brown (Fr), Emily Glynn (Fr), Mia Sundstrom (Fr)

Quick Assessment:
  Denver overachieved last season, competing five gymnast on VT and FX for much of the season while producing one of their best seasons on record.  They return 17 of 24 routines from that squad, but are losing key 2nd half of the lineup routines from AAer Julia Ross and UB/BB specialist Sam Ogden.  They'll be led once again in 2018 by superstar soph Maddie Karr.  A three-time AA as a frosh, Karr helped propel DU to a 9th place finish at Nationals.  The Pioneers also return key seniors Nikole Addison and Claire Hammen, and juniors Diana Chesnok and Kaitlyn Schou.  Sophomore Courtney Loper was also a key part of the BB and FX lineups.  Addison is a potential AAer, but shines on FX with a double layout.  Chesnok overcame a preseason injury to impact on multiple events, while Schou posted top scores on VT, BB and FX.

To this experienced core, DU adds three newcomers, led by future superstar Lynzee Brown.  Brown, a L10 from GAGE, placed 2nd AA, 2nd(t) UB, 2nd(t) FX and 3rd(t) VT at the 2017 L10 Nationals.  She a three-time JO National Team member with big skills, including a huge Yurchenko 1 1/2 and a double layout on FX.  She'll form a 1-2 punch with Karr on most events (BB is her weaker event).  Emily Glynn and Mia Sundstrom are in-state L10s from Airborne.  Glynn has a potential 10.0 Start Value vault and a full-in on FX, while Sundstrom provides clean execution and depth across all four events.

For DU, depth continues to be the watch word, with a relatively small squad and some event limitations to work around.  Injuries will thus be key, with VT, FX and even UB potentially being an issue.  DU is showing some big upgrades on VT and FX in preseason training, and if these make it into competition, they'll be able to more effectively challenge the top seven teams, and more easily hold their own in the Top 10.     


 

 

 9.  Nebraska

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  17/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX 
Head Coach: Dan Kendig
Associate Head Coach:  Heather Brink
Assistant:  Chris Brooks
Returning Starters (7):  Danielle Breen (Sr), Sienna Crouse (Jr), Abbie Epperson (Sr), Sierra Hassel (So), Taylor Houchin (So/I), Megan Schweihofer (Jr), Grace Williams (Sr) 
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Kelli Chung (Jr), Catelyn Orel (RS So/I)
Graduated (2):  Jennie Laeng, Ashley Lambert
Other Losses (4):  Alexa Clark (So/?), Megan Kuo (Jr/?), Laura Oh (So/?), Kami Shows (Jr/?)
Newcomers (7):  Makayla Curtis (Fr), Anika Dujakovich (Fr),  Karley Hutchinson (Fr), Torri Hutchinson (Fr), Kynsee Roby (Fr), Rachel Thompson (Fr), Megan Verceles Carr (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Nebraska placed 7th last year, just missing the Super Six.  They return 17 of 24 routines from last year's Semi Final appearance, and welcome seven newcomers.  The Huskers lost six athletes, however, including top graduated athletes Jennie Laeng and Ashley Lambert.  These two All Big Ten performers produced end of the lineup type of routines on several events.  The returning Huskers will be lead by junior Sienna Crouse and sophomore Taylor Houchin, both AAers.  Crouse made All American on VT last season, upgrading to a Yurchenko 1 1/2 while Houchin was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.  Seniors Dani Breen and Grace Williams along with junior Megan Schweihofer are also key contributors, giving NU a solid core of five gymnasts.  Unfortunately, Houchin has reportedly been sidelined with a knee injury, leaving her status up in the air.  Nebraska will also welcome the return of Catelyn Orel, a standout as a frosh who was injured last season.  

The seven Husker frosh are led by Kynsee Roby, a former jr. international elite and a 2015 JO National BB champion.  Unfortunately, she's also on the road back from an injury.  Instead, early on the Huskers will look to Makayla Curtis, Anika Dujakovich, Karley and Torri Hutchinson, Megan Verceles Carr and Rachel Thompson for immediate impact.  Verceles Carr, a L10 from West Valley, is coming off a big JO season where she tied for 3rd on BB and placed 8th in the AA at the 2017 L10 Nationals.  Head Coach Dan Kendig has a long history of producing top athletes from his recruits, and we'll see which of these seven emerges are future impact athletes.  

Nebraska's coaching staff has excelled in getting the most out of their lineups.  This year, they now have a veteran crew that can complete most of the lineups.  Keeping the key gymnasts healthy will be a key, while getting breakthrough performances from the frosh will come as an upside.  The team lost a little star power in their departed seniors, but there now is an opportunity for others to step forward.    

 

 10.  Kentucky Wildcats

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Assistants: Chuck Dickerson, Rachel Garrison
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Routines Gone:  0 VT, 0 UB, 0 BB, 0 FX
Returning Starters (10): Katie Carlisle (Sr), Danaea Davis (Jr), Katrina Coca (Jr), Sidney Dukes (Jr), Alex Hyland (Jr), Mollie Korth (So), Hailey Poland (So), Aubree Rosa (Sr), Cori Rechenmacher (Sr), Katie Stuart (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Erynne Allen (So/I), Alaina Kwan (So)
Graduated (0):   N/A
Other Losses (4):  Tatiana Bunch (So/?), Bailey Stehler (So/?), Marisa Varrone (So/?), Sydney Waltz (Sr/I/R)
Newcomers (6):  Madison Averett (So), Mackenzie Harman (Fr), Katherine Marianos (Fr), Megan Monfredi (Fr), Allison Snyder (Fr), Ella Warren (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  A few years ago UK was an inexperienced squad that overachieved with clean and consistent gymnastics.  Now they are a veteran crew looking to upgrade their lineups in order to burst through to Nationals.  They missed out last season, edged out by host Washington, but they clearly have Nationals in their sights this season.  They return 24 of 24 routines, with most of their squad intact, except for the injury retirement of former star Sydney Waltz.  Super soph Mollie Korth, an All American and the 2017 SEC Freshman of the Year, returns to lead the Wildcats.  With a solid pike full-in on FX and Yurchenko 1 1/2, she can bring in the big 9.9+ scores that can give a team an edge over others.  Supporting her once again will be junior AAers Sidney Dukes and Alex Hyland, both former All-Americans.  Capably supporting this trio of AA standouts is a bevy of talented specialists, plus AAer Katie Stuart.  UK will also look to get expanded contributions from their other sophomores, including the powerful Erynne Allen and former elite Alaina Kwan.  These two could make a critical difference, if they can return strongly. 

The Wildcats also welcome six frosh newcomers, who look to add depth and bolster the UK lineups.  Kentucky also just added Ella Warren to the squad, an early high school graduate (like Korth was last season).  Warren, a L10 from Florida Elite, is coming off a 12th(t) AA finish at the 2017 L10 Junior Olympic Nationals.  She also placed 3rd on BB (side aerial to bhs series) and tied for 8th on VT (Yurchenko Full).  She has beautiful lines and clean execution, and will bolster an already strong UK beam lineup.       

Kentucky just missed a spot at Nationals after a tremendous and historic regular season.  This season they'll look to continue their momentum and break through to Nationals.  To make that task easier, they'll need to continue to work their details on UB and to increase their difficulty on FX, in order to close the gap on the Top 10 teams.

 

 11.  Cal Bears

Official Web Site:   Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Justin Howell
Associate Head Coach:  Elizabeth Crandall
Starting Routines Returning: 11/24
Routines Gone:  4 VT, 2 UB, 3 BB, 4 FX
Returning Starters (5):  Allicia Gallarzo (Sr), Ariana Robinson (Sr), Chelsea Shu (Jr), Sofie Seilnacht (Jr), Yuleen Sternberg (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Cassidy Keelen (So/I), Racheal Mastrangelo (So), Sylvie Seilnacht (Jr/I), Toni-Ann Williams (Sr/I)
Graduated (8):  Isabelle Castillo, Zoe Draghi, Dana Ho, Jessica Howe, Charlie Owens, Desiree Palomores, Emily Richardson, Amber Takara
Other Losses (3):  Alexandra Dudschus (So/R/Manager), Emily Howe (So/R/Manager), Mariah Peterson (So/?)
Newcomers (5):  Kyana George (Fr), Alma Kuc (Fr), Maleah Pearson (Fr), Victoria Salem (Fr/I), Nina Schank (Fr), Emi Watterson

Quick Assessment:  Cal returns in 2018 missing a remarkable 11 gymnasts from their 2017 squad.  They return just 11 starting routines from last year's injury-plagued squad, including eight graduated gymnasts.  The return of star Toni-Ann Williams, a 2016 Olympian and top sophomore Cassidy Keelen looms large in the Bear's fortunes in 2018.  Williams is returning from an Achilles' tear but is already tumbling a double layout and showing upgrades on UB.  Besides that talented pair, Cal will look to senior Ariana Robinson and juniors Sofie and Sylvie Seilnacht to post key scores in their events.  Robinson's pike Ilg on vault is always a highlight and her FX (double Arabian) will pull down solid scores on what was Cal's weakest event.  Senior Yuleen Sternberg is also looking strong in training, showing top difficulty on UB, and junior Chelsea Shu looks to be a lineup fixture on UB and BB.

For Cal, however, 2018 is already all about the frosh.  Their transition and ability to adapt to NCAA competition will tell how far Cal is able to rise.  Leading the way is Kyana George, a L10 from Metroplex who is a three-time JO National Team member.  She is already showing AA potential in the preseason.  Alma Kuc competed as an elite for Poland, but trained at All Olympia in Southern California  She has a great selection of skills on UB and beautiful lines and toepoint.  Nina Schank is a local L10 from the Head over Heels club and another UB ace.  She won the 2017 L10 JO National UB title, but also placed 9th AA.  Joining the Bears in January will be Australian elite Emi Watterson.  She has clean lines and beautiful form and another gymnast who excels on UB.  Unfortunately, L10 Victoria Salem, a 2016 JO National champ on BB, is still recovering from an injury.

Cal's depth and lack of experience are the biggest question marks entering the season.  The nine returning athletes do cover most of the events, but not optimally, so it will take some immediate impact from the frosh in order to elevate Cal back into contention for a spot at Nationals.  Injuries and injury management will be key, especially on FX.      

 

 12.  Oregon State Beavers

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 9/24
Routines Gone:  3 VT, 3 UB, 4 BB, 5 FX
Head Coach: Tanya Chaplin
Associate Head Coach:  Mike Chaplin
Assistant:  Brian Amato
Returning Starters (6):  Marianna Colussi-Pelaez (Jr), Dani Dessaints (Sr), Sabrina Gill (So), Mary Jacobsen (Jr), Isis Lowery (So), McKenna Singley (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Halli Briscoe (So), Destinee Davis (So), Lena Greene (So), Shireen Khamedoost (Sr), Jaime Law (So), Maela Lazaro (So), Alyssa Minyard (So)
Graduated (6):   Erika Aufiero, Silvia Colussi-Pelaez, Maddie Gardiner, Megan Jimenez, Kaytianna McMillan, Taylor Ricci
Other Losses (1):  Kaitlin Campbell (So/?)
Newcomers (6):  Lacy Dagen (Jr/TR/Florida), Savanna Force (Fr), Lexie Gonzales (Fr), Niya Mack (Fr), Colette Yamaoka (Fr), Kaitlyn Yanish (Fr) 


Quick Assessment:   Oregon State loses 15 routines (5 on FX alone!) from 6 different gymnasts from last year's squad, including iconic Beaver AAers and All-Americans Maddie Gardiner and Kaytianna McMillan, plus All-Americans Silvia Colussi-Pelaez and Erika Aufiero.  The Beavers return just nine competing routines, led by senior Dani Dessaint, a former Pac 12 co-champ on VT and junior Mary Jacobsen, an All Pac-12 2nd Team member on Vault.  They'll form the core of the Oregon State squad for 2018, giving key potential 10.0 Start Value (SV) vaults and leadership and consistency throughout.  Coach Chaplin will also look to have step up performances from their sophomores, especially Sabrina Gill and Isis Lowery. Gill has competed in all four events (but showed only three at the recent exhibition meet) and Lowery could contribute in two to three.  Juniors McKenna Singley could also be a key, as she was limited by a preseason injury in 2017.  The Beavers will also need to have more contributions from their sophomores, with Destinee Davis and Maela Lazaro looking strongest in the preseason exhibition.  All told, 13 of 16 roster members competed at the preseason exhibition, a promising start as the Beavers refine their lineups.    

Oregon State welcomes six frosh, and they'll be depended upon from the start.  Heading the way will be Kaitlyn Yanish, a L10 from Arizona Dynamics and a two-time JO National Team member.  With a double layout on FX and an upgraded Yurchenko 1 1/2 in the works, she'll be a major force on three events (her UB is not yet "up to the level" for NCAA).  Also looking strong in preseason training is Savanna Force, with a full-in on FX.  L10s Lexie Gonazales and Niya Mack will also look to lend depth on key events as specialists.  Florida transfer Lacy Dagen is recovering from an injury and did not compete at the recent Orange and Black meet, and is targeted UB/BB upon her return.   

To return to Nationals, the Beavers will need step-up performances from their non-competing returnees and for their frosh to quickly adapt to NCAA competition.  Injuries and the resulting depth will be key.  The Beavers have a combination of top level skills and talent, with some big routines on every event.  However, they also have some gaps in depth that will be challenging to bridge without some step up performances from the rest of the squad. 

 

Teams #13 to #25

Intro

 

Key to the Tables:

 

Ranking: By 2018 Preseason Coaches' Poll

Coaches: Only regular, paid coaches are listed.

Starting Routines: Defined by starting lineup in last meet of the post season.
Returning Starters:
Defined by starting lineup in last competition
Year in School:
(Is listed as reported on the school's roster)

Fr = Freshman
So = Sophomore
Jr = Junior
Sr = Senior

Status Codes for Returners:

I = major season ending injury in 2017 or preseason 2017-2018
R = retirement/not competing (for any other reason than transfer or injury)
TR = Transfer
RS = Redshirt (note:  not all eligible gymnasts will employ or are awarded a redshirt year)
?=unconfirmed/unknown information

Saturday, 14 October 2017 16:31

2018 Top 25 Capsule Previews

The season is right around the corner, and with the new year, a new set of capsule Season Previews of the Top 25, as ranked by the Coaches' Preseason Poll.  In each Preview, we've summarized the team's returning routines, their missing routines, the returning starters and the rest of their roster, including their newcomers.  We'll also give a brief overview preview of each squad.  

Friday, 14 July 2017 23:29

2022-2023 Commits

The table below lists Women's commits and signings for incoming frosh for the 2022-2023 school year, consisting mainly of 2022 high school graduates.  Men's commits are in the Men's section.  Please see the information at the bottom of the page for important explanations about this page.  Scholarship counts in BOLD RED are based on our survey conducted in the July of 2021.  Scholarship counts in BOLD PURPLE are based on our survey of coaches conducted in July of 2020.  Scholarship counts in BOLD BLUE are based on our survey of coaches conducted in July of 2019.  Prospective student-athletes should contact each school to get the latest updates.  Coaches, please check your email for the latest survey or call or contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Submissions: Site submissions of commits and other news items can be made to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by using the contact form.  Press Releases and other signed statements can be FAXed to (415) 873-1523 or sent via regular post.  See the contact page for more information.

Responses in italics and other colors are estimates made by CollegeGymFans.com or are from the prior year's survey.  N/A indicates that no athletic-based aid is offered.

2021-2022 Commits are now in Newcomers

Updated: 05/11/22

College or University

# Available for incoming '22-'23 (total/remaining)

 
Air Force
All appointments include
scholarships

Chelsea Boyer, Docksiders, L10
Madison Carlisle, WCC, L10
Kylee Green, Bartlesville Conoco-Phillips, L10
Riley Henderson, Crenshaw, L10
Brenna Mills, Virginia Techniques, L10
Janie Ottenbreit, Olympia Gymnastics Academy, L10
Grace Willis, Crystal Lake, L10
Emily Wisehart, Gold Medal, L10

Alabama; release

5 to 6? / 0

Rachel Rybicki, Olympia, L10
Gabrielle Gladieux, High Point, L10
Karis German, World Champions Center, jr. international elite
Zoe Gravier, First State, L10
Lillian Lewis, San Mateo, jr. elite
Lauren Little, Everest, jr. elite

Alaska

0 to 2 / 0

Avalon Angell, Desert Lights, L10
Ari DeSouza, Dream Extreme, L10
Madelyn Gomez, Gym Xtreme, L10
Jada Niles, Manjak's, Canada, L10
Breann Spain, Pantheon, L10

Arizona; release

 

Gianna Lenczner, Salto, L10
Jordan Schulz, LaFleur's, L10
Sophia Stephens, WOGA, L10

Emma Strom, Premier, L10

Arizona State; release; release 2

 

McClain Daigle, WCC, L10
Bella Kowan, Shenderey Gymnastics, Canada L10
Kayla Lee, Arizona Sunrays, L10
Caroline Lichtman, West Coast Elite, L10
Kimberly Smith, Azarian, L10

Arkansas; release

 

Reese Drotar, Airborne, L10
Jamie Pratt, Hanover, L10
Morgan Price, Texas Dreams, L10
Cally Swaney, First in Flight, L10
Lauren Williams, Aspire, L10

Auburn; release

2 to 3 / 0

Olivia Greaves, World Champions Centre, sr. international elite
Hannah Haigle, Texas East, jr. elite/L10
Hailey John, Orlando Metro, L10

Ball State; release

 

Dilynn Blair, LaFleur's, L10
Kenna Geibel, Stallone, L10

Aislyn Labadie, Central Bucks, L10
Zoe Middleton, First State, L10
Olivia Rickle, Integrity, L10
Alauna Simms, Gymnastics Center of Chattanooga, L10
Karah Vargo, Golden City, L10
Leah White, Salcianu Elite, L10

Boise State; release

 2 to 3 / 0

Sarah Coghlan, Byers, L10
Anna Ferguson, Salcianu, L10
Kylee Hamby, Dynamo, L10
Sydney Kho, Charter Oak, L10
Sydney Leitch, Azarian, L10
Brantley Lucas, Georgia Elite, L10
Riley Shaffer, Mavericks, L10

Bowling Green

1 to 2 / 0

Megan Bingham, Champions, L10
Elise Brizoska, Central Bucks, L10
Charniya Brown, Let It Shine, L10
Maddy Coburn, Stallone, L10
Starr Ogilvie, Bull City, L10
Isabella Rivelli, Aspire, L10

Bridgeport (Div II)

 

Quinn Aiken, Leading Edge, L10
Hannah Barry, Sr TR back from Temple
Maggie Coyle, Liberty Bell
Xiomara Jennings, Ocean State, L10
Molly McAleavey, Precision Gymnastics, L10
Tierney Milliken, MEGA, L10
Emma Nance, Gymnastics & More
Taylor Rendina, ACE, L10
Lola Sepulveda, Apollo
Rian Thompkins, Georgia Elite, L10
Maddie Viles, Lake City Twisters
Skyler Vulchev, Royalty GTD, L10

Brown

N/A

Sophie Dewar, Compass, L10
Liza Marcus, Chelsea Piers, L10

Jessica Lin, Azarian, L10
Umi Elmammann, Connecticut Gymnastics, L10

BYU; release

 

Kylie Eaquinto, All American, L10
Elaina Greco, Brestyan's, L10
Madison Raesly-Patton, Denton, L10
Morgan Trevor, WOGA, L10, elite/L10

California, Berkeley (Cal); release

 

Ondine Achampong, British National Team; not in release
Miki Aderinto, Desert Devils, L10
Casey Brown, Head Over Heels, L10
eMjae Frazier, Parkettes, jr. international elite

California, Davis (UC Davis)

 

Sydney Buerk, Airborne, L10
Amelia Moneymaker, Gym Xtreme, L10
Jehaan Poonja, Gymnastics Olympia, L10

California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

 4 / 2

Ciena Alipio, Midwest, sr international elite
Selena Harris, Gymcats, L10

Central Michigan

 2 / 0

Luciana Alvarado, Costa Rica, Elite
Maddie Dukart, American Gold, L10
Juliet Horenziak, Perfection, L10

Cornell

N/A

Mikayla Burton, Newman, L10
Shaina Chen, Winner's, L10

MIchaela DeFrancisco, World Class, L10
Emily Joyce, Xtreme, L10
Morgan Shambo, Airborne, L10
Cami Whitaker, Aerial, L10

Denver; release

4 / 0

Mila Brusch, CGA, L10
Cecelia Cooley, Gotham Gymnastics, L10
Ava Mabanta, Denton, L10

Kiley Rorich, Southeastern, L10

Eastern Michigan

2 to 4 / 0 to 2

Ilyana King, Team Central, L10
Kyrie Lowe, Genie's, L10

Florida; release

 

Lori Brubach, RAD, L10
Kayla DiCello, Hill's, sr. international elite
Victoria Nguyen, JR TR from Georgia

George Washington

4 / 0

Kasey Burke, Gymstreet, L10
Jayda Freeman, World Class, L9
Madison McMullen, Georgia Elite, L10
Catherine O'Rourke, Yellow Jacket, 10
Deana Sherameta, Galaxy, L10

Georgia; release; release 2

 

Josie Angeny, GR transfer from Kentucky
Madelynn Crow, Georgia Elite, L10
Sidney Fitzgerald, C&C, L10
Naya Howard, Ocean Tumblers, L10
Nicole King, Bio Gymnastics, L10
Jacquie Moran, San Mateo, L10
Ariel Posen, First State, former jr. elite
JaFree Scott, GAGE, sr. international elite
Eryn Williams, Premier Athletics, L10

Illinois

 1 to 2 / 0

Alea Byrne, WOGA, L10
Tali Joelson, Cascade Elite, L10
Mya Migliore, Gymnastics Training Center, L10
Arielle Ward, Metroplex, L10
Emma White, Elite Gymnastics Academy, L10

Illinois-Chicago

 

 
Illinois State; release

3  / 0

Leah Davis, Team Central, L10
Nirel Bart-Williams, WOGA, L10
Makenzie Flutman, Flipstar, L10
Berta Pujadas Rusinol, Spain, elite
Joy Ziegenfelder, Sun Country, L10

Iowa

 

Hanna Castillo, American Twisters, L10
Avery Chambers, Balance Institute, L10
Emily Erb, Arena, L10
Bailey Libby, Iowa Gymnastics, L10
Gianna Masella, Tampa Bay Turners, L10
Karina Munoz, Head Over Heels, L10
Kaia Vanney, The Rise, L10

Iowa State

1 / 0

Morgan Engels, Emerge, L10
Reagan Loftis, Empire, L10
Maddie Manternach, Russell Gymnastics 4 Kids, L10
Maddy Matassa, Docksiders, L10

Kent State

4 / 0

Kennedy Bowen, Stallone, L10
Avery Compson, Buckeye, L10
Emma Masse, Aim High, L10
Nastia Rudnitskaya, Salto, L10
Mya Migliori, Gymnastix Training Center, L10
Heidi Schulz, LaFleur's, L10
Zoe Rankin, Center Elite, L10

Kentucky

 3 / 0

Bridget Borque, LaFleur's Tampa, L10
Samantha Forman, Elite Gymnastics Academy, L10
Logan Lombardi, All Stars, L10
Megan Sapp, Denton, L10
Claire Stippich, Salto, L10

Lindenwood

 0 to 1 / 0

Nya Kraus, GA Gymnastics, Canada/senior high performance
Samantha Krenzel, Fuzion, L10
Jonna Kirk, ACE, L10

Jaly Jones, Iowa Gym-Nest, L10
Kayla Toniolo, SCATS, L10


Long Island University (LIU)
1 to 3 / 0

Isabella Crane, Lakewood Ranch, L10
Alexa Henshaw, Galaxy, L10
AnnaLisa Page, Niagara Gymnastics, L10
Isabella Savino, Ace, L10
Kayla Toniolo, SCATS, L10 

LSU; release

 

Annie Beard, Texas Dreams, jr. international elite
Ashley Cowan, Bull City, L10
Bryce Wilson, Pearland Elite, L10

Maryland; release

 

Maddie Komoroski, Pittsburgh Northstars, L10
Maia Lee, Hill's, L10

Taylor Rech, Gymnastix, L10
Shani Sirota, Hotshot East, L10

Michigan; release

 

Lilly Clapper, Gym America, L10; not in release
Farah Lipetz, Infiniti Elite, L10
Kaylen Morgan, Legacy Elite, sr. international elite
Paige Thaxton, Michigan Elite, L10; not in release

Michigan State; release

5 / 0

Elle Beaufait, Olympia, L10
Sage Kellerman, All American Flames, L10
Stephanie Lebster, Champion, L10
Nikki Smith, Euro Stars, L10
Olivia Zsarmani, KPAC, L10

Minnesota; release

3 / 0

Reese Baechle, Olympia Chesterfield, L10
Seria Johnson, Gymanstix, L10
Sarah Moraw, Champion's, L10
Brooklyn Rowray, Chow's, L10
Megan Steensland, Legacy, L10

Missouri; release

2 / 0

Addison Lawrence, GAGE, L10
Mackenzie Patricelli, Midwest Elite, L10
Casandra Poddig, St. Louis Gym Centre, L10
Courtney Woods, Missouri Valley, L10

Nebraska; release

 

Csenge Bacskay, Hungary, elite
Katelyn Barth, American Gold, L10
Emalee Frost, Let It Shine, L10
Lauren Homecillo, Omaha, L10
Annie Worley, Olympia Gymnastics Academy, L10

New Hampshire; release

3 / 0

Chiara Altofer, Switzerland, Elite
Riley Himes, Orlando Metro, L10
Leah Moreno, Sonshine, L10
Samantha Nokes, National Elite, L10
Tessa Sutton, Rochester, L10

North Carolina; release

 4 / 0

Gwen Fink, Southeastern, L10
Kaya Forbes, Peak Athletic Center, L10
Paige Prejean, Woodlands, L10
Taylor Schulze,So TR from Brown
Amy Wozniak, Legacy Elite, L10

North Carolina State; release

2 / 0

Meg Adler, Bull City, L10
Kailee Adomaites, Apex Athletics, L10
Ekaterina Edwards,National Capital Training Center, L10
Sofia Obregon, JamJev, L10
Madeline Reid, Lake Murray, L10

Northern Illinois

 

Sami DiFrabrizio, Surgent's, L10
Hannah Drielick, LaFleur's Tampa, L10
Samantha Nickle, World Class, L10

Kiera O'Shea, All Around, L10

Ohio State; release

 3 / 0

Mallory Gregory, Brandy Johnson's, L10
Payton Harris, M&M, L10

Kaylyn Mintz, Superior, L10
Ella Robins, World Champions Centre, L10
Emma Wehry, Stallone, L10

Oklahoma; release

3 / 1

Ava Siegfeldt, World Class, jr. international elite
Faith Torrez, Legacy Elite, L10/sr. international elite

Oregon State; release

 4 / 0

Francesca Caso, AOGC, L10
Jennifer McMillan, Southeastern, L10
Savannah Miller, Michigan Elite, L10
Ellie Weaver, Naydenov, L10

Penn;

 

Skye Kerico, Arena, L10
Marissa Lassiter, Unique Sports Academy, L10
Carly Oniki, San Mateo, L10
Alyssa Rosen, All Stars, L10
Alisha Werlen, Arena, L10
Samantha Wu, West Valley, L10

Penn State; release

 2 / 0

Amani Herring, North Stars, L10
Katie Leary, Parkettes, L10; not in release
Ava Piedrahita, Hill's, L10

Pittsburgh; release

 

Carla Ferzoco, Elite Gymnastics Academy, L10
Reyna Garvey, Pittsburgh Northstars, L10
Lucia Jakab, Okanagan, L10
Trinity Munsisoumang, Classic, L10
Natalia Pawlak, Aerial, L10
Emily Todd, Great Britain, elite; not in release
Jillian Zitcovich, Pitt Northstars, L10

Rutgers;

 3 to 4 / 0

Nailah Adams, Pearland Elite, L10
Gabrielle Dildy, Excalibur, L10
Renee Figueroa, ENA Paramus, L10
Elliot Goldsmith, Gymnastics Center of Chattanooga, L10
Lainey Link, Infiniti, L10
Valentina Lorente-Garcia, Excalibur, L10

Innocent Mensah, Sportsplex, L10
Harmony Webster, Georgia Elite, L10

San Jose State; release

 

Kyra Cato, Calgary Gym Centre, Sr. High Performance

Sacramento State;

3 / 1

Kara Houghton, CGI, L10
Rylin Zimmerman, Dynamic, L10

Southern Connecticut State (Div II)

 

Mia Damiano, Galaxy, L10
Lenee Dimkin, Shenderey Gymnastics Institute, Canada L10
Ava Kelly, Rock, L10

Madison Richman, Gymnastics Olympica, L10
Abby Royer, Silvia's, L10
Sarah Shaffer, BIO, L10

Southern Utah; release

 

Trista Goodman, Salcianu Elite, former jr. elite/L10
Kauri Hunsaker, Desert Lights, L10
Kennedi McClain, Olympus, L10
Camry Miller, Barefoot, L10

Olivia "Liv" Orlando, North Stars, L10
Kayla Pardue, 5280 Gymnastics, L10
Ellie Thomson, Cache Elite, L10

Southeast Missouri; release

2 / 0

Sydney Crouch, American Twisters, L10
Kailyn Hamilton, Gold Medal, L10
Taylor Ingle, Texas Dreams, L10
Ailey Kuehn, TAGS, L10
Charniya Miller, Fuzion, L10
Lily Pierson, Lakewood Ranch, L10

Stanford; release

 

Ashley Carter, Charter Oak, L10
Claire Dean, East Bay, L10/former jr. elite
Taralyn Nguyen, Technique, L10
Anna Roberts, Metropolitan, L10
Ava Sorrento, Gemini, Canada Sr. High Performance/Elite
Porsche Trinidad, Airborne, L10

Temple; release

 4 / 1

Charlie Behner, BIO Gymnastics, L10
Reese DeHaan, Tampa Bay, L10
Madisson Elmore, Starlight, L10
Ashley Glynn, Stallone, L10
Angelina Hogan, WOGA, L10
Cloe Martineau, Unigym Gatineau, Canada Sr. High Performance
Amanda Scheuerman, Action, L10

Texas Woman's (Div II); release

4 partials / 0

Brooke Ferrari, Airborne (CO), L10
Rubylyn Goad, Newnan, L10
Allison Landry, Pearland Elite, L10
Kamille Zarlengo, Incline, L10

Towson;

3 / 0

Polina Belanovski, Swiss Turners, L10
Carmella Calafati, Sylvia's, L10
Allie Clophus, Olympus, L10
Lauren Green, Apex, L10
Adriana Hoffman, Virginia Techniques, L10
Celia Trotter, Let It Shine, L10
Isabella Minervini, Gymnastics Unlimited, L10

Utah; release; release 2

 

Sarah Krump, Brown's Las Vegas, L10
Makenna Smith, Gold Cup, L10

Utah State;

1 - 2 / 0 to 1

Avery Bibbey, USA Youth Fitness Center, L10
Jordynn Cromartie, WCC, L10

Washington; release

4 to 5 / 0

Emily Innes Gymkhana, L10
Thu Nguyen, Wildfore, L10
Olivia Oppegard, SCATS, L10
Emma Schrady, Flips USA, L10

Lilly Tubbs, Acrotex, L10
Caitlin McWilliams, Incline, L10


West Chester

Cami Joyce, Pittsburgh Northstars, L10
Macarthy Keane, John's Academy, L10
Melina Ringas, Virginia International Gymnastics, L10

 

Western Michigan; release

2 / 1

Makenna King, Phenom, L10
Brenna Woodruff, All Courts, L10

West Virginia; release

Possibly/Will Vary

Kaia Bochow, Airborne, L10
Serena Clue, JAG, L10
Brooke Irwin, Airborne (CO), L10
Carlee Nelson, Gymniks, L10
Olivia Pitzer, Skyline, L10
Ellie Sigman, Team Central, L10
Miranda Smith, Valley, L10
Emma Wehry, Stallone, L10

William and Mary

 

Hannah Burke, Capital, L10
Ascha Laird, AJS Pancott, L10
Michelle Ngo, Elevate, L10

Brynn Vetrano South Shore, L10
Lily Walker, Gold Medal, L10

Yale;

N/A

Megan Brueck, Queent City, L10
Meredith Donovan, Balance Institute, L10

Lauren Holt, Gymnastics Training Center Rochester, L10
Gianna Sabatini, United Sports Academy, L10
Hana Strause San Mateo, L10

Submissions: Site submissions of commits and news items can be made to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by using this form.  Official Press Releases and other signed statements can be FAXed to (415) 873-1523 or sent via regular post.  See the contact page for more information.

Important Definitions: Items in italics will be considered verbal commit "rumors", until a signing or intent to attend is publicly confirmed. However, many of these "rumors" may have actually been submitted by the gymnast, their family, or club. For consistency, the site will continue to be updated as information becomes public. Where available, links are provided to press releases, web sites, and newspaper articles.  Please note due to NCAA regulations, we are unable to confirm a commit directly with the athlete.  However, the athlete is free to publicly state their intentions.  The college may only confirm the signing after the National Letter of Intent has been received.  Information on recruiting dates, calendars and rules are available in FAQ section of this site.

Other Policies:

Please see the FAQ section of this site for a further explanation of the policies for this site.

Please note some colleges listed below do not offer non-need based aid or do so only on a limited basis.  Some colleges offer partials, and others have other non-athletic scholarships available.  Only Div I and II colleges are listed.

Walkons will only be listed until after May 1st of each recruiting year, unless a confirmation is received and only then the athlete's name will still remain italicized.  Please note that walkon status is not always known, even when rosters are published.  Also, some schools do not finalize rosters until after Fall training has begun.  Also, an intended walkon may change her plans.

COACHES: You may submit a "total" scholarship count to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the number provided. 

 

Page 3 of 26