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Saturday, 29 April 2017 16:18

2021-2022 Newcomers

The table below lists Women's commits and signings for incoming frosh for the 2021-2022 school year, consisting mainly of 2021 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 PURPLE are based on our survey of coaches in July of 2020.  Scholarship counts in BOLD BLUE are based on our survey of coaches in June of 2019.  Scholarship counts in BOLD GREEN are based on our survey of coaches in June of 2018.  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:  12/29/21

College or University

# Available for incoming '21-'22 (total/remaining)

 
Air Force; roster
All appointments include
scholarships

Genevieve Sabado-Baez, Charter Oak Gliders, L10
Velandra Brochi, Platinum, L10
Abby Halasi-Kun, Suffield, L9
Ashley Hay, Mavericks, L10
Alexa Kabat, Precizion 509, L10
Maddie Kinsey, Perfect Balance, L10
Ayla Mckean, Atlanta GTC, L10
Gabriella Meccia, Paramount Elite, L10
Tessa Volpe, Pearland Elite, L10
Leilani Zander, Aerial Athletics, L10

Alabama; release; release 2roster

 3 to 4 / 0

Corinne Bunagan, ENA Gymnastics, L10/elite
Audrey Evans, Everest, L10
Lilly Hudson, Florida Elite Gymnastics, elite
Jordyn Paradise, LaFleur's, L10

Alaska; releaseroster

3 / 0

Shannon Farrell, Fr transfer from SCSU
Hayley Perkins, Adrenaline, Canada L10
Maylen Mulliam, Georgia Elite, L10
Sydney Thomas-Lutchmedial, Nina's, L10

Arizona; release; release 2; roster

 

Alysen Fears, SCEGA, L10
Elizabeth LaRusso, Gymcats, L10

Emily Mueller, Sonshine, L10

Arizona State; releaseroster

 

Mallory Marcheli, Champions Gymnastics, L10
Alexandra Theodorou, Desert Lights, L10

Arkansas; release; release 2roster

4 / 0

Kalyxta Gamiao, HITs, L10
Madelynn Jones, Southeastern, L10
Frankie Price, Texas Dreams, L10
Makenzie Sedlacek, IGI, L10
Leah Smith, World Champions Centre, L10
Cami Weaver, Legacy, L10

Auburn; release;  release 2; roster

  4 to 5 / 0

Ananda Brown, Gymnastix Training Center, L10
Sophia Groth, Chow's, L10
Sara Hubbard, Arizona Sunrays, L10

Sunisa Lee, Midwest, jr.international elite
Caroline Leonard, Mountain Brook, L10

Ball State; releaseroster

 

Cailene Afalla, Atlanta North Stars, L10
Erica Cooper, Premier, L10
Arianna Gilley, JPAC, L10

Grace Sumner, JPAC, L10

Boise State; releaseroster

 3 to 4 / 0 to 1

Emma Loyim, North Stars, L10
Elaina McGovern, Legacy, L10
Blake Pascal, Silvia's, L10

Alyssa Vulaj, Wildfire, L10

Bowling Green; releaseroster

3 / 0

Kaylie Bokey, Gymniks, L10
Lexi Bornhorn, Perfection, L10
Emily Castiglia, North Stars, L10
Kennady Kreinbrink, Gym America, L10
Baylie Lawrence, Universal, L10
Brooke McNamara, Head over Heels, l10
Katrina Mendez Abolnik GMS, L10,
Dahlia Solorzano-Caruso, Jr. transfer from SEMO

Natalie Stauch, World Class, L10
Kathryn Weilbacher, Champions, L10

Bridgeport (Div II)

 

Alyssa Wiggins, Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta, L10

Brown; releaseroster

N/A

Julia Bedell, Brestyan's, L10Maya Davis, Gotham, L10
Maya Davis, Gotham, L10
Adelaide Liebhardt, National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics, L10
Taylor Schulze, Aerial, L10
Sophia Sokolowsky, World Class, L10

BYU; roster

 

Sophie Dudley, WOGA, L10
Melissa Earl, Barefoot, TR/Dixie State
Rebecca Leach, Texas Dreams, L10
Mina Margraf, World Champions Centre, L10
Olivia Matern, All American, L10
Eliza Miller, Perfection, L10
Heidi Schooley, All American, L10
Jazlyn Wood, SCEGA, L10

California, Berkeley (Cal); release; release 2roster

3 / 0

Ella Cesario, Legacy Elite, L10
Jordan Kane, Aim High, L10
Mya Lauzon, Metropolitan, L10
Abbey Scanlon, Legacy Elite, former jr. elite/L10
Madelyn Williams, San Mateo, jr. international elite/L10

California, Davis (UC Davis); release

 

Keanna Abraham, CCGI, L10
Allie Gard, Crenshaw Athletic Club, L10
Bella King, Bull City, L10
Athena Koehler, Redwood Empire, L10
Valerie Mostajo, North Bay, L10

Emily Pires, SoCal Gymnastics, L10
Megan Ray, South Coast, L10
Izabella Trejo, Airborne/Swedish National Team, Elite

California, Los Angeles (UCLA); releaseroster

 1 / 0

Jordan Chiles, World Champions Centre, sr. international elite, deferral from 2019
Mia Erdoes, Gotham Gymnastics, L10
Alexis Jeffrey, GAGE, jr. international elite

Emily Lee, West Valley, sr. international elite
Emma Malabuyo, Texas Dreams, elite; deferral from 2020
Katie McNamara,so, transfer from Washington
Ana Pandurariu, Gemini, sr. high performance; deferral from 2020

Central Michigan; releaseroster

3 / 0

Avah Anthes, Chalk Headz, L10
Alexis Garcia, Stars, L10
Grace Gorham, Perfection Gymnastics School, L10

Lia Kmieciak, Phenom, L10
Aleysia Kolyvanova, formerly Air Force

Ariana Light, Golden City, L10
Quinn Skrupa, Brandon Eagles, sr. high performance/elite Canada

Cornell; roster

N/A

Sydney Beers, Phoenix Gymanstics, L10
Sky Knox, Roth's Crosspoint, L10
Savannah Kokalay, Bay Valley, L10
Laura Mackenzie, Gold Star, L10
Kate Michelini, ENA, L10

Madison Sakalosky, Tampa Bay Turners, L10
Anthea Spirko, Daggett, L9

Maddie Wolf, Paramount Elite, L10

Denver; releaseroster

3 / 0

Emma Brown, transfer back from LIU
Mia Hebinck, Colorado Aerials, L10

Momoko Iwai, Texas Dreams, L10

Eastern Michigan; releaseroster

1 / 0

Gianna Antonio, Gym America, L10
Cassie Bergin, Apex, L10

Jade Blankenship, Bull City, L10
Ella Chemotti, Euro Stars, L10
Alana Fisher, Mountain Brook, L10

Emma Lewis, Ascend, L10
Mayleigh Vanderbeek, transfer from CMU

Florida; release; release 2; roster

 

Sloane Blakely, WOGA, jr. international elite
Bri Edwards, Gulf Coast, L10
Morgan Hurd, First State, jr. international elite; expected in January
Shilese Jones, Buckeye, sr. international elite; not on roster but committed
Riley McCusker, MG Elite, jr. international elite; deferral from 2020
Leanne Wong, GAGE, sr. international elite

George Washington;  roster

3 - 5 / 0

Rachel Katz, Perfect Balance, L10
Gabriela Lopez, Maverick, L10
Madison Steskal, MEGA, L10
Marlee York, Arizona Dynamics, L10
Sarah Zois, Docksider's, L10

Georgia; release; release 2; roster

 

Sarah Cohen, Hill's, L10
Maeve Hahn, First in Flight, elite
Riley Milbrandt, Legacy Elite, L10

Illinois; release; release 2

 3 to 4 / 0 to 1

Olivia Bowsman, BIG, L10
Makayla Green, Bright Gym Stars, L10
Katherine Klugman, Galaxy, L10
Ruthuja Nataraj, Connecticutt Gymnastics Academy, L10
Kiera Wai, Manjak's, Canada sr. high performance

Illinois State; roster

4 / 0

Julia Heiner, Docksiders, L10
Alana Laster, Southern Starz, L10

Jaye Mack, Xtreme, L10
Mya Robinson, Genie's, L10
Sara Wabi, Aspire, L10

Iowa; releaseroster

 

Alex Bradford, CGA, L10
Alexa Ebeling, Chow's, L10
Kamryn Martinez, Incline, L10
Marisa Rojas, Michigan Academy of Gymnastics, L10
Linda Zivat, So Transfer from MSU

Iowa State; release; release 2; roster

 

Josie Bergstrom, VIP, L10
Maddie Crosse, Naperville, L10
Marina Gonzalez, Spanish Olympic Team
Hannah Loyim, North Stars, L10
Emma Ricks, Jam Hops, L10
Sydney Saturnino, Italian National Team, elite
Rachel Wilke, Rochester, L10

Kent State; release; roster

2 / 0

Alyssa Guns, Hunt's, L10
Dakota Lee, Apex, L10
Cheyenne Pratola, Legacy Elite, L10
Brynne Tsipis, Bull City, L10
Grace Wehry, Stallone, L10

Kentucky; release; release 2roster

1 / 0

Jillian Procasky, Capital, L10
Annie Riegert, Perfection, L10
Lila Smith, Georgia Elite, L10
Makenzie Wilson, Premier Athletics, L10

Lindenwood (Div II); roster

 4 partial / 0

Hannah Appleget, Precision, L10
Trinity Caffey, World Class, L10
Kaylee Cooper, Aspire, L10
Payton Gatzlaff, Triad, L10
Michelle Reed, Team Central, L10
Carley Scott, Xtreme, L10

Long Island University (LIU); releaseroster

2 to 3 / 0 to 1

Madysen Bradley, Incline, L10
Karysn Foster, Pearland Elite, L10
Ilka Juk, Hungary National Team, elite
Kira Sanchez, Premier (CO), L10

LSU; releaseroster

 

Aleah Finnegan, GAGE, L10
Kaytlyn Johnson, Texas Dreams, jr. international elite
Tori Tatum, Twin City, elite

Maryland; release; roster

 

Lindsay Bacheler, Bull City, L10
Tasha Brozowski, Raleigh, L10
Athlyn Drage, Flips, L10
Josephine Kogler, Infiniti Elite, L10
Sierra Kondo, World Class, L10
Rhea LeBlanc, Massachusetts Gymnastics Center

Michigan; release; roster

 

Ashley Lane, Metroplex, L10
Abigael Vides, World Champions Centre, sr. international elite

Jacey Vore, JPAC, L10

Michigan State; release; release 2; roster

3 / 0

Lauren Hsu, Austin Elite, L10
Genna Lebster, Champion, L10
Katie Sawyer, Brestyan's, L10
Skyla Schulte, Phenom, L10
Gabrielle Stephen, MEGA, L10

Minnesota; release;  release 2roster

4 / 0

Alissa Fuelling, Just Gymnastics, L10
Marissa Jencks, All American (SD), L10
Lauren Pearl, Brestyan's, jr. international elite
Olivia Reed, Bull City, L10
Haley Tyson, Phenom, L10

Missouri; releaseroster

4 / 0

Amari Celestine, SCEGA, L10
Grace Anne Davis, Huntsville, L10
Victoria Gatzendorfer, Southeastern, L10
Alonna Kratzer, Top Notch, jr. international elite
Jocelyn Moore, Arena, L10
Alyssa Ojeda, Dynamo, L10

Nebraska; release; roster

 

Genesis Gibson, WOGA, L10/elite for Ecuador
Ayzhia Hall, Hopes and Dreams, L10
Katie Kuenemann, Texas East, L10

Halle Rourke, Nebraska School of Gymanstics, L10
Emma Simpton, Metroplex, L10
Emma Spence, Canadian National Team, elite
Savanah Warren, Incline, L10

New Hampshire; releaseroster

 2 / 0

Alyssa Beaulieu, Roots, L10
Gracy Mowers, Yellowjackets, L10
Summer Simpkins, Will-Moor, L10

North Carolina; release; roster

3 / 0

Jenna Cashman, Arena, L10
Lali Dekanoidze, Southeastern, L10

Julia Knower, Northshore, L10
Bella Miller, American Twisters, L10

Isabelle Schaefer, Everest, L10
Jayati Sridhar, Superior, L10

North Carolina State; releaseroster

 3 to 4/ 0 to 1

Peyton Childs, Sonshine, L10
Macy Jennings, Team Attraction, L10
Gabrielle Kistner, Grad TR from Bridgeport
Lucy Lehman, Phenom, L10
Hailey Merchant, Docksiders, L10

Lauren Rutherford, Roswell, L10
Brooke Smead, Sonshine, L10

Northern Illinois; roster

 

Alana Anderson, Aspire, L10
Jenna Blair, Stumpf's, L10
Emma Brkljacic, LaFleur's, L10
Emmalise Nock, Classic, L10
Isabella Sissi, Twin City Twisters, L10
Ellery Werner, Twin City, L10

Ohio State; release; roster

4 / 0

Stephanie Berger, Brestyan's, L10
Kaitlyn Grimes, BIG, L10
Jenna Hlavach, Rebounders, L10
Maddie Pike, Perfection, L10
Tory Vetter, Universal, L10

Oklahoma; releaseroster

 3 / 0

Jordan Bowers, Oklahoma, jr international elite
Caitin Kirkpatrick, Bart Connor, L10

Moorea Linker, LaFleur's Tampa, L10
Danielle Sievers, All American (SD), L10
Maddie Snook, Legacy Elite, L10
Amy Weir, GymQuarters, L10

Oregon State; releaseroster

3 / 0

Carley Beeman, CGI, L10
Natalie Briones, Carter's, L10
Karlie Chavez, CCGI, L10
Kaitlin Garcia, Mission Valley, L10
Phoebe Jakubczyk, Great Britain, elite
Lauren Letzsch, Tigar, L10

Trinity Pyle, Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta, L10
Brianna Yamamoto, HITS, L10

Penn; releaseroster

 

Emma Davies, GTC Georgia, L10
Isabella Garrett, Elite Gymnastics Academy, L10
Marigold Garrett, Elite Gymnastics Academy, L10
Zara Gazdak, Gotham, L10
Isabel Song, Will-Moor, L10
Olivia Van Horn, Silvia's

Penn State; releaseroster

4 / 0

Nikki Beckwith, Buckeye, L10
Anastasia Frank, Centre Elite, L10
Grace Harrell, CGA, L10
Jessie Johansen, NEGX, L10
Isabella Salcedo, Texas Dreams, L10
Elina Vihrova, Latvia, elite
Olivia Yarussi, Xquisite Gymnastics, L10

Pittsburgh; release; release 2; release 3; roster

 

Anahi Assadourian, Paramount Elite, L10
Kaleigh Cleveland, Colorado Aerials, L10
Hallie Copperwheat, Sapphire, UK elite
Jordyn Ewing, Halifax ALTA, Canadian elite
Hannah Ford, Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy, L10
Kendall Foy, Hotshots, L10
Erin Hutchinson, transfer from Pitt
Nancy Kiner, Wildfire, L10
Molly Rickey, St. Louis Gymn Centre, L10

Sidney Washington, Gym America, L10

Rutgers; roster

 3 / 0

Elia Aird, Orlando Metro, L10
Braydon Battavio, Starbound, L10
Isabella Hughes, High Point, L10
Maya Jones, Texas Best, L10
Jacqueline Manifold, Gold Cup, L10
Anna Paglioro, Head Over Heels NJ, L10
Mya Pringle, Orlando Metro, L10
Anna Yeakel, Parkettes, L10

San Jose State; release; roster

 3 / 0

Michaela Gentry, Edmond, L10
Trinity Johnson, SCEGA, L10
Sophia Konieczny, CGI, L10
Katherine Weyhmiller, Adrenaline, L10

Sacramento State; release; roster

 3 / 0

Elizabeth Crawford, Byers, L10
Simone Dumas-Guzman, transfer from SPU
Madison Farris, Dream Xtreme, L10
Grace Gilman, Emerald City, L10
Ruby Mach, Azarian, L10
Taija Wells, Auburn Gymnastics Center, L10

Southern Connecticut State (Div II); roster

 

Libby Allen, Let It Shine, L10
Audrey Arnold, TR/Bridgeport
Elena Bailey, Apollo, L10
Erica Beyer, Centre Elite, L10
Ava Boyd, TR/Bridgeport
Lexi Bracher, Capital, L10
Brooke Burkhart, GMS, L10
Emilia Diaz, Prestige, L10
Brianna Dorr, Top Flight, L10
Alex England, Aviator, L9
Makenna Fay, Gymnastics and More, L10
Delaney Fields, TR/SPU
Molly Froman, Georgia All-Stars, L10
Emily Kahl, TR/Bridgeport
Talia Kraus, RGA, L10
Angel Lee, Winner's, L10
Kamryn Leinheiser, TR/Bridgeport
Sara Ortiz, Galaxy, L10
Brianna Marriott, ASAP, L10
Alexa Melanson, Moncton BeausejourGymnos,
Sarah Moussa, Nastics, L9
Shreya Munshi, BIOS, L10
Sara Ortiz, Galaxy, L10
Ciana Rios, Star Bound, L10
Morgan Romeis, RGA, L10
Paige Scott, Atlanta North Stars, L10
Sidney Smith, TR/Bridgeport
Madi Tansowny, Calgary Gym Centre, Canada, L10
Sidney Wilson, Arena, L10
Megan Workman, World Elite, L10
Hannah Zebdi, TR/Bridgeport

Southern Utah; releaseroster

3 / 0

Ellie Cacciola, Elite Gymnastics and Cheer, L10
Taylor Gull, Nebo, L10
Summer Horsely, Cascade Elite West, L10
Isabella Neff, Black Diamond, L10

Katie Ours, Docksiders, L10
Madeline Tyau, HITS, L10
Jocelyn Wittwer, Barefoot, L10

Southeast Missouri; releaseroster

3 / 0

Madison Greene, Champion, L10
Janelle Lopez, Coast Elite, L10
Lindsay Ockler, Mismo, L10
Nyah Reader, World Class, L10

Stanford; releaseroster

 

Anapaula Gutierrez, Tigar, L10/Mexican National Team
Jimena Gutierrez, Tigar, L10/Mexican National Team
Breanna Neault, Precision, L10/former jr. elite
Katya Sander, Perfection, L10

Temple; roster

3 / 0

Jewel Clark, Gymnastix, L10
Maddy Dorunda, Johns Academy, L10
Anna Hill, ACPR Gymanstics, L10
Summer Ruskey, Hannover, L10
Sydney Siebert, Stallone, L10
Hannah Stallings, Raleigh, L10

Sarah Stallings, Raleigh, L10
Danae Williams, Silver Stars, L10

Texas Woman's (Div II); releaseroster

3 partials / 0

Emerson Adams, JAG, L10
AnnaKate Bickel, Let it Shine, L10
Delaney Bruns, Gymstars, L10
Lainey Hunt, World Champions Centre, L10

Siera Muns, Atlantic Coast, L10
Emily Six, Waxahachi Gymnastics, L10

Towson; releaseroster

 2 / 0

Mia Davis, North Stars, L10
Clara Hong, Pearland Elite, L10
Lauren Keener, Sonshine, L10
Stephanie Mecasu, Legacy Elite, L10
Felicia Poblete, TNT Elite, L10
Elise Tisler, Capital, L10

Utah; release;  release 2roster

 

Kara Eaker, GAGE, sr. international elite
Grace McCallum, Twin City, sr. international elite
Amelie Morgan, British Olympic Team, elite
Sage Thompson, All American, L10

Utah State; release; roster

 3 / 0

Molly Arnold, Twin City Twisters, L10
Trinity Brown, Docksider's, L10
Gabrielle (Brie) Clark, Planet Gymnastics, L10
Amari Evans, WOGA, L10
Danika Kirstine, Brown's Las Vegas, L10
Kielyn McCright, American Twisters, L10
Brooke Wilson, Metroplex, L10

Washington; release; roster

2 to 3 / 0

Ashley Blum, Cascade Elite West, L10
Kennedi Davis, Jr transfer from Arizona

Deiah-Marie Moody, Metroplex, former jr. international/L10
Lana Navarro, Charter Oak Gliders, L10

West Chester; roster

 

Caitlyn Allen, Harford, L10
Shannon Carroll, Gymnastics at Brentwood, L10
Jordan Coleman, Sportplex, L10
Natalie Marshall, Elite Gymnastics Academy, L10
Kristina Rodriguez, Westside, L10

Bridget Sullivan, Yellow Jackets, L10
Korryn Wingertsahn, Gymsport Athletic Center, L10

Western Michigan; roster

 2 / 0

Halle Faulkner, Gym America, L10
Molly Freeman, Branch, L10
Rylee Gallmeyer, Perfection, L10
Donna Roy, Rock Hill, L10

Cassie St. Clair, Aspire, L10
Allison Schaupp, Crystal Lake, L10
Abby Singh, Phenom, L10
Gigi Singh, Phenom, L10
Margo Van Linden, Belgium, elite

West Virginia; release; roster

1 / 0

Brooke Alban, Frederick, L10
Brynn Freehling, Connecticutt Gymnastics Academy, L10
Heidi Hartje, Frederick, L10
Anna Leigh, Classic, L10
Laura Soltis, Perfection, L10

William and Mary; roster

 

Catherine Bare, Chantilly, L10
Avery Bernier, Aim High, L10
Caroline Blatchford, Yellow Jackets, L10
Sophie Chandler, Gym America, L10
Anne Marie Kuebler, St Louis Gym Centre, L10
Sarah Kuper, Premier, L10
Katelyn Nels, Perfection, L10
Sarah Wozniak, Legacy Elite, L10

Yale; roster

 N/A

Oren Aviad, Connecticut, L10
Emma David, Infiniti Elite, L10
Nadia Drutau, Southeastern, L10
Claire Qu, Airborne Gymnastics, 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 contact the number on your surveys. 

Friday, 24 March 2017 20:34

2017 Superlatives

 Skills of Note in the 2017 Season (W)

The following is a listing of high level skills performed by women in the 2017 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.

We're about to start the 2017 season, and it's time for us to release our annual Ranking of Recruiting Classes.  We wait until January to release this ranking because the recruiting calendar now extends year round, and we're seeing an increasing number of teams get mid-year additions.  And once again, we're seeing some of the negative unfortunate consequences of early recruiting:  gymnasts are not signing to their original classes, some choose not to matriculate or other life changes intrude (including, unfortunately, injury).  This year's ranking has seen all of that and more, as places shifted with each new late signing or in one case, a deferral caused in part due to injury.   

Sunday, 11 December 2016 21:23

2017 Top 25 Capsule Previews

The 2-17 Capsule Previews for the Top 25 Women's Teams, as determined by the Preseason Coaches' Poll, are now available.  In each case, we have summarized the rosters and list of newcomers, and quickly summarized their prospects and challenges.  We're unveiling the first 12 today, and will follow up with teams ranked #13 to #25 shortly. 

Sunday, 11 December 2016 15:55

2017 Capsule Previews: Teams #1 to #12

Here's the first 12 teams in our Capsule Previews of our Top 25, based on the 2017 Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

 

 1.  Oklahoma Sooners

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Routines Gone:  3 VT, 2 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Assistants: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Returning Starters (7):  Natalie Brown (Jr), Chayse Capps (Sr), Stefani Catour (Jr), Ali Jackson (Jr), Charity Jones (Sr), Nicole Lehrmann (So), McKenzie Wofford (Sr) 
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Samantha Craus (Jr), Brenna Dowell (Jr), Reagan Hemry (Sr), Kara Lovan (Sr/I), Alex Marks (So), Megan Thompson (So), Nicole Turner (SR)
Graduated (3):  Keeley Kmiciak, Hunter Price, Haley Scaman
Other Losses (1):  Maile'ana Kanewa (I/R/Student Coach)
Newcomers (3):  Jade Degouveia (Fr), Maggie Nichols (Fr), Brehanna Showers (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  The defending National Champion Sooners lose three key members from their 2016 squad:  Keeley Kmieciak, Hunter Price, and Haley Scaman.  In particular, Kmieciak and Scaman were fixtures of the Sooner lineup.  Kmiciak was a first team All American in 2016 on the VT, FX, and AA, where she tied for 7th.  Scaman was the anchor (or #5) on VT and FX, a six-time All-American who was runner-up on FX in 2014.  Along with 2016 VT All-American Price, these three athletes comprised half the VT lineup and key routines on UB and FX.  In addition, VT/FX All-American Maile'ana Kanewa chose not to utilize her fifth redshirt season and is now a student coach.  The Sooners have not been known for their power vaulting and tumbling, and these losses hit in the wrong areas.   

Don't worry about the Preseason #1 Sooners.  All is not lost, however, as the Sooners welcome back a strong core led by Chayse Capps, a five-time 2016 All-American.  She was the National Runner-up in the AA in 2016 and is one of the early favorites for the AA title in 2017.  She's capably supported by 2016 All-Americans Natalie Brown (BB), AJ Jackson (VT, UB), Nicole Lehrmann (UB) and McKenzie Wofford (UB).  What's more, the Sooners are thrilled to welcome back Brenna Dowell, who took the year off to train for the World Championships and a shot at the Olympics.   Dowell is an instant boost to any lineup, but in particular on VT, UB, and FX.  

The Sooners further reload with a sensational frosh class, led by World Team Gold medalist Maggie Nichols.  WIth great lines and tremendous difficulty, she'll be battling for end of the lineup slots on every event.  Already in presason training she's showing that her beautiful execution and high skill level will translate beautifully to the NCAA, with a Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT, pike-full in on FX and Van Leeuwen on UB.  Not to be overlooked are Jade DeGouveia and Brehanna Showers.  DeGouveia is a 2015 JO National Team member and 2016 JO National qualifier.  She tested elite in 2015 and throws some big skills, including a double Arabian on FX.  Showers was a standout in the L10 ranks but was slowed down by injuries the last two years.  She was the L10 VT co-champ and JO National Team member back in 2013.  With great toepoint and excellent form, she's a L10 in the same vein as some of the past Sooner greats. 

OU will definitely be among the favorites to win yet another National title, and they'll do it with their trademark clean gymnastics, consistency under pressure, great lines and creative choreography.  With Chayse Capps, Breanna Dowell and Maggie Nichols to lead the way, few teams will be able to keeps pace with the series of 9.9+ scores that will come.  They'll potentially sacrifice a tenth or 0.15 in start value on VT, but will look to make it up elsewhere with superior execution and an unflappable BB rotation.    

 

 2.  LSU Tigers

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 FX
Head Coach: D-D Breaux
Assistants: Jay Clark, Bob Moore
Returning Starters (9):  Julianna Cannamela (So), Sydney Ewing (Sr), Sarah Finnegan (So), Ashleigh Gnat (Sr), Myia Hambrick (Jr), McKenna Kelley (So), Erin Macadaeg (Jr), Lexie Priessman (So), Shae Zamardi (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Lauren Li (Jr), Kylie Moran (Jr) , Kaitlyn Szafranski (So)
Graduated (3):   Michelle Gauthier, Jessica Savona, Randii Wyrick
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (3):  Kennedi Edney (Fr), Ruby Harrold (Fr), Ashlyn Kirby (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  LSU finished just 0.2225 behind OU for last year's National title, edging SEC rivals Bama and UF.  They lose just four routines from that squad, including Jessica Savona and Randii Wyrick.  Savona was a key member of the FX lineup and was a first team All-American on the event in 2016 and 2014.  Wyrick was better known for her UB, where she was a first team All-American in 2013 and 2015, but she contributed key scores as part of the Tiger FX lineup in 2016.  

A strong LSU core should be able to absorb those losses and more.  They'll be led in 2016 by Ashley Gnat and Myia Hambrick, both potential AAers.  Gnat was a first team AA on VT and BB in 2016, and 2nd team on FX and the AA.  Hambrick showed marked improvement in 2016, earning 1st team All-American honors on FX and the AA, and 2nd team honors on VT and UB.  The third place finisher in the AA in 2016, she'll be among the favorites on the event in 2017, especially after upgrading her VT to a Yurchenko 1 1/2.  This (potential) AA pair will be capably challenged by a number of athletes.  Sophomores Sarah Finnegan, a 1st team AA on UB, and Lexie Priessman (2nd Team All-American on the UB) are both capable of contributing more in 2017, while seniors Sydney Ewing and Shae Zamardi, junior Erin Macadaeg and sophomores McKenna Kelley and Julianna Cannamela will all be returning starters.

With returnees like that, you might not need a strong incoming class, but fear not, the Tigers are loaded.  Olympian Ruby Harrold (UK) heads the class, with an incredible skill set to draw from, including a double-twisting Yurchenko on VT and unusual skills and incredible combinations on UB (Van Leeuwen to Zuchold release).  Classmate Kennedi Edney is a former elite and a 2014/2015 JO National AA champion from Southern California.  She made the JO National Team from 2013-2016, a remarkable string of consistency.  She has big E skills (plural) on FX and a flighty Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT.  The third member of the class, Ashlyn Kirby, is L10 from NC who tied for 10th AA at the 2015 JO Nationals.  She also tied for 12th AA in 2014. 

LSU has been building up to this moment this last several years and is ready to challenge for the title in 2017.  They have the experience, 5+ 10.0 Start Value (SV) vaults, big routines on UB, and tremendous tumbling.  If they do win, it will be through a high level of difficulty on VT and FX, and by staying clean and consistent on UB and BB.  Championships are often decided on BB, and this will be the key to the Tigers title hopes in 2017.  

 

 3.  Alabama Crimson Tide

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 FX
Head Coach:  Dana Duckworth
Associate Head Coach:  Brian Raschilla
Assistant:  Bill Lorenz
Returning Starters (9):
  Katie Bailey (Sr), Mackenzie Brannan (Jr), Jenna Bresette (So), Nickie Guerrero (Jr), Amanda Jetter (Sr), Keely McNeer (Sr), Mary Lillian Sanders (Sr), Aja Monet-Sims (Sr), Kiana Winston (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Abby Armbrecht (So), Angelina Giancroce (So), Ari Guerra (So), Jennie Loeb (Jr),  Mackenzie Valentin (Sr)  
Graduated (2):   Lauren Beers, Carley Sims
Other Losses (2):  Amanda Huang (TR/Ohio State), Avery Rickett (So)
Newcomers (5): 
Wynter Childers (Fr), Caitlin Cole (Fr), Madison Desch (Fr), Peyton Ernst (So/TR/Florida), Shea Mahoney (Fr)

Quick Assessment: 
Alabama finished just 0.0125 behind LSU for 3rd place at last year's National meet.  They return 20 out of 24 routines, and look set to challenge for the title once again in 2017.  Gone from that squad are two strong leaders:  Lauren Beers and Carley Sims.   Beers was a seven time All-American for the Tide, including 2nd team honors on VT in 2016.  Sims was a second team All-American on VT and FX in 2015, and was a key member of the Tide's FX lineup.  Both tumbled big double layouts, and leave an "E" sized hole in the floor ex lineups.

The Tide will be led in 2017 by juniors Mackenzie Brannan and Kiana Winston, and senior Katie Bailey, the 2016 NCAA VT champion.  Brannan is coming off a standout year that saw her earn All-American honors in the AA, VT and UB (2nd Team).  She has been slowed a bit in the preseason by injury.  Classmate Winston also earned All-American honors on FX and BB (2nd team) in 2016, fighting off injuries that have held back her considerable talent.   Bailey is a standout AAer who won 1st team All-American honor on VT and UB in 2016, and UB in 2015.  A large and deep squad will help the Tide easily absorb any losses from 2016.  In particular, seniors Amanda Jetter, Keely McNeer and Aja Monet-Sims looks set for standout final campaigns.  Bama also returns its entire BB lineup, which is a key advantage on an event where experience and consistency counts.  

To this strong returning lineup, the Tide depth further expands with five newcomers:  frosh Wynter Childers, Caitlin Cole, Madison Desch, and Shea Mahoney, plus transfer Peyton Ernst.  Desch is a former elite and US National Team member who was a part of the 2014 Gold Medal World Championships squad.  She also earned a silver medal in the AA at the Pan Am Games in 2015.  However, early in 2016 she retired from elite competition due to injuries.  Childers is a former elite qualifier and L10 standout.  In 2016, she won FX, tied for the BB title, and tied for sixth on VT at the Level 10 JO Nationals.  However, she did not finish the competition due to injury.  In 2015, she was the JO National champ in the AA and on VT and BB.  Mahoney is another former Level 10 standout, who missed part of last season with injury.  She was 7th AA at the 2015 JO Nationals, including a tie for 2nd on VT and 3rd on FX.  She was 3rd on BB and FX in 2014.  This frosh class offers plenty of potential, although a few question marks remain on their recovery from various injuries.  Childers and Desch have been shown training strongly during the preseason, with Mahoney still working her way back.  The same can be said of January transfer Peyton Ernst.  Ernst successfully competed BB for Florida last season, but was limited by injury.  She's add offseason surgery and it's not clear she'll be ready for the season.   

Bama has a strong and experienced core of gymnasts that will enable them to keep in the running for the National title in 2017.  To that, they add some potential frosh standouts.  Perhaps of all the contending teams, Bama has fewer choices for 10.0 start value vaults, even as they work to upgrade their vaults (the past potential is there, but injuries have played a factor).  Like OU, they'll rely on clean and consistent sets on BB and UB to stay in contention.         

 

 4. UCLA Bruins

Official Web SiteLink      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 2 UB, 3 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: Valerie Kondos Field
Associate Head Coach:  Chris Waller
Assistant: Randy Lane
Returning Starters (9):  Angi Cipra (Sr), Michaela Gerber (Sr), Napualani Hall (Jr), Janay Honest (Jr), Kateyln Ohashi (So), Madison Preston (So), Christine "Peng Peng" Lee (Sr), Sonya Meraz (Jr), Hallie Mossett (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3): Rechelle Dennis (Jr), Stella Savvidou (So), Macy Toronjo (So/I)
Graduated (3):  Sadiqua Bynum, Sophina DeJesus, Danusia Francis
Other Losses (3):   Matteah Brow (So/?), Melissa Metcalf (Jr/?), Nicki Shapiro (So/?)
Newcomers (9):  Maria Caire (Fr), Anna Glenn (Fr/I), Grace Glenn (Fr), Felicia Hano (Fr), Madison Kocian (Fr), Gracie Kramer (Fr), Giulianna Pino (Fr), Kyla Ross (Fr), Mercedez Sanchez (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  UCLA finished the season in fifth place last season, a strong finish to the season.  They lose 9 routines and six gymnasts from that squad, including key end-of-the lineup routines from Sadiqua Bynum, Sophina DeJesus and 2016 NCAA BB Co-Champion Danusia Francis.  Francis had a terrific final year, starting off with strong performance at the World Championships and ending with All-American honors on the BB.  Bynum was a second-team All American on FX in 2016 while DeJesus was a two-time 2nd team All American on UB.  The Bruins will also miss the services of beamer Nicki Shapiro.

The 2017 Bruins will be led by Christine "Peng-Peng" Lee and Katelyn Ohashi, plus a large crew of experienced returnees.  Ohashi capped off a strong debut campaign which saw her earn four Pac 12 Freshman of the Week honors.  The oft-injured Lee, a two-time 2nd team All-American, came back at the end of last season to give the Bruins a post-season boost.  The Bruins also return All Pac 12 FX team member Angi Cipra, NCAA Regional vault co-champ Madison Preston (slowed by a wrist injury), Pac 12 UB co-champ Janae Honest, and 2016 point leader Sonja Meraz.  Former elite Macy Toronjo, who sat out last season after shoulder surgery, could also provide a boost, but her recovery this fall has been slow. 

There are high expectations for the Bruins, both among their fans and the competing coaches, based on the Bruin's fantastic frosh class.  UCLA welcomes nine newcomers, headlined by Olympic Gold Medalists Madison Kocian and Kyla Ross.  Rarely does an NCAA squad gain a Gold Medalist, let alone two.  The Bruin faithful have high expectations for the pair, and both have looked strong in preseason training.  Ross has worked new sets, including a pike Omelianchik on VT, while Kocian is still in top form after her two medals at the Rio Olympics and the subsequent tour and press junkets.  Both are potential AA threats, although Coach Kondos has indicated that Kocian will likely sit out the vault due to her history of injuries.  UCLA also adds senior international elite Felicia Hano, who is looking strong in the preseason training and is slated for an AA slot.  She's a former L10 JO National Champion and US National Team member who competed at the 2014 Pan Am Games.  Adding to the depth are former jr. international elites and current L10s Anna and Grace Glenn.  Grace Glenn was a L10 JO National AA champ in 2014 who missed 2015 with an injury.  She returned in 2016, qualifying to Nationals and winning the Region 8 Regional AA title.  Her twin Anna missed 2016 with an injury but placed 6th AA and 2nd(t) on VT at the 2015 JO Nationals.  UCLA also welcomes Grace Kramer, a L10 with a Yurchenko 1 1/2 plus Maria Caire, Giulianna Pino and Mercedes Sanchez.

There are high expectations for the Bruins in 2016, with a sensational frosh class that provides both high scoring potential and plenty of depth.  However, the transition to college gymnastics is not always easy and many fine elite athletes have struggled with the transition.  This shouldn't be the case, and if the Bruins aren't in the running for a National title this year, they certainly will be in the mix for next season. 

         

 5.  Florida

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 13/24
Routines Gone:  3 VT, 3 UB, 3 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
Assistants: Adrian Burde, Owen Field
Returning Starters (4):  Kennedy Baker (Jr), Alicia Boren (So), Grace McLaughlin (Jr), Alex McMurtry (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Claire Boyce (Sr/I), Amanda Cheney (So), Lacy Dagen (So/I), Ashley Hiller (So)
Graduated (4):  Bridgette Caquatto, Morgan Frazier, Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto, Bridget Sloan
Other Losses (2):  Peyton Ernst (So/TR/Bama), Ericha Fassbender (Jr/?)
Newcomers (5):  Sierra Alexander (Fr), Maegan Chant (Fr), Rachel Gowey (Fr), Amelia Hundley (Fr), Rachel Slocum (Jr/TR/EMU)

Quick Assessment:  The loss of a gymnast the caliber of Bridget Sloan, a two-time NCAA AA Champion and nine-time NCAA Champion (3 teams), would be devasting to just about any team.  The Gators also graduated four-time All-American Bridgette Caquatto and All-SEC team member Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto.  Compounding the problems was the unexpected loss of key depth AAer Ericha Fassbender, who is no longer on the roster. But Florida is not just any team, and they've reloaded with one of the top incoming classes in the country.  The Gators will lose 11 routines in total from the 2016 squad, including three spots on the VT, UB and BB and return just four starters from their 2016 squad.   Unexpected off-season losses have decimated the corps of veterans, meaning they'll need step up performances from the newcomers and other returnees.

The 2017 Florida squad will be led by juniors Kennedy Baker and Alex McMurtry, along with sophomore Alicia Boren.  All three are potential AAers, altough the talent on the Gator squad may limit their events.  Baker is a five time All-American who was a 2nd team All American in the AA last year.  Classmate McMurtry has been looking strong in preseason training, popping a huge double twisting Yurchenko in her limited VT traiing.  She's a five time All-American as well, earning 2nd team honors in the AA last season.  Boren is another potentially AAer and an All-American on BB last season.  But, she's even better known for her explosive power on VT and FX.  The Gators will also look for increased contributions from the rest of the returnees, especially All American Claire Boyce, who missed last season due to a hip injury and former elite Lacy Dagen, who tore her ACL. The Gators should also see a boost from EMU transfer Rachel Slocum, who vaults a 10.0 SV pike front 1/2.

If the returnees are not ready to step up, the frosh certainly will be there to push the vets for lineup spots.  A trio of elites headline the class:  Maegan Chant, Rachel Gowey and Amelia Hundley.  While none of the three quite have the Gold Medal credentials of former World Champion Bridget Sloan, they should prove to quite the force in the NCAA.  Hundley is coming off a sensational year that saw her finish 9th at the Olympic trials.  With big skills (double layout on FX, double twisting Yurchenko) on all four events, she's a legitimate AA threat.  Classmate Gowey came back from injury in 2015 to excel in 2016.  She placed 11th in the Olympic Trials, and she excels on the UB and BB.  She's also quite capable on the FX and VT, and is another AA threat.  Not to be overlooked is Canadian Chant, who has a consistent 10.0 VT (Tsukahara layout full) and big E skills on FX (double layout).  

Once (and if) the newcomers adapt to collegiate competition, they'll make for a Gator squad that is potentially deeper and stronger than the 2016 edition.  While they don't have a Bridget Sloan, they have a number of athletes that are potential superstars in their own right.  Although the season opens with a few questions regarding depth on UB, the Gators have looked strong in training.  And, with increased difficulty on VT (6+ 10.0 SV vaults) and FX, this squad looks to be increasingly like the Florida teams of old -- which means, a National Title contender.    

 

 6.  Utah Utes

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule     Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 11/24
Routines Gone:  4 VT, 3 UB, 4 BB, 2 FX
Head Coaches: Tom Farden and Megan Marsden
Assistant: Meredith Paulicivic
Returning Starters (5):  Tiffani Lewis (Jr), MaKenna Merrell (So), Baely Rowe (Sr), Sabrina Schwab (So), Maddy Stover (Jr)  
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Kari Lee (Jr/I), Shannon McNatt (So), Erika Muhaw (So)
Graduated (3):  Kailah Delaney, Breanna Hughes, Kassandra Lopez
Other Losses (1):  Samantha Partyka (Jr/R)
Newcomers (4):  Missy Reinstadtler (Fr), Macey Roberts (So/TR/Maryland), Mykayla Skinner (Fr), Kim Tessen (Fr)

Quick Assessment: The Utes suffered some of the biggest offseason losses of the returning Top 12 teams, losing three athletes to graduation and another to an early retirement.  Kailah Delaney, Breanna Hughes, Kassandra Lopez and Samantha Partyka accounted for 13 of the Utes routines at the NCAA finals.  Hughes saved her best year for last, winning the Pac 12 AA title and the Regional AA title.  Lopez was a two-time All-American who earned first team honors on UB in 2016.  Delanay, like Lopez hampered at times by injury, was a three-time All Pac 12 team member on VT and an All-American.  And Partyka, a second team All-American on VT, was expected to be an All-Around force for the Utes in 2016.  These four also accounted for four of six VT scores and four of six BB scores.

Leading a pack of just five returning starters is two-time 2nd Team All-American Baely Rowe.  Rowe emerged as a key AAer for the Utes last season, and will be a key gymnast on UB and BB.  The Utes also return second team All American Sabrina Schwab, who quickly became a fan favorite for her beautiful long lines and elegant dance on FX.  She's training a tuck 1 1/2 twist on VT, which could improve her status as an All-Arounder.  After being slowed by injury, Maddy Stover looks to take a larger role in 2016, as will classmate Tiffani Lewis.  Both Lewis and sophomore MaKenna Merrell are looking strong in fall training, with Merrell showing strong upgrades on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (pike full-in).  In fact, several Utes like Rowe, Schwab, and Merrell are showing upgraded vaults in training.  The Utes also hope to have two-time All-American Kari Lee back at full strength.  She's already looking in fine form on UB and BB, and vaulting a Yurchenko Layout Full.  Two more sophomores, Shannon McNatt and Erika Muhaw will have the opportunity to step up this season, and break into the lineups, with Muhaw tumbling a double layout.  

Despite the huge losses the Utes have suffered, there is not a bit of despair among the Red Rocks.  Utah welcomes one of their strongest classes in some period of time, headlined by World Championship Gold Medalist and Olympic alternate Mykayla Skinner.  Skinner is known for her high level of difficulty on all four events, and throws some of the toughest tricks on the planet.  With the right skill selection and the reduced demands of the NCAA code, she should be able to adapt and deliver the types of scores the Ute faithful are hoping for.  At the recent Red Rock Preview, she showed that she plans on keeping many of her tough skills, including a clean double twisting Yurchenko on VT and a double twisting double back on FX (and full-in dismount), which would be an NCAA first.  She's also joined by two standout L10s, local Kim Tessen and former jr. international elite Missy Reinstadler.  Tessen tied for 2nd AA, 1st on UB, and 5th on VT at the 2016 JO L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 9th AA in 2015.  She's capable of terrific UB set and can tumble a double layout on FX and Yurchenko 1 1/2 on VT.  Reinstadler tied for 1st on UB, 3rd on BB, 5th on VT and 7th in the AA at the 2016 L10 JO Nationals.  She also tied for 9th AA in 2015.  She's been slowed durng the Fall, however, by a stress fracture (a lingering injury from last spring).  Utah also adds Maryland transfer Macey Roberts, who posted a season high of 9.9 on FX last season.  

Utah will be looking for some immediate impact from their standout frosh class, to complement the strong core of returnees led by Baely Rowe and Sabrina Schwab.  MyKayla Skinner has the potential to be the next Ute superstar, as do the other two frosh recruits.  Adjustment to college and college competition can be challenging for any athlete, so we'll have to see how these three adapt.  That will be a key, along with finding six consistent routines on BB.  The Utes missed the Super Six last season after a terrible BB rotation.  Most of that lineup is gone, and the replacements are not yet battle tested.   

 

 7.  Michigan

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Routines Gone: 1 VT, 3 UB, 1 BB, 2 FX
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Assistants: Dave Kuzara, Scott Sherman
Returning Starters (6):  Nicole Artz (Sr), Brianna Brown (Jr), Talia Chiarelli (Sr), Olivia Karas (So), Lauren Marinez (Jr), Emma McLean (So)
Other/Injured Returners (0):  N/A
Graduated (3):  Briley Casanova, Austin Sheppard, Lindsay Williams
Other Losses (3):  Nichelle Christopherson (Jr/TR/ASU), Ilana Gordon (Jr/?), India McPeak (Jr/TR/BGSU)
Newcomers (6):  Lexi Funk (Fr), Maggie O'Hara (Fr), Maddy Osman (Fr), Sam Roy (Fr), Polina Shchennikova (Fr), Paige Zaziski (Jr/TR/Arkansas)

Quick Assessment:   Michigan loses three seniors from a squad that at one point early last season, was ranked #1.  Despite that fast start and a Regional hosting slot, the Wolverines fell short of a spot at Nationals.  They were edged by Auburn and Stanford, who tied for 1st, just 0.05 points ahead of Michigan.  Early problems on BB at Regionals and general issues with depth held back the squad last season.  They enter the season missing seven routines from last year's Regional meet, including Austin Sheppard, Lindsay Williams and Nichelle Christopherson, who transferred to ASU.  Sheppard was a two-time All-Big Ten first team member and a standout on VT and UB.  Williams had a stellar senior season, making the All-Big Ten first team as well.

The Wolverines return six gymnasts that will form the core of their 2017 lineups, led by Nicole Artz, Brianna Brown, Talia Chiarelli and Olivia Karas.  Artz, a six-time All-American, emerged an a top AAer for the Wolverines.  She combined with sophomore Karas for a potent one-two AA punch.  Karas had a stellar frosh campaign, earning Big 10 Freshman of the Year honors.  A wrist injury impacted her in the post season, and the lingering effects are still being felt during the preseason.  Senior Talia Chiarelli is a two-time All-American who excels on VT, BB and FX, and is showing strong skills in the preseason training (Yurchenko 1 1/2).  Junior Brianna Brown is a two-time second team All-American who excels on UB with her long lines.  These four athletes represent 15 of the 17 returning routines.  Michigan also looks to get more output from Lauren Marinez, who looks fully recovered from past injuries and is showing strong skills during preseason training.  Sophomore Emma McClean is also ready to step-up, as needed, with a potential upgrade to a l 1 1/2 twisting Yurchenko on VT and the potential, according to Coach Plocki, to go AA this season.

To this core of six athletes, Michigan has added five frosh and a key transfer, Paige Zaziski (Arkansas).  They will give the Wolverines the depth they lacked last season, plus the potential for some very high scoring routines.  Zaziski was a member of the All-SEC Team in 2015 and 2016 and has a career high of 39.45 in the AA.  She'll be in the running for the lineups on all four events and provides experience and consistency.  The frosh are led by standout L10s and former elite Polina Shchennikova.  Shchennikova has beautiful lines and terrific technique on UB, her best event.  After a series of injuries, she is also training the other events, and competed VT and BB at the preseason exhibition versus EMU.  The other frosh signees are outstanding L10s with some key accomplishments to their names.  Three have had consistent Top 10 placements for several years in a row at the JO Nationals, a good sign of consistency at the college level.  Maddy Osman placed 5th AA and 2nd (t) on FX at the 2016 L10 Nationals.  She also tied for 6th AA in 2015 and was 7th in 2014.  She opens floor with a clean full-in.  Hailing from Southeastern, Maggie O'Hara placed 16th AA, 2nd on UB and 8th(t) on BB at the 2016 L10 JO Nationals.  She finished 2nd on UB and 7th AA in 2015.  Lexi Funk, who trained at IGI, placed 21st AA and tied for 8th on BB and 9th on FX at the 2016 L10 JO Nationals.  She was 9th AA in 2015 and tied for 8th in 2014.  A solid and consistent gymnast, she (along with Osman) also made the lineups versus EMU.  Michigan does lose half of their UB routines and it's not the strongest event for several of the gymnasts, so the frosh will need to step up in this area.

Michigan will look to return to Nationals in 2017 by returning most of their top scores and supplementing them with a key transfer and a top notch incoming class.  The increased depth and diversity of talent will enable Michigan to not only challenge for a spot at Nationals, but perhaps even at the Super Six.  Health is an issue, and several key gymnasts need to be able to contribute on the UB (Karas, Shchennikova).  The Coaches' Preseason poll recognizes this potential, elevating the Wolverines from thier postseason #13 finish to a #7 Preseason rank. 

 

 8.  Auburn Tigers

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Graba
Assistants: Kurt Hettinger, Mary McDaniel
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 2 BB, 3 FX
Returning Starters (7):  Samantha Cerio (So), Sarah Gracia (Jr), Kullen Hlawek (Sr), Kelsey Kopec (Sr), Taylor Krippner (So), Abby Milliet (Jr), MJ Rott (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Telah Black (So), Emma Engler (So/I), Kennedy Finnister (Jr), A'Miracal Phillips (So/I), Lucia Scaglione (Sr), Emma Slappey (So/I), Cara Stricklin (Jr) 
Graduated (3):   Caitlin Atkinson, Lexus Demers, Kait Kluz
Other Losses (2):  Brooke Bray (So/TR/GWU), Blake Jones (Jr/?)
Newcomers (3):  Katie Becker (Fr), Gracie Day (Fr), Kendal Moss (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Auburn returned to Nationals in 2016, following up their Super Six appearnce in 2015.  They lose nine routines from last year's NCAA squad, including superstar and all-everything Caitlin Atkinson.  Atkinson was the 2016 SEC Gymnast of the Year, a three-time All-American and the school record holder in the AA.  The Tigers will also miss Lexus Demers and Kait Kluz, who finished their final years in stellar fashion.  Demers competed three events, with career bests of 9.925 or higher on each.  Kluz was another three-event standout for AU, hitting 9.875 or higher on each.  She was co-champ at the NCAA Regional on FX in 2016.  All three athletes opened FX with an E tumbling skill, a trademark of a difficulty-laden Tiger FX lineup.

AU returns a bevy of gymnasts, led by junior Abby Milliet, senior MJ Rott and sophomore Taylor Krippner.  Milliet was an All-SEC team member in 2015 and was a key scorer on three events for the Tigers.  Rott is the Auburn record holder on VT and was the Region co-champion on the event.  She's a potential AAer, but her upgraded vault (Yurchenko 1 1/2) and FX (double layout) are her best events.  Krippner also competed three events at Nationals, and was a steady force in her rookie campaign.  Kullen Hlawek, Kelsey Kopec, and Samantha Cerio all return and look to make key contributions in 2017.  The Tigers will also look to seven other returners to make an impact, especially sophomores Emma Engler, A'Miracal Phillips and Emma Slappey.  All three saw their seasons cut short by injury.

Auburn welcomes three newcomers for 2017:  Katie Becker, Gracie Day and Kendal Moss.  They, along with the sophomore class, will be looked upon to fill the gaps left by the departed stars.  Is there an Atkinson among them?  The likely candidate is either Day and/or Becker, or some combination of the two.  Day is a L10 standout with clean lines and plenty of amplitude.  She's a two-time L10 JO National champ on the FX ('14 and'15), and a 2015 JO National team member.  She also finished 2nd on VT and 4th on UB in 2015.  She competed just two events at States and Regionals in 2016, while working her way back from injury.  Becker had a standout year in 2016, placing 6th AA at the L10 JO Nationals.  She also placed 9th on VT and tied for 10th on UB and BB at the meet.  In 2015, at the JO Nationals, she finished 8th AA.  Clubmate Moss is an UB standout, but she also finished 14th AA at Regionals in 2016, with top 7 placements on UB, BB and FX.  

In their quest to return to Nationals, Auburn will tap their large roster of returning athletes to fill the spots of the departed stars.  Adding to that will be strong frosh Becker and Day, and increased contributions from their sophomore class.  This Tiger squad will rely less on the performance of a few stars but instead will have a more balanced contribution across the lineups.  There is certainly enough talent there to challenge once again, but the competition for these last spots at Nationals is only getting more intense. 

 

 9.  UGA Gym Dogs

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 3 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: Danna Durante
Assistants: Jay Hogue, Philip Ogletree
Returning Starters (9):  Viviana Babalis (Jr), Ashlyn Broussard (Sr), Gracie Cherrey (So), Lauren Johnson (Sr), GiGi Marino (Jr), Morgan Reynolds (Sr), Rachel Schick (Sr), Sydney Snead (So), Natalie Vaculik (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Jasmine Arnold (Jr), Caroline Bradford (So), Beth Roberts (Sr), Hayley Sanders (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Mary Beth Box, Brandie Jay, Brittany Rogers
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (3):  Rachel Dickson (Fr), Jordyn Pedersen (Fr), Sabrina Vega (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  The Georgia Gym Dogs qualified to yet another Super Six final last season, getting the maximum from their squad and peaking at the right moment.  Gone from that squad are just three gymnasts -- but three key ones, as they accounted for 10 of the 24 routines in the finals.  The three departed stars, Mary Beth Box, Brandie Jay and Brittany Rogers, accounted for 16 All-American awards over their illustrious careers.  Two Gym Dogs took home National titles in 2016:  Jay on VT and Rogers on BB.  These three also accounted for key end of the lineup (or pressure leadoff) routines on all four events.  Replacing them will not be easy, a fact the Coaches' recognized when they dropped the squad from ther #6, their 2016 finish, to #9 in the Preseason.

The Gym Dogs enter 2017 with 9 returnees, led by seniors Ashlyn Broussard and Morgan Reynolds and sophomore Sydney Snead.  Broussard was the team MVP in her sophomore year while Reynolds was a NCAA Regional co-champ on BB.  Reynold was slowed last season by a bacterial infection in the preseason, but is a potential AAer for UGA.  Snead was the top frosh last year and made the All SEC Freshman Team.  She'll be looked up on for more contributions in 2016 and has looked quite strong in preseason training.  A potential sophomore year breakout for her could be in the works.  A host of other potential specialists could step up in any number of events, as the Gym Dogs seek to replace some pretty high caliber scores.  One gymnast who made a signifcant step forward last season, Rachel Schick, has been slowed by an elbow injury.   

Helping out in that task are a trio of frosh:  Rachel Dickson, Jordyn Pedersen and Sabrina Vega.  Vega is a former US National Team member and a member of the 2013 Gold Medal winning World Championship US team.  After a period of injury, she has returned strong and has shown solid work in preseason training, including a tuck full-in on FX.  Complementing Vega will be L10 standout Rachel Dickson, a two-time JO National Team member.  She tied for the L10 National UB title in 2016 and placed 3rd AA.  Canadian Pedersen is a former elite National Team member who was an alternate to the Canuck's 2014 World Championships squad.  Although she too has been slowed by injury, she'll look to adapt her sets to the less rigorous demands of NCAA competition.

The loss of the key superstars won't be easy for the Georgia coaching staff to replace.  Although they have three strong frosh, it will also likely take stepup performances from some of the returnees to close the gap on experience and execution.  The leadership and talent of champions like Jay and Rogers gave the UGA lineup some solid anchors and marquee names.  Vega looks like she is ready to take their place in at least a few events, but it will take others like Dickson, Reynolds and Snead to fill in the gaps on the other events.  

 

 10.  Cal Bears

Official Web Site:   Link      Schedule      Roster
Head Coach:  Justin Howell
Assistants:  Elizabeth Crandall, Jessa Hansen
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Routines Gone:  None
Returning Starters (11):  Zoe Draghi (Sr), Allicia Gallarzo (Jr), Jessica Howe (Sr), Charlie Owens (Sr), Desiree Palmores (Sr), Emily Richardson (Sr), Ariana Robinson (Jr), Sofie Seilnacht (So), Sylvie Seilnacht (So), Yuleen Sternberg (Jr), Amber Takara (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Isabelle Castillo (Sr), Dana Ho (Sr), Emily Howe (So), Chelsea Shu (So), Toni-Ann Williams (Jr)
Graduated (2):  Kristina Heymann, Serena Leong
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Alexandra Dudschus (Fr), Cassidy Keelen (Fr), Rachael Mastrangelo (Fr), Mariah Peterson (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Cal culminated its rapid rise from the near elimination of its program to a 7th place finish at Nationals.  They return all 24 of the 24 routines from last season, having said goodbye to the departed Kristina Heymann and Serena Leong.

The returning lineup is headlined by Toni-Ann Williams, who was not even able to participate in the NCAA Finals with the rest of her team.  Instead, she competed at the Olympic Test Event.  Williams is a potential AAer who stands out for her big skills (double layout and full-in on FX, Yurchenko 1 1/2 vault) and her power.  She's showing strong improvements in preseason, with a new release on UB.  However, Cal has a full and deep roster of gymnasts ready to step up at any moment, led by their Senior class.  It was the seniors (Zoe Draghi, Dana Ho, Jessica Howe, Charlie Owens, Desiree Palmores, Emily Richardson, Amber Takara) that formed the heart of last year's squad, supplemented by junior Ariana Robinson and sophomores Sophie and Sylvie Selnacht.  Last season, the Bears fielded one of highest team start values on vault in the country.  Even with some rule refinements, at least five of the returners are training 10.0 start value vaults. 

To this strong and experienced core, Cal adds some excellent frosh, led by L10 standout Cassidy Keelen.  Keelan has placed in the top five AA of the L10 Junior Olympic Nationals a remarkable four times.  With clean lines and top skills, she could become Cal's top AAer.  Mariah Peterson graduated early and joins Cal from the state of Utah.  A powerful gymnast, she tied for 20th AA, 4th on UB and 7th on VT at the 2016 L10 JO Nationals.  She was also 5th AA at Nationals in 2015 and 6th(t) AA in 2014.  Rachael Mastrangelo missed much of last season but tied for 15th AA at the 2015 L10 JO Nationals.  Local product Alexandra Dudschus placed 8th AA at the Region I L10 Regionals, and competes high level skills on all four events.  In fact, all four train or have thrown 10.0 SV vaults and E level tumbling skills.     

Cal returners a strong and experienced lineup -- all 24 routines plus superstar Toni-Ann Williams.  To that, they add an exceptional recruiting class capable of high level skills.  Cal will continue to excel on VT, with 8 or more gymnasts capable of 10.0 SV Vaults.  This will be a key advantage that the Bears, especially in Pac 12 competition.  The keys for the Bears remain the same from last season -- consistency and execution on UB and BB, two areas where they've had issues in the past year.  They finished last season ranked just 19th on UB and 13th on BB, and inconsistency cropped up in a number of meets.  To move up into Super Six contention, they'll need to continue to advance and improve and close the gap on these two events. 

 

 11.  Stanford Cardinal

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Routines Gone:  2 VT, 2 UB, 3 BB, 3 FX
Head Coach: Kristen Smyth
Associate Head Coach:  Chris Swircek
Assistant: Neal Gallant
Returning Starters (6):  Rachel Daum (Sr), Dare Maxwell (So), Danielle McNair (Sr/I), Nicolette McNair (Sr), Elizabeth Price (Jr), Haley Spector (Sr)  
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Taryn Fitzgerald (So/I), Hailee Hoffman (So), Nicole Hoffman (So)
Graduated (4):  Ivana Hong, Melissa Chuang, Jenna Frowein, Taylor Rice
Other Losses (0):  NA
Newcomers (3):  Kaylee Cole (Fr), Ashley Tai (Fr), Aleeza Yu (Fr)

Quick Assessment:   Stanford finished a solid 10th at last year's National meet, and say goodbye to 10 routines from that lineup.  They lose four key seniors, including stars Ivana Hong and Taylor Rice.  Hong was a five-time All-American and a 2016 AAI Award Semifinalist.  Rice was a three-time All-American and regular in the AA, although she was limited by injury at Nationals.  Also gone is Melissa Chuang, who ended her career with First Team All-Pac-12 honors on the BB, and FX specialist Jenna Frowein.

Leading the Cardinal charge in 2017 is superstar junior Elizabeth Price.  She was, of course, the team leader in 2016 as well with difficulty and amplitude on all four events.  Her release sequence on UB (Maloney to uprise clear to handstand to Church to overshoot to handstand) is unmatched in the NCAA.  The six-time All-American finished fourth AA at the 2016 NCAAs.  She'll be capably supported by four seniors:  Rachel Daum, Danielle McNair, Nicolette McNair and Haley Spector.  Nicolette McNair is a former 2nd Team All-American on UB and has the potential, if healthy, to compete AA.  She reportedly had off-season surgery, as did Price.  Her twin Danielle has been a key member of the VT and UB lineups, but has also battled injuries in the past.  Daum missed the first part of last season but at full strength is a regular on three events (no UB).  Spector is a regular on FX, and can throw a double Arabian.  Last season, Dare Maxwell was the only newcomer to compete on a regular basis.  She was a key fixture on UB, but could figure on more events.  Her classmates had tougher rookie campaigns:  Taryn Fitzgerald's season ended in injury while by Hailee Hoffman and Nicole Hoffman (no relaton) sat out most of the season.  There will be an opportunity for increased contributions from the sophomore class this season.

Stanford welcomes three frosh, and they'll be looked upon to contribute big scores immediately.  Leading the charge is Kaylee Cole, a Texan who has competed as an elite for Bolivia, including the 2015 Pan Am Championships.  As a L10 in the US, she placed 8th AA at the 2015 Region 3 L10 Regionals, after winning the TX state AA title.  She was 11th AA at the 2014 L10 JO Nationals.  Another international gymnast, Aleeza Yu, was a Canadian National Team member who competed at the 2014 World Championships.  Injuries have slowed her down since then (ACL, ankle, foot), but she returned in 2016 to take 7th AA at Elite Canada before being sidelined.  The third member of the class, Ashley Tai, is an in-state L10.  She tied for 24th AA at the 2016 L10 JO Nationals.  She also won the JO NIT meet in 2014.  With depth an issue, she'll be looked to contribute immediately as well.   

Stanford's return to Nationals will depend on how many gymnasts step up to fill the void left by the departed seniors.  You can probably expect a slow start for the Cardinal, as they have frequently struggled early in the season with injury recovery and a lack of depth.  However, by the end of the season they've been able to pull it together to qualify for Nationals (and sometimes, the Super Six).  There is a strong core of athletes lined up behind Price, but there may be questions in spots five and six in every event.  Stanford will need to stay healthy and get stepup performances from their underclassmen to fill these spots.  Depth is a concern, in particular on UB and VT where injuries may impact the lineup options.   

 

 12.  Nebraska

Official Web Site:  Link      Schedule      Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  19/24
Routines Gone:  1 VT, 1 UB, 2 BB, 1 FX 
Head Coach: Dan Kendig
Assistants:  Heather Brink, Dan Miller
Returning Starters (6):  Danielle Breen (Jr), Sienna Crouse (So), Jennie Laeng (Sr), Catelyn Orel (So/I), Megan Schweihofer (So), Grace Williams (Jr) 
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Kelli Chung (So), Megan Kuo (So), Ashley Lambert (Sr), Kami Shows (So)
Graduated (2):  Hollie Blanske, Madison McConkey
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (6):  Alexa Clark (Fr), Abbie Epperson (Jr/TR/Maryland), Sierra Hassel (Fr), Taylor Houchin (Fr), Laura Oh (Fr)

Quick Assessment:  Nebraska placed 8th last season, with the coaching staff once again maximizing the output of the squad and getting the frosh to make an immediate impact.  The Huskers lose just five routines and two gymnasts from that squad, Hollie Blanske and Madison McConkey.  Blanske was a major force for the Huskers, a six-time All American and potent All-Around threat with a high level of difficulty on every event.  Her anchor scores will be difficult to replace.

The Huskers will try to build upon last season with a core of six gymnasts, led by senior Jennie Laeng and juniors Dani Breen and Grace Williams.  All three are potential AAers, if needed.    Laeng was the 2015 Big Ten co-champ on UB, while Williams was an All-Big Ten first team selection and Breen a second team All-Big Ten team selection.  Sophs Sienna Crouse and Megan Schweihofer also stepped up big time in their rookie campaigns, and will be looked upon to do the same in 2017.  Unfortunately, classmate Catelyn Orel may be out this season with an injury.  This especially hurts a team with so few returning starters.  NU also hoped to have Ashley Lambert back at full health for 2017, but the former 2nd team All-American (FX) has been set back by injury and two more surgeries in the month of November.     

With a relatively small set of experienced returnees, Nebraska's 2017 incoming class will be relied upon for immediate contributions.  It includes transfer Abbie Epperson and frosh Alexa Clark, Sierra Hassel, Taylor Houchin and Laura Oh.  They are led by Taylor Houchin, a 2016 L10 Junior Olympic AA champion.  She also tied for 2nd on VT (Yurchenko 1 1/2), 3rd on BB and 5th on UB at Nationals.  In 2015, she finished 24th(t) AA and 6th(t) on UB at the JO National meet.  She'll be a key force in 2017, along with talented transfer Epperson.  The daugher of two NU standouts, Epperson has posted highs of 9.85+ on all four events in college, but excels on VT and UB.  The Huskers also welcome a trio of L10s that will provide much-needed depth.  You can expect the coaching will be able to maximize their contributions, as they have with every Husker incoming class.  Clark placed 13th AA at the 2016 Region III L10 Regionals and 31st in 2015.  Hassel was a 2014 L10 National qualifier who missed much of 2015, but returned and qualified to Regionals in 2016.  Her highlights include a clean triple twist and front double twist on FX.  Oh qualified to the L10 JO Nationals in 2016, tying for 15th on FX.   

With a small returning core and some untimely injuries, the Huskers have some challenges ahead of them in their pursuit for a return to Nationals.  However, Head Coach Kendig and his staffs have proven time and time again to be able to maximize the output of a small roster.  This year should be no different.  With Breen, Crouse, Laeng, Schweihofer and Williams being supplemented by Epperson and Houchin, there is quite a formidible Husker lineup in play.  The avoidance of further injury and a few stepup performances from their depth chart may be the keys to success in 2017, however.

 

 

Teams #13 to #25

Intro

 

Key to the Tables:

 

Ranking: By 2017 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 2016 or preseason 2016-2017
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

Sunday, 23 October 2016 21:30

Men's Commits 2017-2018

This list contains gymnasts who have publicly committed to schools for the 2017-2018 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:  6/16/17

 

College/University

Air Force;

Brandon Bzoskie, Victory
Ethan Esval, Roswell Men's
Steve McMurray, USA Gymnastics World
Logen Omer, Harpeth Gymnastics
Zach Polen, Texas Champion
Allen Shadan, Azarian Gymnastics
Franklin Valentin, Tri Town
Brian Waschak, Waller's GymJam

Army;

 Joseph Minus, Capital

California, Berkeley;

 

Illinois; release

Max Diab, Premier
Joel Diaz, Cypress

Illinois Chicago;

Orion Wells, Head Over Heels
James Lawson, Tataru's

Iowa; 

Michigan; release

Cameron Bock, US Olympic Training Center
Nicholas Guy, DeVeau's
Jacob Moore, Twistars
Anthony Tawfik, Futures

Minnesota; release;   release 2

Colton Dee, Danik's
Russell Johnson, DeVeau's
Shane Wiskus, Mini-Hops

Navy;

Colline Dipietro, Capital
Max Gerber, Hotshots
Travis Keller, Capital
Jason Kushy, Parkettes
Ryan McVay, Extreme

Nebraska; release;   release 2

Griffin Kehler, WOGA
Zach Peters, Deveau's
Jonathan Scripnick, Futures
Mitch Tyndall, Canada

Ohio State;  release

Max Andryushchenko, Lakeshore
Tristan Lopez, Azarian
Sean Neighbarger, Gymastrada

Oklahoma; release;   release 2

Gage Dyer, Champions
Davis Grooms, Champions

Alexei Vernyi, Cypress

Penn State; release

Parker Clayton, DeVeau's
Alex Frack, Parkettes
Brennan Pantazis, Gymnastics Nevada
Mike Pepe-Lage, All-American

Springfield

Stanford; release;  release 2

Andrew Bitner, Gymnastix
Trevor Digerolamo, GymMasters
Thomas Lee, Stanford Boy's
Bryan Perla, Sterling
Blake Sun, Alamo

William and Mary;

Friday, 08 April 2016 22:01

2020-2021 Commits

The table below lists Women's commits and signings for incoming frosh for the 2020-2021 school year, consisting mainly of 2020 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 BLUE are based on our survey of coaches in July 2019.  Scholarship counts in BOLD GREEN are based on our survey of coaches in July 2018.  Scholarship counts in BOLD RED are based on our survey of coaches in July 2017.  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:  07/12/20

College or University

# Available for incoming '20-'21 (total/remaining)

 
Air Force
All appointments include
scholarships

Anya Ishida, Auburn Gymnastics Center, L10
Kate Leonard, WOGA, L10
Cassidy O'Neill, Cincinnati Gymnastics, L10
Lizzy Shearns, Elite Gymnastics Academy, L10
Madison Zinn, Synergy, L10

Alabama; release; release 2; release 3

2? / 0

Shania Adams, Buckeye, sr. international elite
Sarah Duhe, Elmwood, L10
Cameron Machado, First State, jr. international elite/L10
Kaylee Quinn, transfer from Nebraska

Alaska; release

3 to 4 / 1 to 2

Montana Fairbairn, Kin Gymnastics, Canada L10
Jessica Johnson, Ocean Tumblers, L10
Brooklyn Kopsack, Excel, L9/L10
Kieran Ross, Flip USA, L10
Emily Walker, Marian, Canada Sr. High Performance

Arizona; release

 

Jessica Castles, Swedish National Team, Elite
Madison Courney, Arizona Dynamics, L10
Elena Deets, Twin City Twisters, L10
Caroline Herry, Texas Dreams, L10
Halli Mayberry, Arizona Dynamics, L10
Bailey McCabe, Auburn, L10
Taylor Raskin, North Shore, L10
Courtney Tsunoda, Azarian, L10

Arizona State; release

 

Cassi Barbanente, Palmer's, L10
Sarah Clark, Azarian, L10
Skye Harper, Infiniti Elite, L10
Jada Mangahas, Parkettes, L10
Anaya Smith, Docksiders, L10
Emily White, SCATS, L10

Arkansas; release

4 / 0

Abby Johnston, junior, transfer from NU
Emma Kelley, Stars, L10
Jordan Olszewski, Mountain Brook, L10
Gillian Rutz, Perfection, L10
Jensen Scalzo, American Twisters, L10

Auburn; release; release 2; release 3

 3 / 0

Brooke Butler, American Twisters, L10
Bailey Ferrer, transfer from LSU
Olivia Hollingsworth, Stars, jr. international elite
Gabrielle McLaughlin, Texas Dreams, L10
Payton Smith, Brandy Johnson's, L10
Tara Walsh, Olympia, L10

Ball State; release; release 2

 

Victoria Henry, Apollo, L10
Marisol Perez-Banus, Chile National Team, elite
Suki Pfister, More Than Gymnastics, L10
Hannah Ruthberg, Perfect Balance, L10
Kelly Sulek, Perfection, L10

Boise State;  release;  release 2

 

Courtney Blackson, Byers, L10
Talia LIttle, Rochester, L10
Emily Lopez, Wildfire, L10
Danielle Nakayama, Wildfire, L10

Bowling Green; release

3 / 0

Lauren Bannister, Champions, L10
Sydney Bennett, Everest, L10
Sarina Ross, Paramount Elite, L10
Kylie Yacamelli, X-Cel, L10

Bridgeport (Div II)

 

Audrey Arnold, Emerald City, L9
Katie Bloomston, Coastal Elite, L10
Maren Eramo, Legends, L10
Jayci Jordan, Let It Shine, L10
Sydney Smith, Capital, L10

Brown

N/A

Asta-Sollijia Farrell, Chelsea Piers, L10
Charlotte Introcaso, Ultimate Fusion, L10
Lauren Kramer, Aerials, L10
Allison Lowe, Paramount Elite, L9/L10
Paige Richter, Colorado Aerials, L10
Lara Swords, Missouri Valley, L10
McKenna Weiner, J.A. Gymnastics, L10
Angela Xing,Brestyan's, L10

BYU; rel 1rel 2rel 3

 

Sydney Benson, Olympus, L10
Anna Bramblett, Arizona Dreams, L10
Sophia Dudley, Metroplex, L10
Sophia McClelland, Paramount Elite, L10
Lauren Ono, Precision, L10
Cienna Samiley, Gold Medal, L10
Katelyn Searle, Paramount Elite, L10

California, Berkeley (Cal);  release

2 / 0

Elise Byun, Airborne, L10;
Cosette Carranza, Texas Dreams, L10; not in release

Blake Gozshti, Gymnastics Zone, L10; 
Andrea Li, Legacy Elite, L10
Kennedy Quay, SCEGA, L10; 
Gabby Perea, Legacy Elite, jr. international elite

California, Davis (UC Davis); release

 

Kaitlyn Lyle, Airborne, L10
Emma Otsu, Airborne, L10
Nandhini Senthil, Bay Aerials, L10; not in release

California, Los Angeles (UCLA); release;  release; release

6? / 1?

Chae Campbell, Metroplex, jr. international elite
Jordan Chiles, WCC, sr. international elite, deferring to 2022
Frida Esparza, Head Over Heals, elite for Mexico, deferral from 2019
Emma Malabuyo, Texas Dreams, sr. international elite
Brooklyn Moors, Dynamo, Canada Sr. High Performance
Ana Pandurariu, Gemini, Canada Sr. High Performance
Sara Ulias, Victory, L10

Central Michigan; release

 4 / 0

Adriana Bustelo, Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy, L10
Elizabeth Cesarone, Prestige, L10
Hallie Hornbacher, Bay Valley Gym Club, L10
Katie Kowalski, Gym America, L10

Cornell

N/A

Calista Brady, Kids in Action, L10
Eva Phair, Regal, L10
Alexandra Quiana, Galaxy, L10
Melanie Stone, Park Avenue, L10
Caitlyn Walsh, Chelsea Piers, L10
Regina Walton, Skyline, L10
Adabelle Wright, Skyline, L10
Rachel Zun, American Academy, L9/L10

Denver; release

 3 / 0

Rose Casali, Southeastern, L10
Jessica Hutchinson, Silvia's, L10
Isabel Mabanta, Denton, elite/L10
Rylie Mundell, CGI, L10
Abbie Thompson, Orlando Metro, L10

Eastern Michigan; release;

 3 / 0

Raisa Boris, Twin City Twisters, L10
Katie Butler, Gymnastics World, L10
Jordan Jankowski, Metroplex, L10; not in release
Anne Grace McCullough, JamJev, L10

Florida; release;  release 2;  release 3; release 4

 

Chloi Clark, Gymtegrity, L10
Gabby Gallentine, Everest, L10
Shilese Jones, Buckeye, sr. international elite; not in release
Ellie Lazzari, Legacy Elite, L10/former jr. international elite
Alex Magee, Orlando Metro, L10

George Washington; release

 2 / 0

Payton Lynch, Peak Athletics, L10
Anneliese Silverman, North Stars, L10
Kendall Whitman, Silvia's, L10

Georgia; release; release 2

2 -3 / 0

Nhyla Bryant, Raleigh SOG, L10
Katie Finnegan, APEX, L10; graduating early
Victoria Nguyen, Everest, sr. international elite

Illinois;  release

4 / 0

Katy Ewald, The Zone, L10
Amelia Knight, The Academy/UK, elite
Allie Morgan, Universal, L10
Abigail Mueller, Classic, L10

Illinois State; release

  4 / 0

Isabella DeCroo, Chantilly, L10
Kaitlyn Donovan, Oakland, L10
Isabelle Fox, Sr, Transfer from UAA
Carly Hawksworth, Aspire, L10
Madison Kipp, Galaxy, L10

Jazmine Neely, Metroplex, L10
Kaylee Sugimoto, Multnomah, L10

Iowa

 

Daniela Castillo, American Twisters, L10
Giovanna Deo, Waller's, L9/L10

Adeline Kenlin, Iowa Gym-nest, jr international elite
Caelen Lansing

Iowa State; release

1 - 2 / 0

Addy DeJesus, transfer from NU
Emilie Hong, Langley, Canadian L10
Kaia Parker, Missouri Valley, L10

Kent State; release;

1 to 2 / 0

Izzy Geig, Gym World (OH)
Kyndall Gilbert, Let it Shine, L10
Sarah Haxton. DeVeau's, L10
Olivia Rapp, Universal, L10
Kenney Weinpert, All Around, L10
Keely Young, Olympic Dreams, L10

Kentucky; release

 3 / 0

Bailey Bunn, Rose's, L10
Clarissa Clay, Mission Valley YMCA, L10
Hailey Davis, New Bern, L10
Isabella Magnelli, ENA, L10
Gianna Ortiz, Orlando Metro, L10
Krista Zultevicz, Northeast, L10

Lindenwood (Div II)

 3 to 4 partial / 0

Jenna Eagles, Twin City, L10
Simone Evans, Gymnastics Academy of Georgia, L10
Grace Kramer, Prestige, L10
Audrey Manivong, Fuzion, L10
Hannah Moon, Upstate, L10
Savannah Newsome, Let It Shine, L10
Madi Rush,South County, L10

Nicole Wojcik, Stallone, L10

Long Island University

 

Ella Barrington, Dynamo, L10
Jah'Liyah Bedminster, Georgia Gymnastics Academy, L10
Cael Bixler, Prestige, L10/former elite
Emma Brown, transfer from DU
Ella Castellanos, Roswell, L10
Charli Cohen, American Twisters, L10
Taylor Doten, Planet Gymnastics, L10
Talia Folino, Waverly, Australia, Elite
Riley Goldberg, Waller's GymJam, L10
Izzy Hilliard, Leatherhead/Dorking (UK), Elite
Reagan Jones, St. Louis Gym Centre, L10
Katy Koopman, transfer from Bridgeport
Alisson Lapp, France, Elite
Amanda Loo, transfer from Bridgeport
Lauren Miller, Buckeye, L10

Alana Ricketts, Tristar, Canada L10
Alex Skocic, Gymnastics World (OH), L10

Nika Takagi, transfer from Bridgeport
Mara Titarsolej, Dutch National Team

LSU; release

 

Elena Arenas, Georgia Elite, jr. international elite
Sierra Ballard, North Shore, L10; not in release
Chase Brock, Gymnastix, L10; not in release
Haleigh Bryant, Everest, L10
Olivia Dunne, ENA Paramus, elite

Maryland; release

 

Elizabeth DeBarberie, AJS Pancott, L10
Taylor Osterhout, United Sports Academy, L10
Alexa Rothenbuescher, Capital, L10
Kristin Quick, Waller's GymJam, L10
Annie Slatoff, Intensity, L10; 
Olivia Weir, AJS Pancott, L10

Michigan; release;

 

Carly Bauman, Chow's, L10
Reyna Guggino, Tampa Bay, L10
Naomi Morrison, Arizona Dynamics, L10
Jenna Mulligan, Gymnastics United, L10

Michigan State; release

3 / 0

Baleigh Garcia, MSU, L10
Naomi German, Olympia, L10
Delanie Harkness, Geddert's Twistars, L10
Sydney Hayashi, Buckeye, L10
Gianna Kalefe, Wildfire, L10

Minnesota; release; release 2

 3 / 0

Erin Fortman, Flyaways, L10
Gianna Gerdes, Gym X-Treme, L10
Rebecca Green, Classic Gymnastics, L10
Mya Hooten, Rising Stars, L10
Katie Horak, Revolution, L10
Emily Koch, Legacy, L10
Ella Sirjord, Jam Hops, L10
Morgan Walters, 5280 Gymnastics, L10

Missouri; release;  release 2

 

Kyra Burns, Xtreme, L10
Amaya Marshall, Southeastern, L10
Kalise Newson, TIGAR, L10
Sydney Schaffer, JAG, L10
Jena Swanson, Spearfish, L10

Nebraska; release;  release 2

 

Martina Comin, Gruppo Sportivo Audace, Italy, elite
Kinsey Davis, KPAC Gymnastics, L10/former elite
Joanne DeJesus-Cortes, Capital, L10
Chloe Lorange, Gymnix, Canada L10
Danielle Press, World Champion Centre, L10
Caroline Williams, Roswell, L10

New Hampshire;

4 / 0

Sierra Bauman, Connecticutt Gymnastics Academy, L10
Kenadi Brown, transfer from Alaska
Jenna DeVicenzo, All-Stars, L10
Gianna Graver, Infiniti, L10
Olivia Queri, Rochester, L10

North Carolina; release

 

Eliza Greco, Georgia Elite, L10
Kate Green, Bull City, L10
Allison LaNasa, GTC, L10
Tienna Nguyen, Zenith, jr. international elite/Vietnam National Team
Jamie Shearer, Sonshine, L10
Cory Shinohara, Brestyan's, L10

North Carolina State; release

3 / 0

Madison Benson, Metroplex, L10
Brooke Conley, Legacy Elite, L10
Gabrielle Diaz, LaFleur's Tampa, L10
Grace Hunter, transfer from Bridgeport
Carina Jordan, World Champions Centre, L10

Northern Illinois; release

 

Alyssa Al-Ashari, Geddert's, L10
Kendall George, Buckeye, L10
Grace Humphrys, Ace Gymnastics, L10
Olivia Lynd, Perfection, L10
Isabelle West, Buffalo Grove, L10

Ohio State;

2 / 0

Savannah Gonzales, Aftershock, L10
Hannah Oliveros, IGI, L10
Emma Pritchard, Gym X-treme, L10
Nicole Riccardi, Ifiniti, L10
Joselyn Warga, Youngstown, L10

Oklahoma; release; release 2roster

 3 - 4 / 0

Audrey Davis, WOGA, jr. international elite
Julianne Fehring, LaFleur's, L10
Bell Johnson, Bart Connor, L10
Cassidy Knight, 5280 Gymnastics, L10

Katherine LeVasseur, Aerial Athletics, L10
Audrey Lynn, Bart Conner Gymnastics, L10
Sheridan Ramsey, Aim High, L10
Quinn Smith, Arizona Sunrays, L10
Meilin Sullivan, Fuzion, L10

Oregon State; release

 4 / 0

Jade Carey, Arizona Sunrays, sr. international elite, deferral from 2019
Sydney Gonzales, Wildfire, L10
Kailand Hoiland, Hart's, L10
Grace Johnson, Emerald City, L10
Julia Melchert, Metropolitain, L10

Anna Yeates, Byers, L10
Ariana Young, San Mateo, L10

Penn;

 

Kiersten Belkoff, Arizona Dynamics, L10
Ana Kenefick, Perfect Balance, L10
Sara Kenefick, Perfect Balance, L10
Kristen Kuhn, Accel, L10
Campbell Marr, First State, L10
Connie Hsu, Let It Shine, L10

Penn State; release

 3 / 0

Maggie Ayers, Hanover, L10; not in release
Natalie Cross, Hill's, L10
Madeleine Johnston, Hill's, jr. international elite
Maggie Mace, Cincinnati, L10

Pittsburgh; release;  release 2

 2 / 0

Macy Ferrar, High Point, L10
Kailey Gillings, transfer from Arkansas
Emily Liszewski, Wildfire, L10
Faith Lerro, American Twisters, L10
Trinity Macy, Metroplex, L10
Nay'yarrah Winder, First State, L10

Rutgers;

 0

Avery Balser, Buckey, L10
Isabella Barbacci, AJS Pancott, L10
Kylie Haffner, LaFleur's, L10
Rees Hagler, Colorado Aerials, L10
Calah Newman, Gymnastics Unlimited, L10

San Jose State; release

3 / 0

Natasha Forrand, Aim Athletics, L10
Madison Kirsch, Arizona Sunrays, L10
Jaudai Lopes, Dream Xtreme, L10
Lauren Macpherson, USA Youth Fitness, L10
Julieta Mendiola, Head Over Heels, L10
MaKayla McMahon, V-Force, L10
Mercedes Sanchez, transfer from UCLA

Sacramento State; release

 2 / 0

Sarah Fitzgerald, Desert Devils, L10
Emma Morgenthaler, Metropolitan, L10
Torri Tavenner, Desert Lights, L10

Seattle Pacific (Div II);

4 / 3

The program has been terminated by the school.  Petition

Southern Connecticut State (Div II)

 

Alyssa Van Allen, Impact, L10

Southern Utah; release

4 / 0

Anna Hartley, Premier, L10
Emma Ingrassia, First State, L10
Aubri Schwartze, Triad, L10
Hailey Vultaggio, Apex, L10

Southeast Missouri; release

4 / 0

Anna Speller, Team Central, L10
Sophia Studdard, Fuzion, L10
Lydia Test, Infiite Bounds, L10
Lydia Webb, WOGA, L10

Stanford; release; release 2

 

Irina Alexeeva, WOGA, elite/Russian National Team
Sandra Jessen, Parkettes/Czech National Team, L10/elite

Isabela Onyshko, Phoenix Gymnastics, Sr. High Performance (Canada)
Tan Sze En, Singapore National Team/Legacy Elite, elite
Amanda Zeng, Metropolitan Gymnastics, L10

Temple; release

 

Mackenzie Aresta, Head Over Heels, L10; not in release
Kayla Deveau, Infiniti Elite, L10; not in release
Brooke Donabedian, Metropolitain, L10
Lanie Hyman, Gymnastix Training Center, L10; not in release
Lauryn Morris, Northeast, L10
Mia Rose Thackston, Capital, L10
Renee Schugman, Gold Medal, L10
Cyrena Whalen, Gymnastix, L10

Texas Woman's (Div II); release;  release 2

 3 partial to half / 1 partial

Alyssa Coutu, Metroplex, L10
Maddie Gose, Elite Gymnastics, L10
Steelie King, Texas East, L10
Alexia Leake, Iron Cross, L10

Towson; release; release

2 could be partials / 0

Sarah Girot, DeVeau's, L10
Simona Kerekes, Brestyan's, L10
Amanda Pedicelli, Club Equilibrix, Canada, Sr. High Performance
Cassidy Stuart, Southeastern, L10
Alexandria Tonkin, Oakville, L10
Allison Zuhkle, Salto, L10
Grace Vaillancourt, Gymstreet USA, L10

Utah; release; release 2

 

Jaylene Gilstrap, Metroplex, sr. international elite
Alani Sabado, SCEGA, L10
Deanne Soza, Texas Dreams, sr. international elite/L10
Lucy Stanhope, elite/Great Britain National Team

Utah State; release 1release 2

2 / 0

Mikelle Ballard, Mt. Helena, L10
Olivia Blakely, Ultimate, L10
Brianna Brooks, Desert Gymcats, L10
Lara Burhans, Texas Dreams, L10
Eve Jackson, Broadway, L10
Angel Stuart, Legacy Elite, L10

Washington; releaserelease 2

5-6? / 0?

Cathy Eksteen, Metroplex, L10/elite
Skylar Killough-Wilhelm, Triad, L10
Katie McNamara, Waller's GymJam,L10
Taylor Russon, San Mateo, L10
Lauren Thomas, Premier, L10
Gabi Wickman, Cascade Elite, L10

West Chester

Farrah Chernov, Head Over Heels (NJ), L10
Kiley Fred, Galaxy, L10
Lily McFarland, Rebounders, L10
Madison Whitaker, Prestige, L10

 

Western Michigan; release

 

Sarah Moravansky, Frederick, L10
Dani Petrousek, Gymnastics Academy of Rockford, L10
Breckin Quoss, Geddart's Twistars, L10

West Virginia; release

 3 / 0

Chloe Asper, Hanover, L10
Ellen Collins, Centre Elite, L10
Gillian Fletcher, Upstate, L10
Agatha Handono, Hill's, L10
Kelly Johnston, Manjak's, Senior High Performance (elite); not in release
Kiana Lewis, World Class, L10
Nicole Norris, Hanover, L10

William and Mary

 

Sarah Brownstein, transfer from Towson
Grace Costello, Head Over Heels, L10
Sofia Huang, GMS, L10

Yale;

N/A

Sherry Wang, Austin Elite, L10
Sarah Wilson, Infinity, 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.

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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.

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Tuesday, 23 February 2016 22:37

2016 Superlatives

 Skills of Note in the 2016 Season (W)

The following is a listing of high level skills performed by women in the 2016 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 5.3 or higher.

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.

We're about to start the 2016 season, and we're  here once again to release our ranking of the Top Recruiting Classes.  We wait until the last possible moment to release this ranking, as the final picture never seems clear until January 1st.  Once again, this season, we're seeing some of the impacts of the acceleration in early recruiting.  In some cases, the gymnasts who originally committed at age 16 or younger did not end up matriculating at their original college choice.  And, with scholarships opening up due to transfers or retirement, we're seeing an increase in late recruiting, early college entries (early graduation), and mid-year starts. 

Tuesday, 29 December 2015 19:17

2016 Capsule Previews: Teams #13 to #25

 

13.  Arkansas GymBacks

 

14.  California Golden Bears

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Head Coach: Mark Cook
Assistants: Samantha (Cortez) Snider, Jaime (Pisani) Arnbrust
Returning Starters (9):  Stephanie Canizaro (Sr), Sydnie Dillard (Sr), Heather Elswick (Sr), Erin Freier (Sr), Keara Glover (Sr), Leah Macmoyle (So), Samantha Nelson (Jr), Amanda Wellick (Jr), Paige Zaziski (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Mia Bargiacchi (So), Braie Speed (I/So)  
Graduated (1):  Cailee Ellswroth
Other Losses (2):  Paris Ryder (?), Kathleen York (?)
Newcomers (2):  Makenzie Anderson, Sydney McGlone
Quick Assessment:  Arkansas placed 4th in their Region last Spring, behind eventual Super Six finalists Florida and Stanford, and just behind Illinois.  They return 22 of 24 routines, some of the lightest losses in the Top 15.  They'll be led once again by the one-two AA punch of Amanda Wellick and Paige Zaziski.  They'll be capably supported by a deep roster of experienced contributors, and will also welcome back Braie Speed, who sat out last season with an injury.  Unlike other squads, they won't need to depend on their newcomers for immediate contributions.  Both frosh missed club competition in 2014, but they will add to the tremendous depth the squad should have this season.  This could be an advantage late in the season, when depth comes into play. 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Justin Howell
Assistants:  Elizabeth Crandall, Jessa Hansen
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Returning Starters (12):  Zoe Draghi (Jr), Allicia Gallarzo (So), Kristina Heymann (Sr), Dana Ho (Jr), Jessica Howe (Jr), Serena Leong (Sr), Charlie Owens (Jr), Desiree Palmores (Jr), Emily Richardson (Jr), Ariana Robinson (So), Amber Takara (Jr), Toni-Ann Williams (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Isabelle Castillo (Jr), Serena Leong (Sr/I), Yuleen Sternberg (So)  
Graduated (2):  Crystal Paz, Maddie Kratzke
Other Losses (1):  Jordan Widener 
Newcomers (4):  Emily Howe, Sofie Seilnacht, Sylvie Seilnacht, Chelsea Shu
Quick Assessment:  Cal has continued to progress back into the ranks of contention for Nationals, and looks to make the final step this season.  Like Arkansas, they have very few losses and welcome back a large squad, led by stars Toni Ann Williams and Charlie Owens.  A big variable for the Bears could be the return of Jessica Howe (limited last season) and Serena Leong to full competitiveness.  Even the partial return of Leong to the BB lineup could help bolster that key event.  However, Cal also welcomes four frosh, including Howe's younger sister Emily.  Two more sisters, the Seilnacht twins, are coming off strong L10 seasons and could also help address the last bits of quality depth that Cal needs on a few events, such as BB. 

 

 

 

15.  Illiois Fighting Illini

 

16.  Denver Pioneers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Kim Landrus
Assistants:  Jacob Lee, Chad Wiest
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (7):  Erin Buchanan (Jr), Heather Foley (Sr), Jordyn Givens (So), Mary Jane Horth (Jr), Sunny Kato (Sr), Sarah Lyons (So/I) Sarah Lyons (Jr), Giana O'Connor (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Becca Cuppy (So), Bridget Hodan (So)
Graduated (2):  Kelsi Eberly, Jordan Naleway
Other Losses (3):  Tori Fujinami (?), Suren Kanchanavaleerat (?), Gabriella Nguyen (?)
Newcomers (5):  Rachael Donovan, Julia Hutcherson, Lizzy LeDuc, Brielle Nguyen, Haylee Roe 
Quick Assessment:  The Illini missed out on Nationals last season, placing third to two eventual Super Six finalists (UF and Stanford) in a tough Regional matchup.  The core of that talented squad returns, led by Erin Buchanan, Mary Jane Horth, Sunny Kato and Giana O'Connor.  This talented quartet will again form a solid core for the 2016 squad, one that will look to its sophomores for increased contributions and to any one of five frosh to step forward.  These frosh include L10 standout Haylee Roe and former elite Lizzy LeDuc (who also competed for the Phillipines).  This pair could give the Illini the last boost they need to qualify for Nationals, as both are coming off strong competitive seasons. 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Linas Gaveika, Robert Ladanyi
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Returning Starters (9):  Nikole Addison (So), Emily Barrett (Sr), Rachel Feeken (Sr), Rachel Fielitz (Jr), Maggie Laughlin (Sr), Leah Lomonte (Jr), Nina McGee (Sr), Katie Menhinick (Sr), Julia Ross (Jr)  
Other/Injured Returners (3): Brittany Franklin (So), Claire Hammen (So),  Morgan Tolman (Jr)
Graduated (2):  Alix Angelopulo, Ellese Sakai-Hart
Other Losses (1):  Emily Novotny (?)  
Newcomers (4):  Grace Broadhurst, Diana Chesnok, Claire Kern, Kaitlyn Schou
Quick Assessment:  Denver finished third last season at Regionals, a full point back from the National qualifiers.  However, this season, DU returns 22 of 24 routines from that squad and welcomes four talented newcomers.  More good news hit DU when superstar Nina McGee elected to return for her fifth year.  The AA standout made her mark on the NCAA last season and looks to finish out her career with a title.  She'll be capably supported by seniors Maggie Laughlin and Katie Menhinick and juniors Rachel Feeken and Julia Ross.  To this squad DU will look to expanded contributions from their sophomores plus some instant impact from their four frosh, led by Diana Chesnok, Claire Kern and Kaitlyn Schou.   

 

 

 

17.  PSU Nittany Lions

 

18.  Arizona Wildcats

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Thompson
Associate Head Coach:  Rachelle Thompson
Assistant:  Jeff Richards
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Returning Starters (6):  Nicole Medvitz (Jr), Tina Postiglione (Jr), Chanen Raygoza (So), Emma Sibson (Jr), Oni Timothy (So), Briannah Tsang (So) 
Other/Injured Returners (0):  N/A 
Graduated (4):  Lexi Carroll, Sidney Sanabria-Robles, Krystal Welsh, Alex Witt
Other Losses (1):  Lauren Li (TR/LSU) 
Newcomers (8):  Amber Autry, Kiera Brown (TR/UGA), Sabrina Garcia, Madison Heckman, Mason Hosek, Jessica Jones, GiGi LaGuardia, Peyton Schuller,
Quick Assessment:   Penn State once again enters the season facing some tough graduation losses.  They struggled at the Regional meet on BB, and would up placing sixth.  They'll look to build better consistency for 2016 by adding eight newcomers to a core of just six returnees.  PSU will be led by sophomore Briannah Tsang, an all-arounder, and three-event star Emma Sibson, a junior.  PSU will also look to work around some past injuries to their other returnees.  The newcomers are led by UGA transfer Kiera Brown, a potential AA standout for PSU. With a smaller, younger squad, her championship level experience gives her an edge.  The frosh also include L10 standouts Sabrina Garcia and former elite Mason Hosek. 

 

Official Web Site: Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Head Coach: Tabitha Yim
Assistants:  John Court, David McCreary
Returning Starters (9):  Madison Cindric (So), Shelby Edwards (Sr), Selynna Felix-Terrazas (Jr),    Krysten Howard (Jr), Gabby Laub (Jr), Lexi Mills (Sr), Victoria Ortiz (So), Kennady Schneider (So), Jessie Sisler (Sr) 
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Danielle Buchanan (Sr)   
Graduated (4):  Allison Flores, Shay Fox, Kristin Klarenbach, Amber Wobma
Other Losses (0):  N/A   
Newcomers (5):  Haylie Hendrickson, Lauryn Mattson, Brittany Robertson, Skyler Sheppard, Danielle Spencer
Quick Assessment:  Arizona returns with a new coaching staff, after finishing fourth at Regionals in 2015.  They return 21 of 24 routines, but that is deceptive as they lost key AA Ali Flores prior to the Regional meet.  They will be led in 2016 by sophomore Madison Cindric, junior Lexi Mills and seniors Shelby Edwards and Jessie Sisler.  Cindric made progress throughout the season, competing as an AAer at Regionals.  Edwards has also produced some outstanding scores for the Wildcats, and will be key on VT and BB.  The new coaching staff also welcomes five newcomers, including Brittany Robertson, an elite from New Zealand.  The class also includes Skyler Sheppard, a WOGA trained L10 and L10 National qualifers Lauryn Mattson and Danielle Spencer.   

 

 

 

19.  Boise State Broncos

 

20.  Minnesota Gophers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Neil Resnick and Tina Bird
Assistants: Patty Resnick
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (10):  Mackenzie Bennion (Jr), Mary Frances Bir (So), Sandra Collantes (So), Krystine Jacobsen (Sr), Liane Josbacher (So), Maddie Krentz (Sr), Molly McFarland (Jr), Diana Mejia (Jr), Ann Stockwell (So), Paige Urquhart (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):   Alex Esmerian (So), Abby Webb (So), Marissa Wossner (Sr/I)
Graduated (2):  Kelsey Morris, Ciera Perkins
Other Losses (1):  Brooke Graham (?) 
Newcomers (2):  Sarah Means, Shani Remme
Quick Assessment:  The Broncos enter the 2016 campaign missing two key graduated stars in Kelsey Morris and Ciera Perkins.  The loss of this pair will be felt, especially Morris, who was a key AAer all season long.  The squad will be led in 2016 by seniors Maddie Krentz and Krystine Jacobsen, and sophomore Liane Josbacher.  Replacing these top scores will be tough, but the Broncos have brought in their strongest recruits in four years in Sarah Means and Shanni Remme.  Both are strong L10s who finished in the Top 6 AA at the L10 Nationals in 2015.  Remme is very consistent, while Means throws some big skills like a Yurchenko 1 1 /2. 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jenny (Alf) Hansen
Assistants:  Geralen Stack-Eaton, Rich Stenger
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (7):  Ciara Gardner (So), Rachel Haines (Jr), Madie Hanley (Sr), Bailie Holst (Jr), Lindsay Mable (Sr), Hanna Nordquist (Sr), Kaitlin Rahon (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Bailey Abernathy (Jr), Abby DeMuse (So), Hannah Hitchcock (So),  Rachel Rowland (So)
Graduated (2):  Jenny Covers, Cierra Thomson
Other Losses (2):  Bailey Gardner (So/?), Athena Geisness (?) 
Newcomers (2):  Rachel Cutler, Selena Ung
Quick Assessment:   The Minnesota Gophers overcome a troubled start to the 2015 season to finish strong.  They say good-bye to several key gymnasts, including Jenny Covers and Cierra Thomson and potential standout Bailey Gardner.  However, with a superstar like Lindsay Mable heading into her final campaign, expectations are high.  Combined with sophomore Ciara Gardner, the Gophers have a strong end of the lineup combination with the two AAers.  However, the rest of the returnees will need to step up and fill the gaps created by the departed veterans.  Last year, UB was their undoing at Regionals, and it's been a weak point for the Gophers in recent seasons.  This is where frosh Rachel Cutler and Selena Ung will be looked upon to provide quality depth behind the two AAers. 

 

 

 

21.  Kentucky Wildcats

 

22.  Ohio State Buckeyes

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Assistants: Chuck Dickerson, Rachel Garrison
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (9):  Marissa Beucler (Sr), Katie Carlisle (So), Brittany Furuyama (So),   Tiara Phipps (Sr), Taylor Puryear (Jr), Cori Rechenmacher (So),  Amy Roemmele (sr), Sydney Waltz (So/I), Montana Whittle (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Alyssa Bertoni (Jr), Kirsten Canini (Jr), Khadijah Hudson (Sr/I)
Graduated (5):   Alexis Gross,  Kayla Hartley, Shelby Hilton, Shannon Mitchell, Sara Shipley
Other Losses (0):  N/A  
Newcomers (6):  Taylor Carlson, Danaea Davis, Sidney Dukes, Alex Hyland, Aubree Rosa, Katie Stuart
Quick Assessment:  Kentucky posted a strong result during the season, overcoming several injuries and setbacks to set new highs during the year.  Although they fell short at Regionals, they set themselves up for continued growth in the future.  Leading the way for UK in 2016 will be Marissa Beucler and Sydney Waltz.  Waltz qualified to the NCAAs as an individual AAer.  To a large returning core, Coach Dickerson welcomes six new athletes, led by L10s Sidney Dukes, Alex Hyland, Aubree Rosa, and Katie Stuart.  This talented class should help UK reach for the next level.        

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Carey Fagan
Assistants:  Taylor Jones, Randy Monahan
Starting Routines Returning: 21/24
Returning Starters (8):  Rachel Abrams (Sr), Taylor Harrison (So), Samantha Kent (Sr), Tenille Funches (Jr), Erin Malone (Jr), Alexis Mattern (So), Stefanie Merkle (So), Jaine Van Putten (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Maggie Dunn (I/Sr/I), Michelle Burns (Jr/I), Kaitlyn Hofland (I/RS FR)
Graduated (1):  Sarah Grady
Other Losses (1):  Megan Feltham (So/?) 
Newcomers (5):  Casey Carvalho, Janelle McClelland, Addyson Ruby, Jamie Stone, Jennifer Taylor
Quick Assessment:  Ohio State returns a strong core of eight starters and 21 of 24 routines from a squad that finished fifth at Regionals.  They will be led by three AAers:  Tenille Funches, Taylor Harrison and Alexis Mattern.  The Buckeyes will also welcome the services of five frosh plus redshirt frosh Kaitlyn Hofland.  Ohio State will look this season to make the small improvements overall that boost 9.75 to 9.8 range scores to 9.8 to 9.9+.  Getting Canadians Stefanie Merkle and Kaitlin Hofland healthy and contributing in top form would be a tremendous boost to the squad in 2016.  From the newcomers, Canadian elite Casey Carvahlo and L10 standout Jamie Stone (5th at L10 Nationals in 2015) lead the way.

 

 

 

23.  Missouri Tigers

 

24.  Southern Utah Thunderbirds

Official Web Site: Link  Schedule  Roster
Head Coach:  Shannon Welker
Assistants: John Carney, Casey Jo (Magee) MacPherson
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Returning Starters (6):  Tia Allbritten (So), Kennedi Harris (So), Alyson Heimsath (Jr), Angie Kern (Jr), Shauna Miller (So), Becca Schugel (So)
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Blair Elmore (So),
Graduated (4):  Briana Conkle, Becca Johnson, Laura Kappler, Katelyn Trevino
Other Losses (4):  Jordyn Doherty (?), Miranda Eubank (?), Kelli Martin (?), Sasha Sander (?)
Newcomers (8):  Allison Bower, Madeleine Huber, Brooke Kelly, Xarria Lewis, Morgan Porter, Michaelee Turner, Britney Ward, Storee Yzaguirre
Quick Assessment:  Missouri finished fourth in their Regional last season, capping a strong finish to a rebuilding year for the program.  That rebuilding program must continue in 2016, with 10 routines from six gymnasts that will need to be replaced.  Leading the way for the youthful tigers with be sophomores Shauna Miller and Becca Shugel.  Miller was an impact gymnast for the Tigers in 2015, but was slowed by injury.  Alyson Heimsath, a junior, will also lend key routines and experience.  With just seven returnees, the Tigers will look to source many routines from their large eight member frosh class. 

 

Official Web Site: Link  Schedule   Roster
Head Coach:  Scott Bauman
Assistants: Jeff Richards, Jamie Wysong
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Returning Starters (9):  Arlyn Armor (Sr), Madyson Blake (Jr), Tyly Bozzuto (Jr), Virgina Brownsell (Jr), Danielle Ramierez (Jr), Sydney Townsend (Jr), Natalie Trejo (Sr), Stacie Webb (Jr), Kirsten Yee (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Karen Gonzalez (So), Amber Heltemes (So), Memory Shettles (I/Jr)
Graduated (5):  Jamie Armijo, Rochelle Bernier, Ana Jaworski, Brittney Jensen, Carly Sigler
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (2):  Kamryn Bayer, Caitlyn Kessel,
Quick Assessment:  SUU had a terrific finish to a strong campaign in 2015, posting a 196.275 to finish third in their Region.  They unfortunately lose five gymnasts from their 2015 squad, accounting for 8 routines.  Included in that tally is half of their vault lineup.  Fortunately for the Thunderbirds, they welcome 9 returners plus AAer Memory Shettles, who was injured last season.  Stacie Webb will lead the way for the T-birds, while Tyly Bozzutto and Danielle Ramirez will also be key for SUU.  To this core they add two newcomers:  Kamryn Bayer and Caitlyn Kessel.  With a smaller squad than usual, SUU will need to get others to step up, especially on vault, to fill the gaps left by the departed stars. 

 

 

 

25.  CMU Chippewas

 

 

 

 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Jerry Reighard
Associate Head Coach:  Christine MacDonald
Assistants: Vince Smurro
Starting Routines Returning: 14/24
Returning Starters (9):  Taylor Bolender (Sr), Rachel Carr (Jr), Caroline Fitzpatrick (Jr), Bryttany Kaplan (So), Megan Lamphere (Sr), Kirsten Petzold (Sr), Kirsten Stambaugh (Jr), Karlee Teet (Sr), Miranda Wieczorek (So)
Other/Injured Returners (6):  Courtney Campbell (So), Jordan Charrette (Sr), Katy Clements (So), Macey Hilliker (So), Jodie Plescow (So), Shaila Segal (Jr)
Graduated (6):  Becca Druien, Kylie Fagan, Tori Garcia, Preslee Harrald, Halle Morraw, Tayor Noonan
Other Losses (0):  N/A 
Newcomers (5):  Kasey Janowicz, Skyler Memmel, Kailey Miller, Gianna Plaksa, Abbie Rose Zoeller
Quick Assessment:  Central Michigan ended their season with a terrific 3rd place finish at the Columbus Regional, a little over a point back from Michigan.  They suffered heavy losses to graduation, including six gymnasts that represented key "end of the lineup" scores.  BB will be especially impacted.  The 2016 Chippewas will be led by Taylor Bolender, Kirsten Petzold, Kirsten Stambaugh and Karlee Teet.  They will also welcome five frosh, led by Kasey Janowicz, a JO National Team member in 2014, and Skyler Memmel, younger sister of Chelsea.   The health and development of these newcomers could help the team later in the season.

Table: Teams #1 to #12

Table:  Teams #13 to #25

Key to the Tables:

 

Ranking: By 2016 Preseason Coaches' Poll

Coaches: Only regular, paid coaches are listed.

Starting Routines: Defined by starting lineup in last meet of the post season.
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 2015 or preseason injury in 2015-2016
R = retirement/not competing (for any other reason than transfer or injury)

S = Under suspension
TR = Transfer
RS = Redshirt (note:  not all eligible gymnasts will employ or are awarded a redshirt year)
?=unconfirmed/unknown information

 

 

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