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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teams #13 to #25

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