1.  Georgia GymDogs

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  18/24
Head Coach:  Suzanne Yoculan
Assistants: Jay Clark, Doug McAvinn 
Returning Starters (9):   Paige Burns (Sr), Hilary Mauro (So), Cassidy McComb (So), Courtney McCool (Jr/I), Marcia Newby (Jr), Lauren Sessler (Jr), Abby Stack (Sr), Grace Taylor (Jr), Tiffany Tolnay (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Lauren Johnson (Jr/I), Courtney Kupets (Sr/I)
Graduated (4):  Nikki Childs, Megan Dowlen, Katie Heenan, Audrey Bowers
Other Losses (1):  Christi Fortunato (?)
Newcomers (4):  Mariel Box (Fr/I), Kathryn Ding (Fr), Gina Nuccio (Fr), Amber Trani (Fr)

Key Losses:  Star Katie Heenan ended her year with one of her best efforts, placing 3rd(t) AA and capturing the Honda Award for Gymnastics.  The 13-time All-American fought through back pain to step it up after teammate Kupets went down with an injury.  Another key member of the class, All-American Nikki Childs, will be especially missed on UB and BB.  It's these two events where loss of these two stars will be missed the most.  Megan Dowlen, when not injured, was a solid contributor on Vault and BB.  She was an All-American in 2007 in the VT.   

Key Returners:  Seniors Courtney Kupets and Tiffany Tolnay once again lead the way for the Gym Dogs.  Kupets is coming back from her second achilles injury.  The two-time NCAA AA champ is known for her ability to come back from major injuries with ease, and has demonstrated in preseason training that she is already back in top form.  Pacing may be key for this athlete, however, as the season progresses.  Tolnay tied for 3rd AA last season with Heenan, and earned her 12th All-American award.  Junior Courtney McCool is coming off her strongest campaign yet, winning the NCAA title on the FX.  A pre-season stress fracture in her left foot has set her back in the preseason, and the coaching staff expects her to be available at mid-season.   

Junior Grace Taylor also had another standout year, winning the NCAA title on the BB, and picking up All-American honors on UB and FX.  Like McCool, she is known for her grace and execution.  Fellow Junior Marcia Newby, a two-time All-American on VT will also fight for a lineup slot on UB.  Sophomore Cassidy McComb emerged last season with strong performances, capturing 1st team All-American honors on the FX.  Fellow sophomore Hilary Mauro won 2nd team All-American honors on the BB last season, and looks set to contribute even more this season. 

Key Newcomers:  Three signees seek to step in for the departed seniors:  Kathryn Ding, Gina Nuccio, and Amber Trani.  Trani may be the most recognizable name in the class.  The senior international elite from the Parkettes was a competitor at the 2008 Olympic Trials, but was hampered all season by injury.  The US National Team member was 11th at the 2007 VISA US Championships and has a wide variety of elite-level skills on every event, but especially shines on VT, where she won a silver at the 2007 Pan Am Games.  Not to be outshone in terms of potential, however, is Gina Nuccio, a L10 from Arena.  One of the top L10 performers of the last several years, Nuccio won L10 National AA titles in 2006 and 2007, while tying for 3rd in 2008.  A complete gymnast, she also picked up individual national titles on VT (2006, 2007t), UB (2006, 2007, 2008t), BB (2006) and FX (2008).

The third signee in the class, Kathryn Ding, is a L10 from FLIPS USA.  A gymnast with beautiful lines and stong execution, she has not been slowed down this pre-season like her classmates.  At the 2006 L10 Nationals, she placed 2nd AA and 1st on UB, while placing 5th on UB again in 2007.  She also tied for 24th AA at the 2008 L10 Nationals.  

Keys to Success:  For the Gym Dogs, being the favorite for the NCAA title is nothing new.  Time and time again, despite any combination of injury or illness, Coach Yoculan's teams have delivered.  Despite some early season worries with depth on VT, UGA should be able to rely on their talented upperclass to carry the team, relieving the frosh of any concern.  That experience, combined with consistency under pressure, could be a formidable combination.   

Forecast:  Look for UGA to have a target on their back all season long.

  2.  Utah Utes

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  19/24
Head Coach:  Greg Marsden
Assistants:  Jeff Graba, Megan Marsden
Returning Starters (8):  Kristina Baskett (Sr), Daria Bijak (Jr), Jamie Deetscreek (Jr), Annie DiLuzio (Jr), Nina Kim (Sr), Gael Mackie (So), Kyndal Robarts (So), Beth Rizzo (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (1): Jacquelyn Johnson (So)
Graduated (3):  Jessica Duke, Katie Kivisto, Ashley Postell
Other Losses (1): Stephanie Neff (R/I)
Newcomers (2):  Cortni Beers (Fr), Stephanie McAllister (Fr)

Key Losses:   This past season saw the graduation of some key stars who have left an indelible mark on their programs and the NCAA.  Ashley Postell was one of them.  The former NCAA champ and 20-time All American (of 20 possible) is quite possibly one of the greatest NCAA gymnasts of all time, despite never winning the coveted AA title.  The 2008 AAI Senior Gymnast of the Year was the runner-up in the NCAA AA three times, and the bronze medalist once.  The Utes also graduated Jessica Duke, a 2007 2nd team All-American on UB, and Katie Kivisto.   

Key Returners:  The Utes are led by senior AA-er Kristina Baskett, the former NCAA UB co-champ who placed 3rd(t) AA last season.  The dynamic and popular Baskett will also be an important team leader.  Junior Daria Bijak, a 2nd team All-American in the AA last season, will also be another stalwart on four events.  Fresh off the Beijing Olympics, she will need to stay healthy on this small Ute squad.  Another junior All-American, Annie DiLuzio, is a powerhouse on VT and FX, and has been showing solid UB routines to provide some AA potential.  Fellow junior All-American Beth Rizzo will look to come back from injury and excel on FX and VT once again. 

The other Utah senior, Nina Kim, is a potential AA threat when healthy.  Junior Jamie Deetscreek has been looking exceptional in pre-season training, and could make a bigger impact this season.  The sophomore class looks for expanded roles as well.  All-American Kyndal Robarts was the most successful of the trio, and is competitive on all four events.  Her pike Omelianchik vault is the skill that won her accolades in 2008.  2004 Canadian Olympian Gael Mackie looks to be in fine condition this fall, after a full preseason of training. 

Key Newcomers:  Utah has a small but talented frosh class, which includes Cortni Beers and Stephanie McAllister.  Beers is a former international elite from Krafft and a two-time National Team member.  She placed 16th AA at the VISA US Championships in 2006, 10th in 2005, and 12th in 2004.  She was also 7th AA at the 2007 US Classic.  McAllister is a L10 from Wright's American, and a three time member of the JO National Team.  She tied for 1st on the UB at the 2008 L10 Nationals, while placing 2nd(t) on FX and 7th AA.  A constant fixture near the top of the L10 ranks, she was the L10 UB champ in Senior A in 2007, while placing 4th AA and tying for 4th on VT.  She was also 4th AA in 2006 and back in 2005, was the L10 AA National Champion.  She was 2nd on VT(t), UB, and BB that year.          

Keys to Success:  Despite the loss of Duke, Kivisto and Postell, the Utes are well positioned to challenge once again.  To do so, they will need to get expanded contributions from their sophomore and junior classes, with Deetscreek and Mackie showing the biggest improvement to date.  With only 11 athletes, the Utes are a little more vulnerable to a key injury or illness.  Starting the season, however, they appear right on track.  

Forecast:  A healthy Ute squad could give UGA a strong challenge.

  3.  Florida Gators

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  15/24
Head Coach:  Rhonda Faehn
Assistants:  Adrian Burde, Robert Ladanyi
Returning Starters (6):  Amanda Castillo (Jr), Courtney Gladys (Jr), Corey Hartung (Sr), Melanie Sinclair (Jr), Maranda Smith (Jr), Rebekah Zaiser (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Alicia Goodwin (So), Ashley Kerr (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Ashley Reed, Nicola Willis, Tiffany Murry
Other Losses (1): Lynn Denblyden (?)
Newcomers (4):  Nicole Ellis (Fr), Amy Ferguson (Fr), Elizabeth Mahlich (Fr), Kailey Tissue (Fr)

Key Losses:  The Gators lose 9 routines from last year's Super Six final, including All-Americans Tiffany Murry, Ashley Reed, and Nicola Willis.  Murry was a strong vaulter and a 2nd team All-American as a frosh.  Reed was a seven-time All American and consistent all around force for the Gators.  All-American Willis, a 2004 Olympian for Great Britain, placed 3rd on FX at the NCAAs in 2008, perhaps her finest season.  All three will be missed for their contributions and leadership.   

Key Returners:  Leading the way for the Gators are a trio of capable AAers:  Amanda Castillo, Corey Hartung and Melanie Sinclair.  Castillo, is a junior and a seven time All-American with two top 10 finishes in the AA.  Her work is marked by aggressiveness and power, with big skills like a Yurchenko 1 1/2 vault.  In constrast, Corey Hartung showcases her height and flexibility to great effect on BB and FX.  The nine time All American is part of a standout one-two-three all around punch.  The third AA star, junior Melanie Sinclair, is a six time All American coming off her strongest campaign yet.  She tied for 3rd AA at the NCAAs, leading the Gator squad.

Supplementing the three AA stars is junior Courtney Gladys, who is coming off a strong fall training period.  Fellow juniors Maranda Smith and Rebekah Zaiser will be looked upon to step it up in place of the graduated stars.  Sophomore Alicia Goodwin could also make in impact, and shows good lines on the UB.  

Key Newcomers:  Florida will depend on some immediate contributions from one of the nation's best class of newcomers.  Nicole Ellis, Amy Ferguson, Elizabeth Mahlich, and Kailey Tissue look to contribute immediately to the Gator squad.  Tissue is a former elite who trained at WOGA, and bears all the classic lines that are so characteristic of the club.  She placed 7th AA at the 2007 US Classic, qualifying as a Senior International Elite.  The biggest impact, however, could come from Elizabeth Mahlich.  The L10 from Geddart's Twistars has excellent lines and has been a consistent top finisher in the L10 ranks.  This past season, she tied for the UB title and placed 13th AA at the L10 Nationals.  At the 2007 L10 Nationals, she was 2nd AA, 2nd on BB, 2nd on UB and 4th(t) on VT.  She also tied for 2nd AA and placed 1st on BB in 2006.

Another top L10, Nicole Ellis, looks to contribute immediately.  From Arena Gymnastics, she placed 11th AA and 4th(t) on VT at the 2008 L10 Nationals.  In 2007, she was 5th(t) AA, 2nd on VT and 3rd(t) on UB at the L10 Nationals.

Keys to Success:  The Gators have a top three AA lineup that matches up with any team.  For this squad, success will lie in keeping those three healthy, and then finding three supporting routines at or near the same level.  The frosh will have to step in and handle the pressure immediately, as the Gators do not enjoy the depth of some of the other programs.

Forecast:  A healthy top three should ensure that the Gator squad is competitive once again.

  4.  UCLA Bruins

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  13/24
Head Coach:  Valerie Kondos Field
Assistants: Jim Foody, Chris Waller 
Returning Starters (5):  Ariana Berlin (Sr), Kristina Comforte (Sr), Anna Li (Jr), Mizuki Sato (So), Niki Tom (So)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Marci Bernholtz (So), Melissa Chan (Sr), Brittani McCullough (RS Fr/I), Talia Kushynski (So), Allison Taylor (So)
Graduated (3): Natalie Padilla, Jordan Schwikert, Tasha Schwikert
Other Losses (2):  Shavahn Church (R/I), Ashley Jenkins (R/I)
Newcomers (8):   Kaelie Baer (Fr), Tauny Frattone (Fr), Aisha Gerber (Fr), Elyse Hopfner Hibbs (Fr), Tiffany Hyland (Fr), Naomi Manea (Fr), Alyssa Pritchett (Fr), Vanessa Zamarripa (Fr)

Key Losses:  An era ended with the graduation of the Schwikert sisters, two athletes who have personified the UCLA team the last four years.  The elder sister Tasha won her second NCAA title in 2008, to match her title in 2005.  She also captured the UB title in 2008 and came in 2nd on FX.  Younger sibling Jordan was a second-team All American on the BB and capable AAer as well.  The Bruins suffered two injury retirements in the off-season:  Shavahn Church and Ashley Jenkins. 

Key Returners:  Senior leader Ariana Berlin, senior Kristina Comforte and junior all-arounder Anna Li head the Bruin returners.  Berlin, although bothered at time by injuries, has been a consistent and steady force for the team.  She was an All-Pac 10 team first team member in the AA in 2008.  Li is a three-time All-American and the team's best returning AAer.  She finished 4th at the NCAAs in 2007.  Another senior, Kristina Comforte has battled injuries during her past four seasons in Westwood.  The five-time All American was the runnerup on the UB at the NCAAs last season. 

A variety of gymnasts could be called upon for larger roles this season.  Sophomore Brittani McCullough was having a standout season until she ruptured her Achilles in March.  Sophomores Marci Bernholtz and Allison Taylor, both former elites, could also break through the lineup, if healthy.  Two more sophomores, Mizuki Sato and Niki Tom, have shown good progress in the preseason training.

Key Newcomers:  Despite some major losses, the Coaches' still annointed the Bruins the #4 slot in the preseason poll.  This is likely on the basis of the returning talent and what is perhaps the strongest incoming class in the NCAA.  The class is headlined by Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs, the Canadian Olympian and former world championship bronze medalist (beam).  The 2006 and 2008 Canadian AA champion and the 2006 Commonwealth Games AA co-champion, EHH brings a wealth of international experience.  With top level skills and exceptional form, she is coming off a 16th place AA finish at the Olympic Games.  

Another Canadian, Aisha Gerber, came back strong in 2008 after taking part of 2006-2007 off.  The former Canadian Jr. National AA champ was the first Canadian woman to medal at the American Cup, doing so not only with great style but big skills.  Also pushing for frontrunner status is Vanessa Zamarippa.  One of the most accomplished vaulters in L10 history, she won a total of nine individual  L10 National titles, including the AA championships in 2007, 2004 and 2003.  With big elite-level skills and power to spare, she appears to be one of the L10s that can rise to the top of the NCAA ranks.  

Kaelie Baer is a L10 from DeVeau's who was hampered by injury in 2008.  In 2007, she was the runner-up in the AA in the Senior B division at L10 Nationals, and was the co-champ on the vault.  She also qualified to L10 Nationals in 2004, 2005 and 2008.   Another L10, Tauny Frattone, is coming off a stellar L10 season with her club Olympic Gymnastics in 2008.  She placed 3rd AA, 2nd (t) on BB and 4th(t) on VT at the L10 Nationals.  She was also 13th AA in 2007.  

Keys to Success:  With a huge team and unfortunately, a large number of athletes in the trainer's room with injuries, health and experience will be the watchwords for UCLA this season.  There is abundant talent on the squad.  How far the coaching staff can bring this team will be interesting to watch.  They have the talent to rise all the way to the top.

Forecast:  The Bruins look set for a return trip to the NCAAs, and with some help on the injury front, could even challenge for the podium.

  5.  Stanford Cardinal

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  12/24
Head Coach:  Kristen Smyth
Assistants: Mike Lorenzen, Chris Swircek
Returning Starters (4):  Kelly Fee (Sr), Carly Janiga (Jr), Nicole Ourada (Sr), Heather Purnell (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (7): Shelley Alexander (So), Stephanie Carter (Jr), Danielle Ikoma (So), Allyse Ishino (Jr), Gretchen O'Henley (So), Blair Ryland (Jr), Tenaya West (Jr)
Graduated (6):  Lauren Elmore, Stephanie Gentry, Alexandra Pintchouk, Aimee Precourt, Liz Tricase, Tabitha Yim
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):  Alyssa Brown (Fr), Catherine Nguyen (Fr), Nicole Pechanec (Fr), Jenny Peter (Fr), Alexandra Skoly (Fr)

Key Losses:  Stanford loses their "Super Six" pack of athletes, including standouts Tabitha Yim and Liz Tricase.  Yim was a 14-time All American during her career, and a consistent AA force for the Cardinal.  The oft-injured Tricase came through in the post-season for All American honors on UB last season.  Alex Pintchouk and Lauren Elmore were also dependable members of the Stanford lineup for all four years, stepping in as all-arounders when necessary.  Their loss hurts in depth as well as scoring power.  Aimee Precourt and Stephanie Gentry both contributed as specialists, especially on BB and VT. 

Key Returners:  Stanford is led by All American all arounders Carly Janiga and Nicole Ourada.   Ourada, a senior, has her best campaign as a junior, capturing three All-American awards.  With skills such as a pike Full-in on FX, she has continued to get stronger as her career progresses.  Janiga, a junior, is a four-time All American who placed 4th in the AA as a rookie.  She continues to look strong in the preseason, and she will be key to the Cardinal effort this season. Another senior, Kelly Fee, was an All American on BB as a sophomore.  A healthy Fee could step into an AA role as well.

Another senior, Heather Purnell has battled injuries but has been a key contributor on all four events in the past.  Junior Allyse Ishino is a wildcard (no pun intended).  Limited by a chronic heart condition, her availability as an AAer is a difference maker.  Based on preseason training, sophomore Danilelle Ikoma looks set to make a bigger impact this season.   

Key Newcomers:  Stanford's recruiting class includes Alyssa Brown, Catherine Nguyen, Nicole Pechanec, Jenny Peters and Alexandra Skoly.  Canadian National Team member Alyssa Brown trained at Gymnastics Mississauga.  An alternate to the 2008 Olympic Games, she also competed for Canada at the World Championships in 2006 and 2007.  This past season, she placed 4th AA at the Canadian Championships.  She also picked up Canadian National titles on VT and BB in 2006.  

Nguyen (whose sister Christine competes for UNC), is a senior international elite from WOGA.  Known for her beautiful lines, she placed 15th AA at the 2007 VISA US Championships.  She also placed 8th AA as a junior in 2006.  Pechanec is a Parkettes trained athlete who competes internationally for the Czech Republic under the name Nicole Pechancova.  She competed for the Czech national team at the World Championships in both 2006 and 2007.  With clean lines, she especially excels on the BB, where she won a World Cup event title in Ostrava in 2007.

Keys to Success:  The large Stanford squad will need to step it up and support the two lead AAers, Janiga and Ourada. With or without Ishino, the team has enough latent talent to become a Super Six squad once again.  The adjustment rate of the frosh could be key; Pechanec and Brown are looking strong in preseason training in at least three events each, and could step forward immediately. 

Forecast:  The Cardinal may start slower, but as the experience builds and the injuries heal, the Cardinal could make another run at the Super Six. 

  6.  Alabama Crimson Tide

Official Web Site:  Link  Schedule  Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  22/24
Head Coach:  Sarah & David Patterson
Assistant: Brian Raschilla
Returning Starters (7):  Morgan Dennis (Jr), Kayla Hoffman (So), Ricki Lebergern (Jr), Brittany Magee (Sr), Ashley O'Neal (Sr), Casey Overton (Jr), Kassi Price (Jr),
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Alyssa Chapman (Jr), Megan Mashburn (So), Amanda Montgomery (Sr), Jacqueline Shealy (Jr)
Graduated (2):  Terin Humphrey, Kaitlin White
Other Losses (2):  Jennifer Iovino (R/I), Cassie Martin (R)
Newcomers (5):  Jocelyn Fowler (Fr), Erika Pearson (Fr), Ashley Preiss (Fr), Geralan Stack-Eaton (Fr), Rachel Terry (Fr)

Key Losses:  Bama loses two routines from 2008, from the graduated Kaitlin White.  Bama also lost the services during the year of All American, Olympian and National Champion Terin Humphrey.  This was a major loss, and the Bama faithful no doubt wonder what "could have been" with the services of their star.    Bama will also miss the services of Cassie Martin on UB and BB, and the potential services of Jennifer Iovino, who retired due to a medical condition. 

Key Returners:  The Tide are led by 2007 NCAA FX Champ Morgan Dennis, a five-time All American and a two-time second team honoree in the AA.  The junior is supported by three other classmates at the core of this Bama squad.  Junior Ricki Lebegern is coming off a standout season as an AAer, and won SEC titles on the VT and BB (her second in a row).  Another junior, Casey Overton, was a 2nd team All American on the BB.  Finally, Kassi Price is a two-time All American on UB and is potentially Bama's top returning all arounder.

The junior class is supported by sophomore Kayla Hoffman, an All-American as a frosh on VT but a potential AAer.  Senior Brittany Magee was a 2nd team All American as a frosh on the FX, and is also a key VT and BB worker.       

Key Newcomers:  Bama is supplementing a strong core of returners with one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.  Led by a pair of elite standouts, this class could step-in and fill roles in the lineup immediately.  Signees Geralen Stack-Eaton, Ashley Preiss, and Caitlin Sullivan are joined by walkons Jocelyn Fowler, Erika Pearson and Rachel Terry.  Stack-Eaton, the Parkettes-trained athlete, finished 6th AA and 4th on UB at the 2007 VISA US Championships.  She was 17th AA at the 2006 VISA Championships.  With solid skills shown in fall training (double Arabian on FX, double tuck off BB), she appears ready to step in to a leading AA role for the Tide.

Another standout elite, Ashley Preiss, trained at the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy.   A member of the 2006 World Championship silver medal team, she placed 10th AA at the meet.  She was also 6th AA at the 2006 VISA US Championships.  After a back injury held her out of the 2007 VISA US Championships, she withdrew from the 2008 VISA US Championships due to recurring back pain.  She has been showing well on several events during preseason training, however. 

The third signee, Courtney Sullivan, is expected to join the team in January. The L10 and former junior international elite finished 10th AA and 4th(t) on BB at the 2008 L10 Nationals.  A member of the Junior National team from 2003-2004, she was 5th AA at the 2003 VISA US Championships.  Bama suffered a loss from this class earlier in the Fall when Julie Cotter left the team and returned home.             

Keys to Success:  Bama may have overachieved in last year's NCAA finals, but this season, there will be no mistaking their competitiveness.  With a stellar core of juniors and another standout frosh class, this team is a solid blend of experience and young talent.  As long as key athletes such as Dennis, Price and Stack Eaton stay healthy, this team has podium-level potential.

Forecast:  Bama should contend for a Super Six slot, and perhaps even more.