About the Recruit Ratings
Our recruit ratings debuted in 2022. Years ago, we maintained a women's "Recruitable Database", with scores, skills, videos and club information. We shut that system down due to the effort required to maintain it and to focus solely on our core mission of covering NCAA Gymnastics. At the time, we did not attempt to rank or rate recruits. Scores and video were not as widely available as they are today, and therefore fair evaluations were not feasible. Today, thanks to Instagram and YouTube, recruits from all over the world are able to publish training and competition videos on a regular basis. Online coverage of competitions are available from around the world, with both video and results available. The widespread availability of this information has made recruit ratings possible.
Our goal in creating this system was to provide ratings similar to what is available in other sports, but to base these ratings as much as possible on a non-subjective methodology, using transparent criteria and publicly available data, whenever possible. Although gymnastics and the recruiting process itself is subjective, we wanted to create a system that depends less on an individual rater's subjective perception and instead on measurable and observable facts and data. We started from taking the same criteria we have been using to assess each team's Recruiting Class in our annual ranking. However, for the first time, we have formally encoded the criteria in a set of rules, with the intent to minimize subjectivity.
The coaching staffs at different schools have different weights they apply to the various criteria which they use to assess potential student-athletes. A single rating system can't possibly reflect all of these different priorities. Instead, we focus here on results from competitions, scores achieved, skill level, execution, injury/competition history, consistency and her recent performance trend. There are gymnastics criteria that all coaches tend to look to some degree in their potential recruits. However, additional important criteria such as grades, motivation, leadership, and team fit are too specialized or impossible to fully assess in an observational rating system.
There are several key principles that we focused on in developing our rating system:
The recruits are rated from NR to 5 stars, in half star increments. However, only 3 star and above are listed in our ratings. A 3 star athlete is still highly accomplished and talented and will have a future impact in Division I competition. There are also athletes in the ratings that are not currently shown because they have too few meets to their credit or will move up as they continue their development.
The recruits are not in ranked order with each rating group, as our methodology's focus on reducing subjectivity doesn't afford such fine gradations in ratings.
Evaluations will be conducted each summer, after the National meets are complete. Ratings will be finalized at the start of the athlete's first year of competition (typically by September). However, corrections or updates may be made in the interim by contacting the site directly.
The Methodology
In our methodology, a base star rating is assigned based on finishes and/or scores and then half stars are added or subtracted based on additional criteria like high level skills, high level execution, consistency or weak events, and gaps in competition history, typically due to injury.
Base Rating: The Start
A gymnast is initially assigned a star rating based competition results and/or scores received. There is a minimum threshold to qualify and a number of athletes with limited competitions (typically due to injury) are unable to qualify for a further rating with a base score. From the base rating, a gymnast can increase her rating by up to one star.
US Level 10s: For US Level 10s, an athlete's base rating is based on her placements at the last two Level 10 National meets or her her top four AA or three-event scores in the last two years, or a combination of the two. If a gymnast has a major injury and misses the season, an additional year from the prior year(s) is added but a penalty of 0.5 stars is subtracted from her base rating. The following chart explains the methodology:
5 Stars |
Top 4 at Women's Development Program (WDP) Nationals with a second Top 10 Placement |
4.5 Stars |
Top 10 twice at WDP Nationals OR once with 4 L10 AA scores over 38.5 |
4 Stars |
Top 15 twice at WDP Nationals OR once with 4 L10 AA scores over 38.25 |
3.5 Stars |
Top 25 twice at WDP Nationals OR Top 10 once with 2nd WDP National qualification OR Top 25 once with 4 L10 AA scores over 38 OR 4 L10 AA scores over 38.25 |
3 Stars |
Top 30 twice at WDP Nationals OR Top 15 once with 2nd Nationals qualification OR Top 30 once with 4 L10 AA scores over 37.75 OR four L10 AA scores over 38.0 OR four 3-event L10 scores over 28.8 |
2.5 Stars |
Top 20 once at WDP National OR 4 AA scores or four 3-event scores over 28.5. |
The chart is rather complex as it allows a gymnast multiple ways to earn stars and provides flexibility for gymnasts who have missed a National meet or is in a more competitive Region. In our methodology, there is a minimum threshold to qualify but for this reason the entry level at 2.5 stars was made intentionally broad. The vast majority of future college gymnasts come from the US L10 system, and so the criteria has to be flexible to accommodate multiple situations while ensuring a focus on high placements and achievement. Future two or one event specialists are also excluded but can qualify via the three event rules if they compete up to three events. Four scores are used to ensure some measure of repeatability. A minimum threshold score is used versus an average due to scoring variation and to guard against one-off meets with unusual situations (like small club invitationals and "NCAA" rule meets).
Elites: For US elites, stars are assigned based on elite scores from the last two years, and for the highest star levels, qualification to the US Championships. Training camp marks are excluded. For international elites, scores from all AA international or national level competitions are considered. Different star ratings are assigned based on ranges of scores achieved. Different ranges are used for 2022+ than from the prior quadrennium, due to changes in the scoring system. These levels largely mirror the existing score levels used to qualify US elites to various levels of competition, with slightly lower marks for US gymnasts at the 4+ star level as qualification through to Championships is also required.
5 Stars |
Elite National Team member with a minimum 55 (2017-2021) OR 53.5 (2022+) AA score |
4.5 Stars |
US Championship qualifier with minimum 53.5 (2017-2020) OR 52 (2022+) AA score |
4 Stars | US Championship qualifier with a minimum 52 (2017-2021) OR 50.5 (2022+) AA OR 39.75 (2017-2021)/38.85 (2022+) 3-event score Any international elite with a minimum 52.5 (2017-2021) OR 51.0 (2022+) AA score |
3.5 Stars |
Any elite with a 51.0 (2017-2021) OR 49.5 (2022+) AA score OR US elite with a 39 (2017-2021)/38.1 (22+) 3-event score |
3 Stars | Any elite with a 49.5 AA (2017-2021) score OR 48 (2022+) AA score OR US elite with a 38 (2017-2021)/37.1 (22+) 3-event score |
2.5 Stars |
Any elite with a 48 AA (2017-2021) score OR 46.5 (2022+) AA score |
Canadian Level 10: For Canadian level 10s (CCP10), scores are assigned based on AA scores achieved at the national (Canadian or Canada Games), regional (i.e, Western or Eastern) or provincial championships. A different scoring system than the US and a low number of available meet scores makes using the US criteria impossible. These marks are: 38 for 4 stars, 37.5 for 3.5 stars, 37 for 3 stars and 36.5 for 2.5 stars. For 4*, only scores at the National Championships are considered.
Bonus: Added to the Base
Gymnasts have two opportunities to add a half a star to their base rating, through outstanding difficulty or through very good form and execution. These are assessed solely from video of competition routines, not workouts.
The difficulty bonus focuses on the leg events. A half star bonus is awarded to a gymnast that has successfully competed a NCAA 10.0 Start Value vault and a floor exercise with a FIG E acro skill OR FIG D plus D bonus acro combination. This bonus rewards gymnasts with a high skill level on events where it can arguably make a difference at the NCAA level. This criteria could have been applied to the vault alone. However, top vaulters are typically also strong floor workers and strength on these two events can increase their overall appeal as a recruit, as big tumbling often is a key to unlocking scores of 9.9+. However, to avoid overemphasizing difficulty, this bonus cannot be used to elevate a gymnast from 4.5 to 5 stars.
The execution bonus focuses on execution and form, but on deductions other than those from steps, hops, falls and other infrequent or random errors. This criteria assesses execution and form errors like insufficient split, clubbed or crossed feet, incorrect body position, bent arms, lack of amplitude and other deficits in technique that can reliably garner deductions at the NCAA level. We ultimately are looking for gymnasts that have a clear path to 0.1 or less of these type of so-called "built-in deductions" on the UB, BB and FX. These gymnasts are awarded 0.5 stars in bonus. This is a high hurdle and is rarely granted in our ratings. It is applicable, as you might suspect, most commonly with gymnasts that already hold a high base star rating. Some latitude is granted to gymnasts with excess difficulty, especially those in the elite ranks, where problematic skills (those with systemic execution faults) can simply be dropped in a future NCAA set. This is the only criteria in our system where some level of subjectivity from the rater is allowed. Our base criteria is weighted on placement, skills and scores, and therefore execution already largely drives the gymnast's base rating. The intention of the bonus here was to reward gymnasts that have the capability for high scores at the NCAA level once consistency is improved and/or routines are edited.
To provide for flexibility around the more substantial and step function nature of the Level 10 criteria, in 2023 we added an exception criteria for gymnasts with a consistent level of high success. A gymnast who, after a review of her last two seasons of performances, is short by ONE TENTH in TOTAL scores OR ONE placement from achieving a higher category of base rankings, is allowed a third year of competition results to factor into her base evaluation. This third year can raise the gymnast's rating by a maximum of one half star. For example, a gymnast who placed 5th AA at WDP Nationals in one year and 8th AA the next, would normally be rated 4.5*. However, if the third prior year was considered, when she placed 2nd at WDP Nationals, she would be elevated from 4 1/2 to five stars. However, the gymnast would also be evaluated for consistency in that third year (as well as the across the initial two years).
We intentionally avoided any criteria that relied on highly subjective assessments of artistry or exceptional style, or on problematic criteria related to body type or shape.
Penalties: Deducted from the Base
Up To The Level/Start Value: A gymnast with an event that does not meet the NCAA "Up to the Level" requirement was docked a half a star for each event. On UB, BB and FX, the gymnast needed to start from a 10 start value and on vault, from a 9.95 or higher. This assessment is based on competed routines and could change with the athlete's next assessment, as she adds difficulty. On vault, this deduction was commonly applied to gymnasts who were competing vaults such as a layout Yurchenko or handspring pike front. On BB and FX, some latitude was given to gymnasts that were short of the required start value by one tenth (i.e., with 0.5 in bonus). It is assumed a gymnast of this level could easily add a missing 0.1 through a dance skill or dance-acro combination. Gymnasts missing a required dance series were given full latitude due to differences in rules. On UB, gymnasts that are missing a second D release or major release were automatically penalized. Some latitude was also given for non-compliant dismounts, due to the rule differences between FIG/L10 and the NCAA. A non-connected C dismount was penalized unless a clear path to an eligible combination was shown or an eligible dismount was used in a prior year. It is possible to score well in the FIG/L10 system with routine construction that would cause a lower start value in the NCAA. This was typically only applied on vault or on UB due to the lack of eligible releases.
Major Injury/Missed Season: A gymnast missing a season of competition (three meets or less, unless the post-season was included) or with a major injury (defined as involving more than 4 months of recovery time like a torn ACL or Achilles) had 0.5 stars deducted from her rating. An additional year of competition history was added during her base rating assessment. The gymnast was given the benefit of the doubt in all situations and any resulting rating changes were to the benefit of the athlete. For example, an additional year was not added to the athlete's base assessment if she was already able to qualify without it. This criteria is added because major injuries do impact an athlete's recruiting potential.
Inconsistent/Weak Event: This criteria was applied to US Development Program Level 10 athletes only. A half star was deducted from the gymnast's rating if 50% or more of her competition results were scored at 9.3 or below. This was intended to compensate for a gymnast's inconsistency or weaker event. This deduction was NOT taken where UTL/Start Value deductions had been already taken for the event, or where a three-event score was used for the base rating assessment.
Methodology Downsides and Gaps
No methodology is perfect, and that is most certainly in the case here. We've tried to create a method that relies on data and facts, while reducing subjectivity introduced by the raters. We've tried to rate a recruit's potential as a future college star by focusing on the most common criteria used to evaluate athletes. At the same time, we've tried to work around inherent problems like variation in scoring while also accommodating unusual cases. However, there are still some gaps. Here are a few:
Last updated: 7/7/23
The NCAA has released the NCAA Code Modifications for 2022-2024. These Code Modifications build upon the USA Gymnastics Women's Development Program (WDP) Code of Points. The WDP Code was also just revised, in a major updated timed for 2022-2026. Many will be disappointed that the NCAA did not strengthen the code and eliminate common loopholes, and help address the record-breaking scores we have been experiencing. However, there are a number of changes, many of which do have the potential to increase variety. Let's break them down. *Editor's Note* This article has been updated a second time with the final set of Modifications.
San Jose State has hired Morgan Ross as an assistant coach. She had been serving as an Assistant at Yale. The former UAA Seawolve was also a graduate assistant at Maryland for three years.
Link: SJSU Release
Temple has hired Hilary (Mauro) Steele and Sophia Hyderally as assistant coaches. Steele had been serving as a volunteer assistant at Maryland. She's a former elite National Team member and UGA All-American. She was also the head coach at the club Kokokahi in Hawaii and was a high level cross-fit competitor. Hyderally has spent the last two seasons as a volunteer assistant at Nebraska. She was a standout at Alaska-Anchorage.
Link: Release
UCLA (and USC) have announced their intent to leave the Pac 12 to join the Big Ten for the 2024-2025 season. Although certain sports will not join the Big Ten, gymnastics will shift to the newly expanded Big Ten. Sports media experts say the move is spurred by the attraction of a share of a larger TV contract, driven by football Over the last several years, the SEC and Big Ten have driven to separate themselves from the rest of the conference through expansion and their successful TV networks. This shift is not over, with football (and to a lesser extent, basketball) and media markets/fan base driving the way, and we may see further realignment as schools act to preserve their interests. The latest updated reports indicate that the Pac 12 10 is exploring expansion options, and that the Big 10 has told possible inquiries from Pac 12 members that it is holding off, for now, even as they actively pursue Notre Dame.
Link: UCLA Release
Link: CBS Sports Update
UCLA has hired Janelle McDonald as their new Head Coach. She has been an assistant at Cal for the last four seasons. Prior to that she coached athletes through all levels up to elite during stints at WOGA, Legacy Elite and Desert Lights.
Link: Release
Oklahoma won the 2022 NCAA Team title, fending off Florida in the final round, after a superb comeback from a shaky first round in the finale. Here's a few impressions from the season.
In a webcast today, the NCAA announced the team seeds and placements for the 2022 Women's Gymnastics Regional Competitions for both teams and individuals. Teams are listed after the link, in seed order. The last two teams are in the "play-in" round. All Regionals will be on ESPN+.
Illinois blasted to the second highest score in the NCAA this year to win the meet hosted by Air Force. The Illini were led by wins from Ian Skirkey on PH and Hamish Carter in the AA (82.9). For Air Force, Oliver Zavel won FX with a strong 14.6. Navy's Isaiah Drake won the VT and HB to lead his squad. Teammate Josh Williams won R while teammate Dhiren Lutchman took the PB.
Link: Air Force Release
Washington's Skylar Killough Wilhelm won BB and the AA (39.425). On FX, Husky Amara Cunningham tied with Stanford's Kyla Bryant and USU's Brie Cark. Cunningham and Bryant also tied for 1st on VT with USU's Rebecca Wells. Stanford's Grace Waguespack won the UB. Stanford's final score was impacted by a 0.1 neutral deductions.
Link: Stanford Release and Results