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13. Arkansas GymBacks
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14. California Golden Bears
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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.
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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.
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15. Illiois Fighting Illini
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16. Denver Pioneers
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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.
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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.
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17. PSU Nittany Lions
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18. Arizona Wildcats |
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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.
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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.
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| 19. Boise State Broncos |
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20. Minnesota Gophers
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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.
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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.
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21. Kentucky Wildcats
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22. Ohio State Buckeyes
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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.
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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.
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23. Missouri Tigers
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24. Southern Utah Thunderbirds
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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.
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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.
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25. CMU Chippewas
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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.
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