There’s a lot that happens on the gymternet each week. So much so that it can be hard to keep track of it all. From training updates and COVID news to recruiting rumors and coaching announcements, we don’t blame you for missing some important points here and there.
But that’s where we come in. Last Week in College Gym is your one-stop shop for all the important headlines from the previous week in college gymnastics. No matter if you’re taking a social media break, went on vacation or just don’t have the capacity to follow every single gymnast, team and fan, we have you covered.
Top Storylines
Dagen, Shapiro, Korlin-Downs Set to Return for Sixth Years
It was announced Monday that Oregon State gymnast Lacy Dagen has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Dagen was a key contributor on vault and beam last season for the Beavers, who should benefit greatly from her return.
UCLA announced Thursday that Nicki Shapiro will also be returning for a sixth year of eligibility. Shapiro frequented the beam lineup last season for the Bruins and should contend to make that lineup more consistently next season.
Finally, Minnesota announced last Friday that Mary Korlin-Downs will return for a sixth year of eligibility and has been awarded a scholarship after five years as a walk-on. Korlin-Downs, who started her collegiate career at Iowa State before transferring to Minnesota, was a strong competitor on beam last season.
Future In Doubt for Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport has been “acquired” by several other universities in Connecticut. Details are unclear, but the university and its athletics programs will likely continue operating normally for the 2020-21 academic year and then discontinue for the following year. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Other Newsworthy Items
- LSU alumna Ruby Harrold has joined an increasing number of current and former British gymnasts in sharing her story of abuse during her elite career. She stressed that she came forward not to tell her personal experience per se but to help initiate change for the next generation.
- The mother of Oklahoma commit Jordan Bowers has also issued a statement on Twitter, stressing the mental and emotional abuse her daughter endured during her elite career.
- UCLA alum and newly announced Utah State volunteer coach Gracie Kramer did an interview in which she discusses her experiences as a Bruin and what she’s bringing to the table now as a coach for the Aggies.
Training Updates
- Missouri’s rising sophomore Helen Hu is training a difficult and beautiful series: front aerial to front aerial to scale to full turn with the leg held at 180 degrees.
- Penn incoming freshman Connie Hsu is training a Yurchenko one and a half on vault.
- George Washington rising sophomore Hannah Munnelly is back training bars after tearing her Achilles 4 months ago.
- Minnesota sophomore Mallory Leneave posted a back handspring layout step-out on a floor beam to her Instagram Story. A broken foot in late December kept her from competition in 2020.
- Madison Kipp, an incoming Illinois State freshman, posted a straddle Jaeger to her Instagram story.
READ THIS NEXT: Last Week in College Gym: July 13
Article by the editors of College Gym News
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