From gymnasts finally returning to incoming freshmen to already successful gymnasts and their potential to be even better, there’s a lot to look forward to on beam in 2019. But these gymnasts are some of our most anticipated.
Elizabeth
Grace Glenn (UCLA)
To be honest, I could watch Grace do level 4 skills on beam forever and never get bored. But watching her do stunning and difficult gymnastics is even better. Her artistry, form and toe point really set her apart from the rest, and I’m gunning for some perfect marks from her in 2019.
Anastasia Webb (Oklahoma)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp2997Bla6Z/
Webb’s style is reminiscent of Maggie Nichols on beam with a little something different. Her movements are so sharp and confident that you can’t help but enjoy her presence on the event. From the training clips I’ve seen so far, I think she’d going to prove that perfect 10 at the Together We Rise meet last year was no fluke.
Emily M
Arkansas
I’m breaking the rules. I refuse to pick one. This might be the prettiest beam lineup in the NCAA, and I’m ready for all of it.
Maela Lazaro (Oregon State)
Lazaro broke out of nowhere to be a beam star for the Beavers last year, and I can’t wait to see what she does in 2019. Her calm, steady work is incredibly pleasing.
Rebecca
Sophia Hyderally (Alaska)
Unique and floaty front aerial front aerial series from Alaska junior Sophia Hyderally. #NCAAgym pic.twitter.com/KPlroQIIEG
— InstaGymVideos (@InstaGymVideos) October 2, 2018
Alaska is a team to watch in 2019 as several critical athletes return from injuries that kept scores down last year. Hyderally, who was able to return on bars toward the end of the season but couldn’t compete her keystone event, will be a huge asset. She’s the school record holder on beam with a peak of 9.925, and she’s absolutely exquisite to watch.
Natalie Yang (Penn)
San Mateo reliably produces beautiful gymnastics, and Yang is one of the strongest of the bunch. The Penn freshman has been training with one elbow wrapped—possibly meaning she’ll be forced to specialize on beam in college—but luckily it’s her strongest and most beautiful event. Her J.O. scores on this piece go up to 9.825, and I expect 9.9s from her in Philadelphia where she’s likely to immediately anchor the lineup.
Emily H-F
Natalie Wojcik (Michigan)
Freshman @wojcik_natalie made a big first impression in front of our fans yesterday winning bars, floor and the all-around and finishing 2nd on beam. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/8XoucPmKGT
— Michigan Women’s Gymnastics (@UMichWGym) December 3, 2018
A beam star even in J.O., Wojcik’s NCAA routine appears to have been restructured to address the few frequent issues. Thanks to the changes, it will be a staple in the Michigan beam lineup and bring in big scores.
Emerson Hurst (Towson)
Hurst’s gorgeous toe point and lines are sure to stand out in Towson’s beam lineup. Her artistry and flow both here and on floor really set her apart. I insist you find a time to watch her this season; I know I have a Towson meet on my schedule.
Honorable Mention: Hannah Vandenkolk (Washington)—Pretty pretty lines and details.
Rachel
Emma Schulz (Cortland)
Schulz was quite a catch for Cortland. She is one of its top floor workers, but beam is where she really shines, beating the school-record in the home opener and ending her season with a third place at nationals. She works beam confidently, and I can’t wait to see her continue improving this season.
Miranda Murphy (RIC)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf–k15gVQg/
Unfortunately I can’t find a video of Murphy’s set from last year, but she had a great season in which she became the school-record holder. She has a nice switch ring and front handspring + back tuck series that sets her apart from traditional beam sets.
There are so many beam routines we’re looking forward to seeing in 2019. What are some of yours? Let us know in the comments below!
READ THIS NEXT: Our Favorite Beam Routines of 2018
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Emily Minehart, Rebecca Scally, Emily Howell-Forbes and Rachel Riesterer
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