Last season was a mixed-bag for the EAGL, with several teams having record-breaking seasons and others falling victim to COVID protocols and restrictions. With most teams retaining the majority of their biggest contributors, expect the conference to be on an overall upward trajectory in 2022.
We’re getting back into the groove of things and returning to the status quo for the 2022 season (as much as we can at least!). That means it’s time for our annual potential lineups analyses! With preseason training in full swing for most teams, we’re breaking it all down and taking a look at every squad’s prospects for the upcoming season—from who’s expected to contribute, holes that need to be filled and exciting upgrades fans should look out for.
No. 15 N.C. State
It was a season to remember for N.C. State, making it to the regional final and finishing 15th overall. While the Wolfpack loses a few key routines, its strong freshman class should more than make up for the losses, so expectations will be similar in 2022.
| Losses: | Katie Cox (UB, BB, FX), Olivia Hunter (VT), Lauren Kent (UB), Kasey Nelson (UB, BB, FX), Victoria Prati (VT), Alliah Harrison (left team), Alexis Sheppard (left team) |
| Gains: | Peyton Childs, Macy Jennings, Lucy Lehman, Hailey Merchant, Lauren Rutherford, Brooke Smead, Gabrielle Kistner (transfer from Bridgeport) |
| Returning From Injury: | Gabrielle Diaz (on crutches), Brooke Conley (knee) |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Emily Shepard (9.888 NQS), Chloe Negrete (9.863), Madison Benson (9.806), Carina Jordan (9.769), Gabrielle Diaz (9.738), Grace Hunter (9.500 AVG), Gabrielle Kistner (9.755 NQS in 2020), Lauren Rutherford, Lucy Lehman, Macy Jennings, Hailey Merchant, Peyton Childs
How It Looked Before: Vault was N.C. State’s most improved event in 2021, with Emily Shepard and Chloe Negrete leading the way with multiple scores of 9.900 or better.
How It Looks Now: With the majority of the lineup returning in 2022, as well as the addition of some strong newcomers, vault depth should increase overall. Gabrielle Kistner competed a Yurchenko half at Bridgeport that has scored as high as 9.900. As for the freshmen, Lauren Rutherford’s Yurchenko full is the best of the bunch. Hailey Merchant and Peyton Childs are also capable of Yurchenko fulls that could contend while Lucy Lehman has a strong Yurchenko half.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? With increased depth, vault should be even better for the Wolfpack in 2022.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Emily Shepard (9.900 NQS), Meredith Robinson (9.869), Carina Jordan (9.794), Gabrielle Diaz (9.725), Madison Benson (9.200 AVG), Hailey Merchant, Lauren Rutherford, Brooke Conley, Brooke Smead
How It Looked Before: Bars was the Wolfpack’s highest ranked event in 2021 at No. 24 in the country and never scored below 48.750.
How It Looks Now: Bars is the event that will feel the loss of the seniors the most with half of the regionals lineup graduating. Merchant is the strongest freshman of the bunch while Rutherford and Brooke Smead also bring solid options. If healthy, sophomore Brooke Conley could also be an option on this event.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell, as this lineup will be heavily dependent on freshmen.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Chloe Negrete (9.869), Emily Shepard (9.869), Nicole Webb (9.844), Kailin Foland (9.806), Gabrielle Diaz (9.700 high), Carina Jordan (9.500), Hailey Merchant, Lauren Rutherford, Macy Jennings, Peyton Childs
How It Looked Before: Beam started off slow for N.C. State in 2021, but the team figured it out by the end, topping out at 49.325.
How It Looks Now: The question of who makes this lineup is going to come down to consistency. Merchant is the freshman with the most potential, with Rutherford, Childs and Macy Jennings also bringing options. Sophomores Carina Jordan and Gabrielle Diaz both competed beam once in 2021 and could become regulars if they find their consistency.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Beam should stay about the same as it was in 2021.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Chloe Negrete (9.913 NQS), Emily Shepard (9.875), Carina Jordan (9.825), Madison Benson (9.819), Nicole Webb (9.788), Gabrielle Kistner (9.760 NQS in 2020), Lauren Rutherford, Hailey Merchant, Brooke Smead, Macy Jennings
How It Looked Before: Floor was a great event for the Wolfpack in 2021, ranking No. 29 in the country.
How It Looks Now: The losses of Katie Cox and Kasey Nelson will be felt, but the newcomers shouldn’t have trouble filling the holes. Kistner was a regular on floor at Bridgeport, scoring as high as 9.900, so she should be an option for the lineup at N.C. State as well. Rutherford has an E pass with a front double full while Merchant has clean tumbling that should contend as well. Other freshmen options include Smead and Jennings.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Floor should stay about the same as 2021.
Overall Outlook
With most of its key contributors returning, expect the Wolfpack to perform similarly to how it did in 2021. The main question N.C. State will have to answer is how the freshmen will step up to fill the holes, especially on bars.
No. 29 Towson
Towson had a record-breaking season in 2021, qualifying to regionals for the first time since 2000 and setting multiple top 10 program scores. The Tigers only lose four routines from their regionals lineup and bring in a solid freshman class of seven to fill in the gaps.
| Losses: | Kyla Gamble, Tess Zientek (UB), Allison Zuhlke (transfer to Iowa; VT, UB, BB), Jaz Kaufman (medical retirement), Simona Kerekes (left team; VT, BB) |
| Gains: | Mia Davis, Clara Hong, Lauren Keener, Steph Macasu, Liberty Mora, Felicia Poblete, Elise Tisler |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Camille Vitoff (9.881 NQS), Lauren Bolen (9.863), Jenna Weitz (9.825), Nikki Borkowski (9.813), Amy Stewart (9.756), Emerson Hurst (9.675 AVG), Cassidy Stuart (9.550), Elise Tisler, Mia Davis, Clara Hong, Liberty Mora
How It Looked Before: Vault was a great event for Towson in 2021, moving up 18 spots to rank No. 33 in the country and setting a new program record score.
How It Looks Now: Vault is not a strength for most of the freshmen, but several have the potential to make the lineup. Elise Tisler and Mia Davis both compete a Yurchenko full with Tisler’s being the strongest and most likely to replace the open spot in the lineup. Clara Hong most recently competed a handspring front tuck half, as well as a handspring front pike, both with a 9.9 start value that could slot in if needed. Liberty Mora has a Yurcheko half, which could also contend if she cleans it up a bit.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Vault should stay relatively the same or improve slightly in 2022.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Amy Stewart (9.844 NQS), Camille Vitoff (9.844), Grace Vaillancourt (9.831), Sarah Girot (9.769), Lauren Bolen (9.713), Amanda Pedicelli, Cassidy Stuart, Clara Hong, Lauren Keener, Steph Macasu
How It Looked Before: Bars was another much improved event for the Tigers, moving up 23 spots compared to its 2020 ranking. Consistency was often an issue, but when everyone hit, scores were around or above 49.
How It Looks Now: Towson only loses two routines from its postseason lineup, but unfortunately those were its two best sets. Luckily, several freshmen are strong on bars. The star of the freshman class on this event is Clara Hong, whose beautiful lines are capable of scoring 9.9-plus. Lauren Keener and Steph Macasu are also strong on bars and could contend for lineup spots.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? A lot will depend on how the freshmen adjust, but bars should be just as good or even better than it was in 2021.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Emerson Hurst (9.919 NQS), Jenna Weitz (9.869), Lauren Bolen (9.825), Camille Vitoff (9.788), Cassidy Stuart (9.744), Grace Vaillancourt (9.750 AVG), Sarah Girot (9.208), Liberty Mora, Clara Hong, Steph Macasu, Felicia Poblete, Elise Tisler, Lauren Keener
How It Looked Before: Beam could get a bit inconsistent at times, but like bars, when everyone hit, the lineup was capable of scoring well into the 49s and finished the season at No. 34 in the country.
How It Looks Now: Depth should not be a problem on this event in 2022, as most of the freshmen bring viable beam routines. However, one freshman in particular stands out—level 10 national beam champion Liberty Mora, who is easily capable of 9.9-plus scores. Hong and Macasu are the others most likely to challenge for a lineup spot, with Tisler, Keener and Felicia Poblete adding valuable depth to the event.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? With the majority of the lineup returning and the addition of Mora, beam should be even better in 2022.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Amy Stewart (9.881 NQS), Jenna Weitz (9.869), Nikki Borkowski (9.863), Paige Casper (9.850), Lauren Bolen (9.838), Camille Vitoff (9.719), Grace Vaillancourt (9.556), Sarah Girot (9.600 AVG), Emerson Hurst (9.583), Mia Davis, Felicia Poblete, Clara Hong, Elise Tisler, Amanda Pedicelli
How It Looked Before: Floor was Towson’s best event in 2021, ranking No. 28 and scoring as high as 49.350.
How It Looks Now: Towson returns its entire 2021 floor lineup, so there will be less pressure on the freshmen to deliver right away. However, several of them are capable of challenging for a lineup spot. Two freshmen are capable of E passes—Davis with a double Arabian and Poblete with a full-in. Hong, Tisler and sophomore Amanda Pedicelli also have the capability to contend for a spot.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? With the entire lineup returning and increased depth, floor should be even better in 2022.
Overall Outlook
After a record-breaking 2021 season, Towson is in good shape to continue that trend into 2022. The Tigers showed that they’re capable of qualifying to regionals, and now all eyes will be on them to do it again. The question is, will they be able to handle the added pressure and expectations?
No. 36 Temple
In its first season in the EAGL, Temple wasted no time showing it belonged, winning the conference title as well as qualifying to regionals for the first time since 1992. While the Owls were unable to compete at regionals due to COVID protocols, a top 36 finish was huge, and they will be even hungrier to repeat in 2022—with a hopefully less disappointing ending. With the majority of its big routines returning and a few exciting freshmen coming in, Temple is on track to continue its trend of broken records.
| Losses: | Delaney Garin (BB), Jordyn Oster (UB, BB, FX), Taylor Newland (medical retirement; VT, BB), Lorianna Leynes (medical retirement) |
| Gains: | Jewel Clark, Maddy Dorunda, Anna Hill, Summer Ruskey, Sydney Seibert, Hannah Stallings, Sarah Stallings, Danae Williams |
| Returning From Injury: | Lauryn Morris (knee/leg injury) |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Julianna Roland (9.863 NQS), Ariana Castrence (9.856), Madison Brooks (9.819), Renee Schugman (9.794), Tori Edwards (9.769), Caitlin Gray (9.756), Lanie Hyman (9.725 AVG), Mackenzie Aresta (9.700), Renee Schugman (9.700), Mia Rose Thackston (9.650), Summer Ruskey, Hannah Stallings, Sarah Stallings, Maddy Dorunda
How It Looked Before: Vault was a good event for the Owls in 2021, much improved after a depth issue held them back in 2020.
How It Looks Now: The depth on this event will be even greater in 2022 than it was in 2021. Summer Ruskey, Hannah Stallings, Sarah Stallings and Maddy Dorunda all compete Yurchenko fulls and should contend for lineup spots.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Vault should improve even more for Temple in 2022.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Ariana Castrence (9.844 NQS), Cyrena Whalen (9.838), Tori Edwards (9.788), Nichole Smith (9.783), Madison Brooks (9.581), Caitlin Gray (9.546 AVG), Renee Schugman (9.250), Julianna Roland (9.213), Hannah Stallings, Sarah Stallings, Maddy Dorunda, Summer Ruskey
How It Looked Before: Bars was Temple’s weakest event in 2021, often falling victim to inconsistency, but the potential was there and it improved a lot by the end of season.
How It Looks Now: Several of the freshmen are strong on bars and should make an immediate impact on the lineup. The Stallings twins in particular are very strong on this event and are capable of putting up big numbers. In addition, both Dorunda and Ruskey are also strong on bars and should contend for spots in the top six.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Bars should continue to improve for the Owls in 2022.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Julianna Roland (9.856 NQS), Brooke Donabedian (9.850), Ariana Castrence (9.838), Renee Schugman (9.825), Cyrena Whalen (9.450 AVG), Hannah Stallings, Sarah Stallings, Maddy Dorunda, Summer Ruskey
How It Looked Before: Though it was sometimes inconsistent, Temple was great on beam in 2021, scoring as high as 49.225.
How It Looks Now: Like with any beam lineup, the top six will come down to who is the most consistent. Cyrena Whalen competed beam a couple of times in 2021 and could definitely become a regular in 2022. Of the freshmen, the Stallings twins as well as Dorunda and Ruskey seem to be the most likely newcomers to contend.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? With the best routines in the lineup returning and some promising freshmen coming in, beam should stay about the same if not improve slightly.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Faith Leary (9.888 NQS), Julianna Roland (9.881), Ariana Castrence (9.875), Tori Edwards (9.856), Brooke Donabedian (9.856), Renee Schugman (9.838), Hannah Stallings, Sarah Stallings
How It Looked Before: Floor was by far Temple’s best and most consistent event. The lineup scored 49 or above nearly every week, topping out at a program record 49.375.
How It Looks Now: Temple returns nearly its entire floor lineup from 2021, so this will be a tough lineup to crack. The most likely contenders of the freshmen are Hannah and Sarah Stallings.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Floor should be even better in 2022.
Overall Outlook
Overall, Temple should be in good shape heading into 2022 with the core of its lineups returning and several strong freshmen coming in. With the disappointing end to the 2021 season, the Owls will be hungry for more. Like with Towson, the big question they’ll have to answer is whether or not they can handle the added pressure and expectations.
No. 38 New Hampshire
New Hampshire was one of the teams most negatively affected by COVID protocols, having to end its season prematurely before the EAGL championship and missing out on regionals entirely because of it. New Hampshire only loses three routines from its lineups, so it’s in good shape to have a less disappointing season in 2022.
| Losses: | Claire Hampford (VT, UB, FX), Hannah Roderick, Olivia Queri (medical retirement), Colleen Addario (left team) |
| Gains: | Alyssa Beaulieu, Gracy Mowers, Summer Simpkins |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Kylie Gorgenyi (9.850 NQS), Robyn Kelley (9.844), Jenna DeVincenzo (9.713), Lauren Diggan (9.706), Maya Macdonald (9.600), Gianna Graver (9.481), Gracy Mowers, Summer Simpkins
How It Looked Before: Vault was New Hampshire’s weakest event in 2021, as many of its gymnasts lacked the dynamics to score high.
How It Looks Now: Gracy Mowers is a dynamic vaulter who is capable of a Yurchenko one and a half. In addition, Summer Simpkins competes a Yurchenko full that should contend for a lineup spot.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Vault should be a bit better than it was in 2021.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Kylie Gorgenyi (9.683 NQS), Kylie Kratchwell (9.825), Lauren Diggan (9.819), Hailey Lui (9.775), Kenadi Brown (9.688), Jenna DeVincenzo (9.506), Sierra Bauman (9.550 AVG), Robyn Kelley (9.650 High), Summer Simpkins, Gracy Mowers
How It Looked Before: Bars was a good event for the Wildcats in 2021, ranking No. 36 in the country.
How It Looks Now: Simpkins is the strongest on bars of the freshmen and should contend for a spot. While Mowers’ scores were a bit inconsistent in level 10, she has a clean routine and has been shown a lot on the event in New Hampshire’s recent Instagram stories.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Bars should stay about the same in 2022.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Hailey Lui (9.894 NQS), Robyn Kelley (9.894), Alyssa Worthington (9.869), Hannah Baddick (9.775), Jenna DeVincenzo (9.763), Kylie Gorgenyi (9.713), Alyssa Beaulieu, Summer Simpkins
How It Looked Before: Beam was a good event for New Hampshire in 2021, staying fairly consistent and peaking at 49.225.
How It Looks Now: New Hampshire returns its entire beam lineup from 2021, so less pressure will be on the freshmen to produce lineup-ready routines right away. Alyssa Beaulieu is the most likely freshman to make the top six, but Simpkins also has the potential for a lineup worthy routine.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Beam should improve slightly in 2022.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Robyn Kelley (9.900 NQS), Hailey Lui (9.875), Kylie Gorgenyi (9.806), Sierra Bauman (9.756), Maya MacDonald (9.581), Ally Cucich (9.700 AVG), Kenadi Brown (9.675), Lauren Diggan, Gracy Mowers, Summer Simpkins, Alyssa Beaulieu
How It Looked Before: Floor had the potential to be great for the Wildcats in 2021, topping out at 49.275, but they often got stuck having to count scores in the 9.600 to 9.700 range, which held them back a bit.
How It Looks Now: Floor is a strength for all three freshmen. Mowers is very entertaining here and is capable of a double layout. She’s sure to be a crowd favorite. In addition, Beaulieu and Simpkins both have clean routines that should contend for lineup spots as well.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? With the addition of the freshmen, floor should improve in 2022.
Overall Outlook
After a disappointing end to the season, New Hampshire is hungry heading into 2022. With the majority of its 2021 routines returning, New Hampshire has a great shot of at least matching if not improving upon last season’s results (though hopefully with a different ending). The big question New Hampshire will have to answer is whether or not it will be able to replace some of its lower scoring routines to take its results to the next level.
No. 41 North Carolina
Despite the fact that its ranking went down, North Carolina’s 2021 season was a huge success. It made great strides on its weaker events and was extremely consistent, only counting two total falls for the whole season. The Tar Heels only lose one routine from their postseason lineups and gain the 13th best freshman class in the country. In addition, former Georgia head coach Danna Durante takes the helm of the program in 2022, so the future is bright for the Tar Heels.
| Losses: | Lily Dean (FX) |
| Gains: | Jenna Cashman, Lali Dekanoidze, Julia Knower, Bella Miller, Isabelle Schaefer, Jayati Sridhar |
| Returning From Injury: | Cory Shinohara (Achilles) |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Drew Aldridge (9.844 NQS), Hallie Thompson (9.838), Emery Summey (9.831), Elizabeth Culton (9.738), Sophie Silverstein (9.731), Brianna Greenlow (9.700), Shailyn St. Brice (9.675 AVG), Jamie Shearer (9.608), Julianna Weil (9.562), Lali Dekanoidze, Julia Knower, Jayati Sridhar, Isabelle Schaefer, Cory Shinohara
How It Looked Before: While vault was consistent for the Tar Heels, its lineup lacked the start values and dynamics to be great.
How It Looks Now: Since North Carolina doesn’t lose any vaults heading into 2022, the goal will be to replace some of the lower scoring gymnasts to bolster the lineup. With her dynamic Yurchenko one and a half, Lali Dekanoidze should be the new star of the lineup. Julia Knower, Isabelle Schaefer and Jayati Sridhar are all capable of Yurchenko fulls, with Knower’s being the strongest of the bunch. In addition, Cory Shinohara, who missed 2021 with an Achilles injury, could also make the lineup with her Yurchenko full.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Vault should be a much better event in 2022.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Elizabeth Culton (9.875 NQS), Kate Greene (9.819), Brianna Greenlow (9.813), Emery Summey (9.744), Hallie Thompson (9.744), Jamie Shearer (9.744), Hannah Nam (9.725 AVG), Kate Greene (9.622), Lali Dekaniodze, Isabelle Schaefer, Bella Miller, Julia Knower
How It Looked Before: Bars was by far the Tar Heels’ most improved event in 2021, as they’ve struggled with consistency on the event in recent years. Still, they were held back a bit by some routines that didn’t start from a 10.0.
How It Looks Now: Once again, Dekanoidze is going to be a star on this event and even ends her routine with a difficult full-twisting double layout dismount. Other potential contributors are Schaefer, Knower and Bella Miller who all have clean routines that start from a 10.0 and should contend for the top six.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Bars should continue to improve for North Carolina.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Elizabeth Culton (9.950 NQS), Hallie Thompson (9.850), Hannah Nam (9.825), Emery Summey (9.806), Jamie Shearer (9.800), Brianna Greenlow (9.781), Kate Greene (9.750 AVG), Drew Aldridge (9.650), Lali Dekanoidze, Isabelle Schaefer, Julia Knower
How It Looked Before: Beam was North Carolina’s best event in 2021, led by star Elizabeth Culton who finished the season ranked sixth in the country.
How It Looks Now: With the entire lineup returning in 2022, this will be the toughest lineup for the freshmen to crack. The most likely one to do it is Dekanoidze, who has been remarkably consistent on the event in level 10. Schaefer and Knower are also good and will make cases for the top six as well.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Beam should stay about the same or improve slightly in 2022.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Elizabeth Culton (9.863 NQS), Brianna Greenlow (9.825), Hannah Nam (9.813), Kate Greene (9.763), Shailyn St. Brice (9.744), Julianna Weil (9.744), Lali Dekanoidze, Jenna Cashman, Julia Knower, Cory Shinohara, Bella Miller, Isabelle Schaefer
How It Looked Before: Although consistent, floor was North Carolina’s weakest event in 2021, as many routines lacked dynamics and regularly fell into the 9.6 to 9.7 range.
How It Looks Now: This is the only event where North Carolina loses a routine, but the freshmen bring plenty of options to replace it, as well as some of the weaker routines in the lineup. Dekanoidze, Knower and Jenna Cashman are the strongest of the freshmen while Schaefer and Miller are also options. Shinohara competed a full-in prior to her injury and could contend for a spot if healthy.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Floor should be much better for the Tar Heels in 2022.
Overall Outlook
Overall, things are looking way up for the Tar Heels. Last year was a one of improvement, but it was definitely a rebuilding season; 2022 is looking to be the year where North Carolina finally shows what it’s capable of. With the loss of only one routine and a stellar freshman class coming in, the team should undoubtedly be able to more than make up for what it lost. Regionals should be an expectation in 2022, but the question is how far the Tar Heels will be able to move up in the rankings.
No. 46 George Washington
George Washington was another team that was hit hard by COVID protocols, only being able to compete five times in 2021. While the Colonials found their footing by the end of the season, it was a journey to get there. Unlike most other teams in the EAGL, however, none of the 2021 seniors are coming back for a COVID year, so there will be more pressure for the newcomers to deliver right away compared to a lot of other teams.
| Losses: | Hannah Cohen (BB), Cydney Crasa (VT, FX), Rachel Kaplan (UB, FX), Katya Karpova, Olivia Norman, Chloe Vitoff, Anna Warhol (VT, UB, FX) |
| Gains: | Rachel Katz, Gabby Lopez, Madison Steskal, Marlee York, Sarah Zois, Libby Garfoot (transfer from Penn) |
| Returning from Injury | Simone Banen (unknown) |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Deja Chambliss (9.875 NQS), Kendall Whitman (9.831), Hannah Munnelly (9.694), Katherine Shek (9.600), Nora Houseman (9.612 AVG), Marlee York, Rachel Katz, Gabby Lopez, Madison Steskal, Sarah Zois, Libby Garfoot
How It Looked Before: Vault was a good event for George Washington, but it didn’t have the depth to field a full lineup of 9.95-plus start value vaults.
How It Looks Now: The newcomers will be tasked to replace strong vaults from Anna Warhol and Cydney Crasa, and they fortunately bring a plethora of options. All of them have at least a 9.95 start value, with Marlee York contributing a 10.0 start with a Yurchenko one and a half. Rachel Katz and Gabby Lopez each have a strong Yurchenko half while Madison Steskal, Sarah Zois and junior transfer Libby Garfoot all have Yurchenko fulls that could contend for the top six.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Vault should be better for the Colonials in 2022.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Deja Chambliss (9.794 NQS), Hannah Munnelly (9.763), Olivia Raymond (9.750), Olivia Zona (9.706), Hannah Munnelly (9.550 AVG), Anneliese Silverman (9.450), Simone Banen (9.795 NQS in 2020), Marlee York, Rachel Katz, Gabby Lopez, Libby Garfoot
How It Looked Before: Bars was good for George Washington in 2021, but the Colonials often got stuck counting too many scores in the 9.7 range, which brought down the potential.
How It Looks Now: None of the freshmen stand out on bars, but a number of them can deliver lineup-worthy routines. Katz’s set is highlighted by a huge Tkatchev while York and Lopez have strong enough routines as well. Garfoot competed bars a handful of times for Penn—topping out at a 9.750—and could contend for the lineup, too.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell, as it will depend on how well the freshmen can score.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Kendall Whitman (9.800 NQS), Katherine Shek (9.750), Anneliese Silverman (9.731), Olivia Zona (9.663), Deja Chambliss (9.444), Simone Banen (9.780 NQS in 2020), Olivia Raymond (9.755), Marlee York, Sarah Zois, Madison Steskal
How It Looked Before: Beam started out slow for the Colonials in 2021, but they figured it out in the end, topping out at 49.000.
How It Looks Now: None of the freshmen are particularly strong on beam. The most likely to make the lineup is York, with Zois and Steskal as options if they can find their consistency.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Beam is probably trending down, but it’s a bit too early to tell as it will depend on how the freshmen adjust.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Kendall Whitman (9.831 NQS), Olivia Zona (9.819), Deja Chambliss (9.850 AVG), Peyton Lynch (9.412), Olivia Raymond (9.700 NQS in 2020), Marlee York, Sarah Zois, Rachel Katz, Madison Steskal
How It Looked Before: Floor was George Washington’s most consistent event in 2021 with a high score of 49.225.
How It Looks Now: George Washington loses half of its routines from its EAGL championship lineup, so there will be quite a bit of ground to make up. York is the star here and should be a major factor in the lineup. In addition, Zois, Steskal and Katz should also contend for spots in the top six.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell as the lineup will be heavily dependent on freshmen.
Overall Outlook
Thanks to losing a large class, 2022 will likely be a rebuilding year for George Washington. Due to COVID, its 2021 rankings are not a great benchmark of what the team could have been last year, so its overall ranking might go up a bit in 2022 even if the team is weaker overall. The biggest question George Washington will have to answer is how the newcomers will step up to fill the holes left by the departing class.
No. 49 Pittsburgh
Last season was one Pittsburgh will want to forget, as a lack of depth led to poor results. Fortunately, depth should not be a problem for the Panthers in 2022, as they bring in a whopping 10 newcomers and gain back some key contributors from injury.
| Losses: | Jordan Ceccarini (VT, BB, FX), Katrina Coca (AA) |
| Gains: | Anahit Assadourian, Kaleigh Cleveland, Hallie Copperwheat, Jordyn Ewing, Hannah Ford, Kendall Foy, Nancy Kiner, Molly Rickey, Sidney Washington, Erin Hutchison (transfer from Oklahoma) |
| Returning From Injury: | Kailey Gillings (torn ACL), Nay’yarrah Winder (knee), Faith Lerro (shoulder) |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Emily Liszewski (9.825 NQS), Olivia Miller (9.794), Ciara Ward (9.775), Katie Chamberlain (9.763), Lauren Beckwith (9.731), Nay’yarrah Winder (9.675 AVG), Sidney Washington, Hallie Copperwheat, Nancy Kiner, Kendall Foy, Erin Hutchison, Hannah Ford, Molly Rickey, Jordyn Ewing
How It Looked Before: Depth was lacking on vault in 2021, as Pitt was often limited to five vaulters.
How It Looks Now: Depth here shouldn’t be a problem for Pitt in 2022 thanks to several newcomers bring realistic options to the table. Sidney Washington is the strongest vaulter of the bunch and could be a contender for the anchor spot. Hallie Copperwheat, Nancy Kiner, Kendall Foy and Hannah Ford all compete Yurchenko fulls that could make the top six while junior transfer Erin Hutchison competed a strong Yurchenko half in level 10. While Pitt should have no problem building a full lineup of 9.95 start values, Molly Rickey’s tucked Yurchenko full and Jordyn Ewing’s handspring front pike have 9.90 start values that will serve as useful backup options.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? With a plethora of options, vault should be much better for the Panthers in 2022.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Katie Chamberlain (9.863 NQS), Trinity Macy (9.800), Olivia Miller (9.781), Lauren Beckwith (9.694), Caitlyn Kline (9.369), Ciara Ward (9.780 NQS in 2020), Christina Weiss (9.720), Faith Lerro, Kailey Gillings, Sidney Washington, Nancy Kiner, Hallie Copperwheat, Jordyn Ewing, Erin Hutchison
How It Looked Before: Bars was a rough event for the Panthers in 2021 as they had a major depth problem throughout the whole season and were barely able to compete five routines most weeks.
How It Looks Now: Like with vault, Pitt should be much deeper on bars in 2022. For the returners, fifth year Kailey Gillings, who missed 2021 with a torn ACL, should be a major contributor in the lineup, and sophomore Faith Lerro should contend if healthy as well. Of the newcomers, Washington, Kiner, Copperwheat, Ewing and Hutchison can also contribute lineup-worthy routines.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending way, way up.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Lauren Beckwith (9.856 NQS), Katie Chamberlain (9.825), Olivia Miller (9.788), Kiley Robatin (9.769), Trinity Macy (9.731), Christina Weiss (9.487 AVG), Emily Liszewski, Kailey Gillings, Kaleigh Cleveland, Sidney Washington, Jordyn Ewing, Hallie Copperwheat, Kendall Foy, Nancy Kiner, Erin Hutchison
How It Looked Before: Beam was Pitt’s best event in 2021, staying fairly consistent throughout the whole season.
How It Looks Now: Pitt loses a couple of strong routines but should have plenty of options to fill the holes. This is Kaleigh Cleveland’s best event, and she has the potential to be a beam star. Plenty of other freshmen have the potential to make the lineup, but Washington, Ewing and Copperwheat seem to be the most likely with Foy and Kiner also bringing potential contributing routines. This is also a good event for Gillings, and while Hutchison could be quite inconsistent in level 10, she has the skills to make her way into the lineup, especially with two years of coaching from KJ Kindler under her belt. With all these options, Pitt should hopefully be able to find a consistent top six.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? With increased depth, beam will likely be better in 2022.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Olivia Miller (9.838 NQS), Lauren Beckwith (9.813), Emily Liszewski (9.750), Trinity Macy (9.750), Ciara Ward (9.780 NQS in 2020), Kiley Robatin (9.665), Nay’yarrah Winder, Katie Chamberlain, Hallie Copperwheat, Sidney Washington, Molly Rickey, Jordyn Ewing, Erin Hutchison, Kendall Foy
How It Looked Before: Floor was Pitt’s lowest ranked event in 2021 and was just not quite able to find its footing until the very end.
How It Looks Now: Both Copperwheat (full-in) and Rickey (front double full) are capable of E passes. In addition, Ewing is strong here and has recently been training a piked full-in. Washington, Foy and Hutchison all have the potential to make the lineup, too. Sophomore Nay’yarrah Winder was not able to compete floor in 2021, but her routine is sure to be a crowd favorite if she’s 100%.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Floor should be a lot better in 2022.
Overall Outlook
It’s going to be a rebuilding year for Pitt in 2022, but with increased depth on every event, the Panthers should be much better off than they were in 2021. The lineups are going to be heavily dependent on gymnasts who have not competed at all or very little. The big question Pitt will have to answer is how well will the newcomers be able to step up and whether it’ll be enough to put the team back in regionals contention.
No. 54 LIU
In its inaugural season LIU dealt with its fair share of adversity, from COVID protocols affecting training time to injuries and eligibility issues keeping many of its potential stars out for all or part of the season. With several gymnasts leaving the team, LIU will have a bit of ground to make up, but it should overall have more depth than it did in 2021.
| Losses: | Emma Brown (transfer to Denver), Alisson Lapp (left team; UB, BB, FX), Izzy Hilliard (left team; UB), Alex Skocic (left team), Alyssa Van Allen (left team; VT, BB) |
| Gains: | Madysen Bradley, Karsyn Foster, Ilka Juk, Kira Sanchez |
| Returning From Injury: | Talia Folino (ineligible), Nika Takagi (unknown) |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Katy Koopman (9.725 NQS), Lauren Miller (9.694), Amanda Loo (9.675), Alana Ricketts (9.631), Nika Takagi (9.512 AVG), Reagan Jones (9.625 high), Jah’Liyah Bedminster (9.575), Riley Goldberg (9.450), Talia Folino, Karsyn Foster, Ilka Juk
How It Looked Before: While vault was a fairly consistent event, LIU had to compete a lot of lower start values, which kept the lineup from going higher than 48.325.
How It Looks Now: Talia Folino is a strong vaulter and will definitely be in the lineup this year, assuming her eligibility issues are sorted out. Karsyn Foster has competed a Yurchenko half-on tuck in the past—a 9.9 start value—but recent videos show that she’s working on upgrading to a pike for that extra tenth. Ilka Juk is not the strongest vaulter, but she does have a Yurchenko full that will contend for a spot. In addition, some of the vaulters from last year—Alana Ricketts, Nika Takagi and Jah’Liyah Bedminster—will hopefully be able to upgrade to more difficult vaults for 2022.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Vault should be better for the Sharks in 2022.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Ella Castellanos (9.656 NQS), Lauren Miller (9.531), Nika Takagi (9.506), Katy Koopman (9.419), Charli Cohen (8.944), Mara Titarsolej (9.883 AVG), Jah’Liyah Bedminster (9.550), Talia Folino, Cael Bixler, Ilka Juk, Kira Sanchez, Karsyn Foster
How It Looked Before: Bars lacked the 10.0 start values and polish to be competitive, but it was where LIU recorded its highest single score of the season—a 9.925 from Mara Titarsolej.
How It Looks Now: Start values are still likely to be an issue for LIU in 2022 but hopefully less so than they were in 2021. Folino is clean on the event and has a 10.0 start that should definitely make the lineup. Cael Bixler did not compete in 2021, but LIU posted recent videos of her on bars so she could definitely factor in. Of the freshmen, Juk is the only one with an up-to-the-level routine, but Sanchez and Foster both have fairly clean sets that will be useful as backups.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? It’s too early to tell.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Taylor Doten (9.744), Katy Koopman (9.694), Alana Ricketts (9.581), Ella Barrington (9.569), Nika Takagi (9.450 high), Ella Castellanos (9.125), Mara Titarsolej (8.300), Talia Folino, Ilka Juk, Kira Sanchez, Karsyn Foster
How It Looked Before: Beam showed flashes of greatness in 2021, but it often fell victim to inconsistency. Still, it was LIU’s highest ranked event.
How It Looks Now: Beam is Juk’s best event by far, and she has the potential to be a standout here. Folino is also strong on beam and should be in the mix for a lineup spot. Both Sanchez and Foster were inconsistent in level 10, but they have potential.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? With the returners now having a year of experience under their belt and the addition of Juk, beam should be a better and more consistent event for the Sharks in 2022.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Amanda Loo (9.731 NQS), Reagan Jones (9.706), Lauren Miller (9.688), Katy Koopman (9.663), Ella Barrington (9.556), Riley Goldberg (9.475 AVG), Mara Titarsolej (9.438), Charli Cohen (9.725 high), Talia Folino, Jah’Liyah Bedminster, Ilka Juk, Kira Sanchez, Karsyn Foster
How It Looked Before: Floor was LIU’s most improved event in 2021. Most of its scores fell in the high 47 to low 48 range before breaking 49 for the first time at the EAGL championship—the Sharks’ highest scoring rotation on any event to date.
How It Looks Now: Floor is probably Folino’s best event—she competed both a full-in and a double layout in elite. Bedminster did not compete floor in 2021 due to injury, but she could definitely be a strong contributor in 2022 if healthy. In addition, Juk, Sanchez and Foster also have clean routines that should be in contention.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Floor should be able to pick up where it left off and continue to improve in 2022.
Overall Outlook
LIU never reached its full potential in 2021, so it’s difficult to say how the Sharks will do in 2022. Hopefully a less disrupted season will mean things are on an upward trajectory. The biggest question LIU will have to answer is whether or not it will be able to get its difficulty and consistency up to a level that’s competitive with the rest of the conference and country.
READ THIS NEXT: Potential Lineups: SEC Part II
Article by Mary Emma Burton
Like what you see? Consider donating to support our efforts throughout the year!
One comment