The most anticipated series is back! We looked at the data for each incoming level 10 freshman on each event to see which gymnasts are at the top of their class across the apparatuses and in the all-around. This week we’re looking at the top 10 beamers for 2023.
We ranked every single level 10 gymnast from the class of 2022 by a modified average score. To calculate this, we took scores from the last three level 10 seasons (beginning in November 2019), dropped the single highest score and any scores that are extremely low (like ones that you’d expect from balks or injuries mid-routine — not falls) and averaged the rest. We didn’t include athletes with fewer than six scores on a certain event over the past three years.
The top 10 you’ll see in these lists are the top 10 in the country by modified average, no exceptions. The honorable mentions are a little more subjective: They’re usually athletes who ranked quite high, but they also have something a little special that makes them stand out.
If you’re wondering where elites like Olivia Greaves are, don’t worry! We’ll be reprising our most anticipated elite freshmen series later in the summer.
10. Naya Howard, Georgia (9.4453 modified average, 9.675 high score)
Howard is a very consistent beamer, having scored below 9.000 only once in the last three seasons. This is a difficult feat when performing a routine that includes a triple series. Georgia’s beam lineup was notoriously inconsistent in 2022 en route to its No. 30 finish, so Howard will be a welcome addition.
9. Annie Beard, LSU (9.4469 modified average, 9.750 high score)
Beard stood out in her junior elite days for her clean execution and toepoint, both of which she brought to level 10 as well. LSU’s beam lineup is full of holes following the graduation of its large super senior class, so Beard will have a golden opportunity to make an immediate impact in college.
8. Ashley Carter, Stanford (9.4643 modified average, 9.700 high score)
Stanford’s beam situation is a little dire, returning only two gymnasts who achieved an NQS on the event in 2022, but luckily the incoming class has several likely contributors. Carter has a quick, confident pace throughout her routine as well as a highlight-worthy front aerial to arabesque.
7. Sarah Moraw, Minnesota (9.4889 modified average, 9.725 high score)
Speaking of beam situations, Minnesota is in a little trouble of its own after losing its top two contributors to graduation. Moraw will be more than ready to step in as a former national champion on the event. She has solid execution throughout her routine, but the highlight is her floaty front aerial to back handspring layout step-out triple series.
6. Nikki Smith, Michigan State (9.5075 modified average, 9.925 high score)
Beam was one of MSU’s strengths in 2022, and its top four contributors are returning this fall. However, Smith could see herself instantly in the back half of the lineup thanks to her strong presence and fluidity.
5. Gabrielle Gladieux, Alabama (9.5479 modified average, 9.775 high score)
Recent video of Gladieux’s gymnastics is difficult to find, but 2019 footage shows floaty, confident tumbling and well-executed leaps. Alabama has plenty of depth on beam despite losing a star senior, but the reigning Senior D national champion on the event still stands a strong chance of contributing during her freshman campaign.
4. Claire Dean, Stanford (9.5850 modified average, 9.825 high score)
Dean competes a number of unusual skills in her routine, including a switch half to arabesque and a roundoff back layout. An earlier video shows a back two and a half twist dismount as well. Between her unique composition and clean execution, Dean has the makings of a collegiate star on the event.
3. Syd Morris, LIU (9.6100 modified average, 9.850 high score)
After a two-year break, Morris returned to competition in March with a stellar beam routine. While their execution is clean throughout, the highlights are the leaps and dance elements, including a pike jump half from the side position. Morris will immediately become one of the best beamers in the EAGL.
2. Selena Harris, UCLA (9.6172 modified average, 9.850 high score)
Harris has been one of the most anticipated upcoming athletes for several years, and beam is no exception to that. Like on the other events, her execution stands out and will score very well in college. UCLA improved its consistency on beam in 2022 but now loses two of its lineup regulars; Harris should be able to replace one of them with ease.
1. Faith Torrez, Oklahoma (9.8194 modified average, 10.000 high score)
Torrez gained attention in the elite world for her confidence on beam, including her particularly well-executed standing back full, which she still competes in level 10 to great success. Of the four perfect 10s scored over the last two seasons, three of them belong to her. A three-time national champion on the event, she should make an immediate impact in the already strong Sooner lineup.
Honorable Mentions
Kimberly Smith, Arizona State (9.4313 modified average, 9.850 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Brooklyn Rowray, Minnesota (9.4288 modified average, 9.800 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Madison Raesly-Patton, BYU (9.4173 modified average, 9.725 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Gwen Fink, North Carolina (9.4147 modified average, 9.700 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Hana Strause, Yale (9.4054 modified average, 9.675 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Miki Aderinto, California (9.3946 modified average, 9.925 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Deana Sheremeta, George Washington (9.3400 modified average, 9.825 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Anna Roberts, Stanford (9.3329 modified average, 9.825 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Ava Piedrahita, Penn State (9.3319 modified average, 9.800 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Lilly Tubbs, Washington (9.3150 modified average, 9.875 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Sarah Krump, Utah (9.2828 modified average, 9.825 high score)
Watch her routine here.
Madeline Komoroski, Maryland (9.2571 modified average, 9.875 high score)
Watch her routine here.
READ THIS NEXT: Most Anticipated Level 10 Freshmen on Bars
Article by Jenna King
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