The 2022 season saw a return to normalcy for the MPSF, with all teams competing full seasons for the first time since the pandemic. San Jose State took the conference crown in March as it continued its historic season, making regionals for the first time in almost a decade. Over the summer, Alaska’s gymnastics program was officially reinstated, and with exciting newcomers, it seems poised to improve. With lots of talented freshmen, the MPSF is full of teams who should be on the rise in 2023.
The preseason is starting and 2023 will be here before we know it. That means it’s time for our annual potential lineups analysis! As gymnasts get back into the gym with new goals for the new season, we’re breaking their prospects down and taking a look at what each team’s lineups may look like come January—from who’s expected to contribute, holes that need to be filled and exciting upgrades fans should look out for.
No. 35 San Jose State
One of the most pleasant surprises of last season, San Jose State had its best season in a decade and qualified to regionals. Led by Joanne Bowers, the Spartans had their five highest scores in program history in 2022 and seem hungry for more.
| Losses: | Jasmine Henley, Antonia Marquez (FX), Carli Orcutt (FX), Mercedez Sanchez | |||
| Gains: | Ariana Castrence (graduate transfer from Temple), Kyra Cato, Chloe Frank, Mikaela Pitts | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Madison Kirsch (9.885 NQS), Jaudai Lopes (9.855), Ariana Castrence (9.845), Lauren Macpherson (9.795), Jada Mazury (9.765), Michaela Gentry (9.755), Kyra Cato, Mikaela Pitts
How It Looked Before: Last year, the Spartans were led by Kirsch’s tucked Yurchenko 1.5 and Mazury’s full-on pike, yet vault was the Spartans lowest-ranked event. The team finished 41st in NQS and often hovered around 49.000.
How It Looks Now: The Spartans’ entire lineup remains intact, and preseason training has shown lots of dynamic vaulting. Grad transfer Castrence should see time in this line up, and freshman Pitts has the potential to bring another 10.0 start value vault via a front handspring front pike half.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. With the same lineup from last year and increased depth, the Spartans have the potential to have three 10.0 vaults this season.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Jada Mazury (9.910 NQS), Lauren Macpherson (9.835), Alexa Soloman (9.830), Jaudai Lopes (9.830), Emma Milne (9.820), Ariana Castrence (9.820) Katherine Weyhmiller (9.730),
How It Looked Before: Bars was one of San Jose State’s best events last season, led by Mazury’s stunning piked Jaeger. The team ranked 26th in the country, and hit 49-plus in five straight meets.
How It Looks Now: Again, this entire lineup remains intact, and Castrence will challenge a returning athlete for a lineup spot. Weyhmiller has also looked very sharp in preseason training so far and could make a jump into the top six this season.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. With more depth and the ability to retain bars coach James Williams as a volunteer assistant, the Spartans should improve on their best event this year.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Emma Milne (9.915 NQS), Ariana Castrence (9.850), Lauren Machpherson (9.845), Jada Mazury (9.830), Katherine Weyhmiller (9.820), Madison Kirsch (9.805), Jaudai Lopes (9.795), Kyra Cato
How It Looked Before: Beam was an inconsistent event for San Jose State in 2022, and while the team was capable of scoring into the mid 49s, they were also just as likely to count a fall. Ultimately, a beam disaster at the regional play-in ended the season.
How It Looks Now: The entire beam lineup returns, and like bars, Castrence should be a difference maker and add stability to this lineup. Milne and her sublime lines will likely anchor again, but expect head coach Joanne Bowers to experiment with the top six early in the season with more options to play with.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. Talent was not the problem for San Jose State on beam last year—consistency was. Finding consistency will determine whether this event transforms into a strength for San Jose State or remains a liability.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Jada Mazury (9.900 NQS), Lauren Macpherson (9.860), Jaudai Lopes (9.835) Ariana Castrence, Kyra Cato, Mikaela Pitts
How It Looked Before: Floor was a solid event for the Spartans, consistently scoring in the low 49s.
How It Looks Now: Graduating seniors leave two routines to be filled, and an unknown injury to Kelperis creates another lineup hole. Incoming freshman Cato has the tumbling and performance quality to be a major contributor and will be needed to step in immediately. Castrence and Pitts could be lineup additions as well.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending down. It will be hard to replace three routines, and floor scores will likely dip, especially if Kelperis is out for the entire season.
Three Big Questions
Will San Jose State be able to find consistency on beam?
Finding consistency on beam is imperative for the Spartans’ success this season. Beam has the potential to be a stunning event, but if they can’t hit, their season may end similarly to the previous.
How many 10.0 vaults will the Spartans compete?
With the potential of three 10.0 start value vaults, San Jose State could increase its competitiveness. Whether or not Pitts’ vault materializes remains to be seen, but it should be a source of excitement for Spartan fans nevertheless.
Will the Spartans qualify directly to day two of regionals?
With the chance to improve on most events, the Spartans have the potential to increase their ranking enough to qualify straight into day two of regionals and avoid the play-in meet. Doing so would be a big accomplishment that would mark a significant step forward for a program that’s on the rise.
No. 42 UC Davis
After opting out of the 2021 season, UC Davis made its return to competition last year and was able to finish the season ranked 42nd. Keanna Abraham, Kyla Kessler and Megan Ray represented the Aggies at regionals.
| Losses: | Lauren Chu (VT), Cortney Cunningham (VT, UB), Kyla Kessler (AA), Gabby Landess, Shannon Sklow (UB, FX) | |||
| Gains: | Sydney Buerk, Milla Gideon, Amelia Moneymaker, Jehaan Poonja | |||
| Returning From Injury: | Logan Clagg (ACL) | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Keanna Abraham (9.860 NQS), Emily Pires (9.845), Megan Ray (9.795), Emma Otsu (9.790), Bella Trejo (9.508 AVG), Sydney Buerk, Amelia Moneymaker
How It Looked Before: UC Davis competed one the most diverse vault lineups in the country last season, with four different entry types. Overall, vault was a fairly consistent event for the Aggies, and they scored around 49 at most meets.
How It Looks Now: The Aggies have to replace two vaults from 2022, but the freshman class should be able to contend for lineup spots. Look for freshman Moneymaker to be a contributor from the beginning of the season with her powerful Yurchenko full.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Vault should be similar to last season for UC Davis but may experience a slight dip.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Thea Michovsky (9.805 NQS), Ava Scafani (9.805), Logan Clagg (9.712 AVG), Emma Otsu (9.267) Milla Gideon, Amelia Moneymaker, Jehaan Poonja, Logan Clagg
How It Looked Before: Bars was a weak spot for UC Davis last season. While there was steady improvement throughout the year, the lineup struggled to break into the upper 48s and had a late-season disaster. The coaching staff played with many different lineups throughout the season, not establishing a core six until late.
How It Looks Now: With half of the bar lineup graduated, UC Davis needs its freshmen to step up and deliver critical routines. Luckily, Gideon and Poonja have the skills to become consistent contributors.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. With the stronger half of the bar lineup returning and two very capable freshmen, UC Davis could improve on bars this season. However, they will need to find a solid sixth routine and consistency for this to happen.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Rachel Schuelke-Lombardi (9.855 NQS), Emma Otsu (9.830), Megan Ray (9.810), Kaitlyn Lyle (9.795), Ava Scafani (9.795), Keanna Abraham (9.545), Sydney Buerk, Milla Gideon, Amelia Moneymaker, Logan Clagg
How It Looked Before: Beam was another event where a lack of consistency harmed UC-Davis. There were lots of individually nice routines, but more often than not the team counted a fall.
How It Looks Now: UC Davis is tasked with replacing Kessler’s anchor routine, and it’s likely that freshman Buerk will see significant time in this lineup to help fill that hole. Hopefully, increased depth and competition for lineup spots will help the Aggies find some consistency this season.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. UC Davis’s success on beam hinges on finding consistency.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Megan Ray (9.900 NQS), Keanna Abraham (9.850), Bella Trejo (9.825), Emma Otsu (9.815), Emily Pires (9.805 AVG), Ava Scafani (9.625), Logan Clagg, Sydney Buerk, Amelia Moneymaker
How It Looked Before: Floor was the Aggies’ best event last season. Led by then-freshman Ray, who qualified to regionals on floor, UC Davis was consistently scoring above 49 by the end of the season.
How It Looks Now: While UC Davis loses Kessler’s guaranteed 9.85-plus, Moneymaker should be able to step in and contribute.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. The team is losing only one routine, and having increased depth floor should help it improve and continue to be UC Davis’s best event.
Three Big Questions
What’s going on with the coaching situation?
Former head coach John Lavalle was put on administrative leave shortly after the 2022 season concluded and was ultimately formally dismissed in October. With that, UC Davis is left with only interim head coach Tanya Ho on the staff after Kaytianna Kell and Lacy Dagen departed for other roles as well. While Ho does have head coaching experience from her time at Alaska, as well as extensive experience at UC Davis, having to lead a program alone is a big lift for any individual.
Can the Aggies find consistency on bars and beam?
If UC Davis can find consistency on bars and beam, it will likely make regionals this season. All of the pieces are there, but if it cannot hit, UC Davis will likely spend another season on the outside looking in.
Who will replace Kyla Kessler?
Kessler consistently completed all four events at a very high level, scoring over 39.000 in 10 meets last season. Filling those shoes won’t be easy, but look to Logan Clagg and the freshman class to replace these routines.
No. 54 Air Force
Air Force struggled to start the 2022 season but improved to score 195.000 three times by the end, including a second place finish at the USAG national championships.
| Losses: | Grace Bardes (UB), Pixie Brock, Natalie Meyer, Val Smith (BB), Cameo Stapleton (FX), Dajia Stevenson (BB, FX), Maddie Kinsey, Abby Halasi-Kun, Ainsley Prins |
| Gains: | Sayge Berger, Madison Carlisle, Kylee Greene, Gabriella Hartley, Gianna Martyna, Addison Moore, Janie Ottenbriet, Gracie Willis |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Ayla McKean (9.770 NQS), Amber Boll (9.735), Velandra Brochi (9.715), Genevieve Sabado (9.690), Tessa Volpe (9.585), Grace Nelson (9.455), Gabriella Meccia (9.596 AVG), Sayge Berger, Addison Moore, Madison Carlisle, Kylee Greene
How It Looked Before: Vault improved over the course of 2022, with the team maxing out at a 48.8750.
How It Looks Now: The entire lineup returns, but the freshmen will provide serious competition for lineup spots. Watch out for Moore and Carlisle to be contributors.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. Losing no routines and gaining powerful freshmen, Air Force will benefit from more depth and improve on vault this season.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Ayla McKean (9.805 NQS), Genevive Sabado (9.800), Amber Boll (9.790), Velandra Brochi (9.720), Grace Nelson (9.690), Leilani Zander (9.600 AVG), Madison Carlisle
How It Looked Before: Despite some midseason inconsistencies, when Air Force hit, bars was a solid event. The team approached 49.000 on four occasions.
How It Looks Now: Air Force’s top five routines return on bars this year. And while the event is not a strong suit for most of the freshman class, it is for Carlisle. Her solid Shaposh to bail combination will see lots of lineup time this season.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. Carlisle’s routine will easily replace Bardes’ and will likely be a contender for a late lineup spot.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Genevieve Sabado (9.840 NQS), Briona Carswell (9.810), Velandra Brochi (9.765), Ayla McKean (9.745), Leilani Zander (9.750 AVG), Sayge Berger, Kylee Greene, Addison Moore
How It Looked Before: Beam was a struggle at times for the Falcons last season, as the team had multiple meets where they counted multiple falls. At its best, the lineup was able to hit near 49.000 on four occasions. How It Looks Now: The Falcons have to replace two routines this season, and will have a plethora of options between returning team members and incoming freshmen. Watch out for Kylee Greene to be a contributor.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. Success on beam hinges on the team finding consistency that was not there last season.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Genevieve Sabado (9.835 NQS), Ayla McKean (9.815), Velandra Brochi (9.740), Briona Carswell (9.695), Madison Carlisle, Addison Moore, Janie Ottenbriet,
How It Looked Before: Floor was the Falcons’ best event last season. Throughout the middle and into the end of the season, the team consistently scored around 49.000.
How It Looks Now: Two of the Air Force’s best floor routines have graduated. However, Carlisle consistently scored well on floor in level 10 and should contend for the anchor spot from day one with her dynamic tumbling. The Falcons will likely experiment with lots of different athletes to fill the remaining spot
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending down. With no clear sixth routine, floor scores will likely decrease this season.
Three Big Questions
Can the Falcons get to a faster start this season?
Air Force struggled to work out the kinks at the start of the 2022 season, but it immensely improved throughout. If it can improve more quickly in 2023, Air Force might have a better chance at vying for the MPSF title and qualifying athletes to regionals.
How will Madison Carlisle adapt to college competition?
Carlisle has the potential to be an all-around contributor for the Falcons, as well as potentially qualify for regionals. Her adjustment to college gymnastics will be critical for Air Force’s success in 2023.
Will the Falcons win the USAG championship?
Uniquely, Air Force competes in both the MPSF and USAG championships, as a result of having zero athletic scholarships due to being a service academy. Last season, the Falcons finished less than four tenths away from first place at USAGs; could this be their season to win?
No. 58 Sacramento State
In its first full season since 2019, Sacramento State was able to work through some early season struggles to score 195.000 and qualify two athletes to regionals. Emma Morgenthaler represented the Hornets on vault and Amber Koeth did so on beam.
| Losses: | Shaye Mathias (UB, BB), Destiny Watley (VT, BB, FX) |
| Gains: | Kara Houghton, Sarah Lutrel, Olivia Schmitt, Rylin Zimmerman |
Vault
Potential Contributors: Emma Morgenthaler (9.860 NQS), Grace Gilman (9.805), Sarah Fitzgerald (9.770), Torri Tavenner (9.730), Mary Won (9.705), Taija Wells (9.613 AVG), Kara Houhgton, Sarah Lutrel, Olivia Schmitt, Rylin Zimmerman
How It Looked Before: Vault was Sac State’s lowest ranking event this year. While the team broke 49.000 twice, more often than not it ended up in the 48.600 range.
How It Looks Now: Losing only one vault and gaining four freshmen with Yurchenko fulls to contribute, it’s possible that the Sac State lineup will look very different next season.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. With more depth and the introduction of Lutrel, vault should be a better event for Sac State this season.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Amber Koeth (9.770 NQS), Emma Morgenthaler (9.710), Torri Tavener (9.700), Sarah Fitzgerald (9.425), Kara Houghton, Sarah Lutrel, Olivia Schmitt, Bella Lahmidi, Grace Gilman
How It Looked Before: Inconsistency on bars plagued the Hornets last season. When everyone hit, the lineup could score up to 49.025, however the team ended the season with two consecutive performances in the 47s.
How It Looks Now: The Hornets lose two of their top routines, however, incoming freshmen Kara Houghton and Sarah Lutrel are likely contributors with strong club results.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too soon to tell. Most of the returners have struggled with inconsistency and it remains to be seen if the freshman can replace the critical routines lost.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Amber Koeth (9.880 NQS), Grace Gilman (9.755), Peyton Gillen (9.745), Emma Morgenthaler (9.710), Mary Won (9.638 AVG), Katelyn Searle (9.525), Sarah Fitzegerald (9.442), Simone Dumas-Guzman, Kara Houghton, Sarah Lutrel, Rylin Zimmerman
How It Looked Before: Sac State started the season with a solid 48.800 on beam but unfortunately never reached that peak again. The Hornets were plagued by falls that ultimately resulted in them being ranked 59th in the country on the event.
How It Looks Now: The Hornets lose two lineup routines, but gain three capable freshmen. Sarah Lutrel has second place finish at Nationals to her name, and should bring stability and beautiful skills to this lineup.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too soon to tell. If Sac State can find consistency, beam has the potential to be a good event for them. If not, we will likely see similar performances to last year.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Amber Koeth (9.830 NQS), Emma Morgenthaler (9.790), Grace Gilman (9.715), Sarah Fitzgerald (9.600), Torri Tavenner (9.515), Mary Won (9.558 AVG), Kara Houghton, Sarah Lutrel, Rylin Zimmerman
How It Looked Before: While floor started slow for the Hornets, they improved over the season to hit a peak of 49.225. At most meets, though, Sac State scored into the mid-48s.
How It Looks Now: Losing only one routine and gaining three viable ones from the incoming class, floor will have lots of depth for Sac State. Look for coaches to experiment with lineups at the beginning of the season.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. With the return of Koeth’s 5th year and increased depth, floor should improve for the Hornets.
Three Big Questions
Will the Hornets increase their consistency?
Multi-fall performances on bars and beam derailed quite a few meets for Sac State last season. If the Hornets can fix theses issues, they could see significant improvements to their NQS.
Can the Hornets qualify more athletes to regionals this season?
Last year, Sac State was represented at regionals by two athletes, but improvements this season could result in more. Specifically, look out for Sarah Lutrel on beam.
What will Amber Koeth bring in her fifth year?
One of Sac State’s two regional qualifiers last season, the return of Amber Koeth is huge for the Hornets. With the loss of two beam routines, her leadership will be needed even more on that event.
No. 64 Alaska
Alaska has established itself as a gymternet favorite, and 2023 is poised to be a very different season than the last few. After being officially reinstated in June and the arrival of its first rated recruit in O’keri Venn, the upcoming season should be an exciting one for Seawolves fans.
| Losses: | Kylie Reese (VT, BB, FX) | |||
| Gains: | Avalon Angell, Paola Barahona, Ariana DeSouza, Madelyn Gomez, Jada Niles, Breeann Spain, O’keri Venn | |||
| Returning From Injury: | Marcela Bonifasi | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Allie McClure (9.600 NQS), Brooklyn Kopsack (9,565), Alyssa Manley (9.535), Silje Hildebrand (9.345), Mackenzie Robinson (9.405 AVG), Montana Fairbairn (9.392), Avalon Angell, Ariana DeSouza, Jada Niles, Madelyn Gomez
How It Looked Before: Vault was one of Alaska’s more consistent events last season, with the team often scoring in the mid 47s. Lack of difficulty led to lower scores on this event.
How It Looks Now: The trio of freshmen DeSouza, Niles and Barahona all bringing viable Yurchenko fulls to Alaska’s line up. Combined with last season’s top performers, the Seawolves could have a lineup of all 9.95 start values.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Up. With more difficult vaults and increased depth, vault should improve for the Seawolves this season.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Alyssa Manley (9.775 NQS), Jessica Johnson (9.710), Hayley Perkins (9.485), Rachel Decious (9.380), Allie McClure (9.175), Ariana DeSouza, Jada Niles, O’Keri Venn, Paola Barahona, Madelyn Gomez
How It Looked Before: At times, bars was the Seawolves’ best event last season, scoring as high as 48.650.
How It Looks Now: The Seawolves retain their entire lineup and bring in the trio of Niles, Barahona and former four-star recruit Venn, who all have dynamic releases that should be featured in this lineup.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Up. Bars should be a strong event for the Seawolves this year.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Shannon Farrell (9.770 NQS), Jessica Johnson (9.765), Rachel Decious (9.740), Montana Fairbairn (9.560), Mackenzie Robinson (9.375), Marcela Bonfiasi (9.609 AVG), Brooklyn Kopsack (9.410), O’keri Venn, Paola Barahona, Ariana DeSouza, Jada Niles, Breeann Spain
How It Looked Before: Beam suffered from a lack of consistency, and the team regularly had multi-fall rotations that pushed team scores into the lower 47s.
How It Looks Now: Freshmen Niles’ and Venn’s highlight event is beam, and their pretty lines and sharp acro should be useful additions to this lineup. There will likely be lots of fluctuation in this lineup, but expect to see lots of Farrell, Johnson and Decious again this season.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Up. With freshmen who have solid club results on beam, this lineup should increase its depth and consistency.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Alyssa Manley (9.705 NQS), Rachel Decious (9.690), Jessica Johnson (9.600), Hayley Perkings (9.275), Mackenzie Robinson, Ariana DeSouza, Jada Niles, Paola Barahona, Breeann Spain
How It Looked Before: Floor was characterized by extremes for Alaska last season, with multi-point differences in scores week to week. Consistency and endurance were two aspects that the Seawolves could have benefited from.
How It Looks Now: The Seawolves will have a plethora of options on floor this season. Look for freshman Gomez to be a frequent contributor along with Niles who has very clean twisting form.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Up. The massive freshmen class should infuse this lineup with clean tumbling and engaging performances.
Three Big Questions
What should we expect from Alaska?
The last few seasons have not been in any way “normal” for the Seawolves, as they’ve been fighting to save their program and had lots of inexperienced athletes and coach turnover. With the future of the program secured and more seasoned competitors in Anchorage, expect to see more consistency top to bottom.
How influential will this freshman class be?
This freshman class is massive, both in size and talent, and has the potential to be a defining class for Alaska gymnastics. Their development is essential for the program and its success.
What level of difficulty will we see from Alaska?
Lower start valued routines have been a struggle for Alaska in the past. However, with these freshmen that may change. Getting more routines to a 10.0 start value would be a big step forward for the team.
READ THIS NEXT: Potential Lineups: MRGC
Article by Rebecca Williams
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