With all the hype of ACC gymnastics finally starting, you might have forgotten that the Mountain West announced during the offseason that it would now sponsor gymnastics. The four teams that will be a part of the inaugural season bring everything from perfect scores to star-studded freshmen and everything in between.
The preseason is starting and 2024 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. 28 Boise State
Boise State is coming off of an amazing season with Courtney Blackson earning the team’s highest individual event finish in program history on vault. The Broncos are looking to build on that momentum and take it one step further in 2024.
| Losses: | Erin Elkabchi (BB), Talia Little (UB, BB), Erin Morden (UB), Kayli Tran, Sarah Coughlan, Riley Shaffer | |||
| Gains: | Carly Buell, Julia Kryzwanski, Julia Melchert (transfer from Oregon State), Dani Schaffer, Victoria Smirnov, Mahleea Werline | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Courtney Blackson (9.910 NQS), Emily Lopez (9.875), Adriana Popp (9.850), Alyssa Vulaj (9.850), Emma Loyim (9.775), Sydney Kho (9.730), Dani Nakayama, Carly Buell, Julia Kryzwanski, Mahleea Werline
How It Looked Before: Vault was one of their better events, but it was still a bit rocky throughout the season. Courtney Blackson was the highlight on vault, which she proved by scoring her first career perfect 10 at regionals and finishing second at nationals.
How It Looks Now: Incoming freshman Julia Kryzwanski has posted training videos of a solid Yurchenko one and a half, which should make its way into the lineups if it’s consistent. She will be a great addition to star vaulters Emily Lopez and Courtney Blackson.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. This team loses no vaults and adds depth from the incoming freshmen. Vault should be a strong event for the Broncos this upcoming season.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Emily Lopez (9.945 NQS), Courtney Blackson (9.915), Kylee Hamby (9.805), Elaina McGovern (9.755), Dani Nakayama, Sydney Leitch, Emma Loyim, Carly Buell, Julia Kryzwanski, Victoria Smirnov, Mahleea Werline
How It Looked Before: Bars was a low spot for the Broncos last season, finishing No. 38. This team has some great bar workers, but they could never seem to put it all together in a meet.
How It Looks Now: The incoming class should have no problem replacing the two routines lost, but this team is lacking a bit of depth on bars. Perfect 10.0 scorer Lopez should continue to be the bar star of this team, but keep an eye on freshman Mahleea Werline. She has the potential to become a mainstay.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too soon to tell. They are lacking a bit of depth, and we’ll have to see how the preseason plays out.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Emily Lopez (9.890 NQS), Adriana Popp (9.890), Emma Loyim (9.875), Alyssa Vulaj (9.850), Carly Buell, Julia Kryzwanski, Dani Schaffer, Victoria Smirnov, Mahleea Werline
How It Looked Before: Beam was the Broncos’ best event last season, finishing at No. 25. They consistently scored 49.000 or higher on beam, topping out at 49.425 twice last year.
How It Looks Now: The incoming freshmen have great potential to make the lineups since they are losing two routines. Kryzwanski and former US elite Victoria Smirnov have clean skills and beautiful leaps on this event. The returners are also consistent and strong. Having Adriana Popp back for a fifth year will help this lineup tremendously and should bring stability to the lineup.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. With many returners and two strong incoming freshmen, everyone should keep an eye out for this beam team.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Courtney Blackson (9.900 NQS), Elaina McGovern (9.860), Alyssa Vulaj (9.830), Emma Loyim (9.825), Brantley Lucas (9.790), Sydney Leitch (9.765), Adriana Popp, Julia Melchert, Carly Buell, Julia Kryzwanski, Victoria Smirnov, Mahleea Werline,
How It Looked Before: The Broncos started off the season rough on floor but found their groove towards the middle of the season and had a season-high of 49.250.
How It Looks Now: With no lost routines, the Broncos are looking great on floor. The incoming freshmen might struggle to make the floor lineup since this team has already proven to be consistent but will add great depth for when they need it.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. With the depth that the incoming class adds, the Broncos should continue to excel on floor.
Three Big Questions
Will the Broncos taste perfection again?
Fans were thrilled when the Broncos finally got their long-awaited perfect 10s not once, but twice last season on two different events. They are the only team in this conference to see perfection, so they need to use that to their advantage and build on it.
What is Victoria Smirnov’s status?
Former US elite Smirnov did not compete Level 10 in 2022 and only competed twice on bars in 2023. She has the potential to be a college star if she is able to perform at the level she did previously.
Can the Broncos find consistency on bars?
Despite Lopez’s 10.0, bars was very inconsistent for the Broncos last season. The Broncos have shown some potential on this event in the preseason, so it will be up to them to find consistency in their form and landings.
No. 37 San Jose State
San Jose State is coming off a strong season where they scored 196.000-plus many times. This season they have the capability of getting high scores with a freshman class of stars in their own right and the return of Jada Mazury for a fifth year.
| Losses: | Ariana Castrence (VT, UB, BB), Cameron Kelperis (FX), Julieta Mendiola, Emma Milne, Alexa Solomon, Micheala Gentry (VT, FX, transfer to Illinois) | |||
| Gains: | Marissa Ashton, Mia Nelson, Ella Power, Olivia Reardon, Devyn Valuch | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Jaudai Lopes (9.870 NQS), Madison Kirsch (9.820), Lauren Macpherson (9.805), Kyra Cato (9.745), Jada Mazury (9.705), Mikaela Pitts, Marissa Ashton, Mia Nelson, Ella Power, Olivia Reardon, Devyn Valuch
How It Looked Before: Vault was the Spartans’ lowest-ranked event, finishing the season No. 41. They have some big vaults but struggle to dial in the landings and keep tight form throughout.
How It Looks Now: This team is losing one high NQS number from Michaela Gentry and one consistent vault from Ariana Castrence, but the incoming class brings some huge Yurchenko fulls that will replace those and add some depth to this vault squad. Mia Nelson has scored as high as 9.850 with her Yurchenko full in Level 10, so look for her to be in contention for a vault spot immediately.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. Vault is taking a hit with the loss of two routines, but the incoming class has the potential to replace those scores.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Lauren Macpherson (9.805 NQS), Jaudai Lopes (9.740), Jada Mazury (9.705), Katherine Weyhmiller (9.565), Sophia Konieczny, Trinity Johnson, Marissa Ashton, Mia Nelson, Ella Power, Olivia Reardon, Devyn Valuch
How It Looked Before: Bars was an inconsistent event for the Spartans last season. When they hit cleanly, they easily reached the 49.000 benchmark. When they had missteps, they struggled to get back on track and the scores showed it.
How It Looks Now: The Spartans only lose one routine from 2023 and are adding multiple usable bar routines with the incoming class that can easily replace it. However, Emma Milne’s consistency is going to be hard to replace. Canadian Ella Power has been training some fun upgrades that could add some originality to this lineup.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending down. Although the incoming class is adding some depth to this lineup, losing Milne’s near 9.900-plus score every week is going to be tough to replace.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Lauren Macpherson (9.900 NQS), Kyra Cato (9.825), Katherine Weyhmiller (9.800), Madison Kirsch (9.790), Jaudai Lopes (9.735), Jada Mazury, Marissa Ashton, Mia Nelson, Ella Power, Olivia Reardon, Devyn Valuch
How It Looked Before: Beam was the best event for the Spartans last season, consistently scoring 49.000 or higher despite a few hiccups towards the end of season.
How It Looks Now: Once again, losing Milne will be tough on the Spartans. Returners are capable of putting up four other 9.900+ scores, so it will be up to a newbie to replace a high score! The freshmen are strongest on beam, so it’s likely we’ll see freshman presence here early.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. This team has the capability to get big scores on beam, but it will all come down to their confidence and if others can step up where shoes need to be filled.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Jada Mazury (9.910 NQS), Lauren Macpherson (9.870), Jaudai Lopes (9.855), Katherine Weyhmiller (9.645), Natasha Forrand, Kyra Cato, Marissa Ashton, Mia Nelson, Ella Power, Olivia Reardon, Devyn Valuch
How It Looked Before: The scoring potential on floor was the highest for this team, scoring their highest single event score on floor with a solid 49.4250.
How It Looks Now: Mazury’s fifth year will be extremely beneficial here with her high NQS number from 2023. Gentry’s transfer leaves a consistent spot in the lineup to be filled, but if anyone can fill it, it will likely be a freshman. Ashton, the current USA Today High School Gymnast of the Year, brings a front double full as does Valuch. Keep an eye out for Nelson as well; she has the potential to compete a front double full as well.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. This team absolutely has the capability of getting bigger scores on floor, but they are going to need another consistent floor worker to improve upon this past season.
Three Big Questions
Can they finish top 36 this season?
The Spartans just barely missed qualifying to regionals by one spot. This incoming class is one of the strongest in years, so this team should be able to make an appearance in the top 36 in 2024.
What will Jada Mazury bring for her fifth year?
Mazury’s fifth year adds lots of depth to all four events for the Spartans. She was a key all-arounder for the Spartans last season and her leadership should allow her to make an important impact in her final season.
How will Marissa Ashton impact this team?
Possibly overshadowed by three former ranked recruits, Ashton is a really strong incoming freshman who will make an immediate impact on this team. Expect to see her on at least a few events in 2024 once she adjusts to college competition.
No. 43 Utah State
Utah State went from a team that was on the verge of scoring 197.000-plus consistently in 2022 to a team who struggled to score a 196.000 in 2023. Last season wasn’t exactly what the Aggies wanted, but with Kristin White having a year behind her, they have great potential to turn things back around in 2024.
| Losses: | Carley Bayles (BB), Maia Fishwick, Jessica Gutierrez (UB, FX), Grace Rojas (VT, UB, BB), Sofi Sullivan (BB), Ariel Toomey (FX), Brooke Wilson | |||
| Gains: | Juliette Boyer (grad transfer from Arizona State), Lexi Boone, Sydney Jelen, Nyla Morabito, Riley Sorrell, Isabella Vater, Mya Witte, Hattie Wright | |||
| Returning from Injury: | Amari Evans (torn Achilles) | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Alivia Ostendorf (9.840 NQS), Brianna Brooks (9.800), Payton Gatzlaff (9.785), Jenna Eagles (9.725), Angel Stuart (9.720), Chelsea Southam (9.330), Amari Evans, Avery Bibbey, Marley Peterson, Juliette Boyer, Lexi Boone, Sydney Jelen, Nyla Morabito, Riley Sorrell, Isabella Vater, Mya Witte
How It Looked Before: Although vault was the lowest-ranked event for the Aggies, they were extremely consistent, scoring in the high 48s in every meet in 2023.
How It Looks Now: This team is losing no vaults, and the incoming class brings in some solid Yurchenko fulls with upgrade potential. Canadian national champion Nyla Morabito looks to be one who could compete her upgraded one and a half after training it well this summer.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. This team has a lot more depth than last year and should be able to utilize it to its fullest.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Brianna Brooks (9.885 NQS), Dani Kirstine (9.830), Avery Bibbey (9.815), Lexi Aragon (9.750), Jenna Eagles, Amari Evans, Juliette Boyer, Sydney Jelen, Nyla Morabito, Riley Sorrell, Isabella Vater, Hattie Wright
How It Looked Before: A roller coaster to say the least. Even though the Aggies had their highest event finish at No. 35, bars was very inconsistent for this team, scoring as low as 47.375, but with a season-high of 49.200.
How It Looks Now: This team is losing two of their top scorers on bars from last season and also lacks a bit of depth. Jelen has scored as high as 9.875 in Level 10 on her bars and Isabella Vater brings a Geinger that could see lineup time.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. The Aggies are capable of replacing the routines, but we’ll see how the incoming freshmen handle the adjustment to NCAA gymnastics.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Brianna Brooks (9.865 NQS), Alivia Ostendorf (9.735), Dani Kirstine (9.720), Jenna Eagles (9.620), Lexi Aragon (9.585), Juliette Boyer, Lexi Boone, Sydney Jelen, Nyla Morabito, Riley Sorrell, Isabella Vater, Mya Witte, Hattie Wright
How It Looked Before: The Aggies finished the season at No. 45 on beam, typically scoring high 48s and lacking a bit of consistency.
How It Looks Now: Losing three routines is going to be hard for the Aggies, but Utah State has some really exciting incoming beam workers. Mya Witte has an absolutely gorgeous routine that scored as high as 9.900 and Morabito is going to become a staple in this lineup. Should her Onodi make it into her college routine, Jelen could become a highlight routine.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. The incoming freshmen are strong, but so were those lost routines. If the freshmen adjust quickly, this will be an amazing event for Utah State.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Alivia Ostendorf (9.875 NQS), Payton Gatzlaff (9.775), Brianna Brooks (9.710), Amari Evans, Jenna Eagles, Angel Stuart, Marley Peterson, Avery Bibbey, Juliette Boyer, Lexi Boone, Sydney Jelen, Nyla Morabito, Riley Sorrell, Isabella Vater, Mya Witte, Hattie Wright
How It Looked Before: Floor was the highest-scoring event for the Aggies with a season-high of a 49.325 finishing the season No. 46.
How It Looks Now: Utah State is losing its top floor scorer in Toomey, but Amari Evans’s return from an Achilles tear should easily replace that spot in the lineup. The incoming freshmen also bring some depth and have the potential to make lineups. Morabito and Witte have both previously competed E-rated passes, but Hattie Wright could also be a candidate for an early lineup spot. Her consistency and clean routine could be a good leadoff option.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. This team is only losing one consistent spot in the lineup, and the returners and newbies will contribute greatly.
Three Big Questions
How is this incoming class going to impact this team?
Utah State is bringing in seven newcomers to their team this year. They had a huge senior class to replace and these freshmen are coming in hot. It’s possible they can be the catalyst to a championship title.
Where is Amari Evans in her recovery?
Evans is set to make a full comeback for the 2024 season. White and her coaching staff will likely take it slow to keep Evans healthy all season, but she should make an immediate impact in this team’s floor lineup.
Where does Juliette Boyer fit in?
After being a key gymnast for Arizona State her first two years, Boyer didn’t see any competition time in 2022 or 2023. Taking her fifth year at Utah State allows her to go out on her own terms and end her journey on a positive note – if she’s healthy.
No. 58 Air Force
Air Force has been sitting ranked in the 50s for nearly two decades. Despite losing two powerful seniors, is this the season they find their breakthrough?
| Losses: | Amber Boll (VT, UB, BB), Briona Carswell (BB, FX), Genevieve Sabado (BB, FX), Sayge Berger, Leilani Zander | |||
| Gains: | Rosa Juarez Baez, Chelsea Boyer, Kate Cooper Mendes de Oliveira, Peyton Jenkins, Olivia Raife, Maggie Slife, Clara Wallace | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Kylee Greene (9.720 NQS), Velandra Brochi (9.710), Gabriella Meccia (9.685), Grace Willis (9.675), Ayla McKean (9.630), Grace Nelson (9.600), Chelsea Boyer, Maggie Slife, Clara Wallace
How It Looked Before: Vault was the Falcons’ lowest-ranked event at No. 60. However, it was one of their most consistent events, with all of their vault totals being in the 48.000s last season.
How It Looks Now: Losing Amber Boll is going to be tough, and this team is going to lack depth on vault. Clara Wallace should be in contention for this lineup. She brings the only known 10.0 value vault and scored as high as 9.875 in level 10.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. This team only lost one vault, but it was a good one. The incoming class can provide some depth, but it will depend on their cleanliness.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Velandra Brochi (9.790 NQS), Grace Nelson (9.755), Madison Carlisle (9.720), Ayla McKean (9.700), Kylee Greene, Kimberly Kinkade, Chelsea Boyer, Kate Cooper Mendes de Oliveira, Peyton Jenkins, Olivia Raife, Maggie Slife, Clara Wallace
How It Looked Before: Bars was quite inconsistent for Air Force, but the team scored a very impressive 49.075 last season, showing their potential on the event. They finished the season ranked No. 56.
How It Looks Now: Air Force lost their highest scorer on bars, who will be hard to replace. Although the incoming class isn’t particularly strong on this event, they have great potential to make lineups. Maggie Slife is one who could make an impact early.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending down. Air Force is losing their only 9.900+ routine, and it’s not looking like they have anyone to replace that as of now.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Velandra Brochi (9.805 NQS), Kylee Greene (9.795), Ayla McKean (9.620), Grace Willis, Kimberly Kinkade, Rosa Juarez Baez, Chelsea Boyer, Kate Cooper Mendes de Oliveira, Peyton Jenkins, Olivia Raife, Maggie Slife, Clara Wallace
How It Looked Before: Beam was Air Force’s best event in 2023. They scored 49.000+ three different times the season, but struggled with consistency.
How It Looks Now: Air Force is losing two of their top scorers, but the freshmen are capable of matching those scores. Baez, Slife, and Wallace bring fun skills and lots of potential on the event, so look for them to fill those lineup spots once they adjust to college competition.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. Beam will still be on their best events, but they have a lot of work to do in order to improve upon last season.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Kylee Greene (9.815 NQS), Velandra Brochi (9.810), Ayla McKean (9.770), Gabriella Meccia (9.565), Grace Willis (9.200), Madison Carlisle, Alexa Kabat, Gianna Martyna, Kate Cooper Mendes de Oliveira, Peyton Jenkins, Olivia Raife, Maggie Slife, Clara Wallace
How It Looked Before: Floor was the weakest event for Air Force last season. The Falcons struggled to find landings and often had to count a fall, if not multiple.
How It Looks Now: With only one lost routine, Air Force really is looking to improve their consistency. The Falcons have the potential to score six 9.800-plus and they will want to put that all together this season. Wallace brings a front double full and Slife has trained a full-in that will help the scoring potential.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. The freshmen are adding a lot of depth on floor, but they will need to fight for a spot in the lineup.
Three Big Questions
Can the Falcons find consistency on floor?
Floor was rough for this team in 2023. They counted many falls throughout the season, but the incoming freshmen add potential and depth and, unlike previous years, they should be able to dig themselves out of a hole if a fall occurs.
What can we expect from the freshmen?
Air Force has a large incoming class who should add depth to all of their events in 2024. Depth is something they lacked last season; if they deliver when it counts, the freshmen could be a game changer.
Can Air Force return to being a top team at USAG Nationals?
In 2022, Air Force finished second at USAG nationals. In 2023, they finished fourth. They have a lot of potential to return to being a top team, but it’s going to be competitive.
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Article by Aaron Doyle and Savanna Whitten
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