After sending just one team to nationals in 2022, the Pac-12 returned to its status as a leading conference last season with three programs representing at NCAAs. Yet, much was also the same. The Utes three-peated their third-place finish nationally and as conference champions while tying California and Oregon State for the regular season title for the second year in a row (with UCLA nabbing a share last season, too). With superstars like Jade Carey, Maile O’Keefe, Selena Harris, and eMjae Frazier all back for the coming season, don’t expect the top half of this conference to stop dominating anytime soon.
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. 3 Utah
It’s no secret that this program is in search of a record-tying 10th NCAA championship, and while three consecutive third-place finishes are nothing to be ashamed of, it has to be incredibly frustrating for the Utes to continue to come so close yet not reach their ultimate goal. Utah is losing a number of critical routines to graduation and the transfer portal, but it reloads with a trio of former five-star recruits that are more than capable of keeping the Red Rocks in contention for a title in 2024.
| Losses: | Abby Brenner, Jillian Hoffman (transfer to LSU), Cristal Isa, Lucy Stanhope (transfer to Nebraska), Sage Thompson (transfer to Oregon State) | |||
| Gains: | Elizabeth Gantner, Ashley Glynn (transfer from Temple), Olivia Kennedy, Camie Winger, Ella Zirbes | |||
| Returning From Injury: | Grace McCallum | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Jaedyn Rucker (9.940 NQS), Makenna Smith (9.895), Ashley Glynn (9.850), Jaylene Gilstrap (9.835), Grace McCallum (9.620), Elizabeth Gantner, Maile O’Keefe, Camie Winger, Ella Zirbes
How It Looked Before: Ranking fourth in NQS, vault was consistent for the Utes throughout the year, but only four 10.0 start values throughout the postseason held them back at nationals. This is where Grace McCallum suffered an injury that sidelined her most of the season, and also the event where her absence was most felt.
How It Looks Now: Ashley Glynn brings in an experienced Yurchenko one and a half that’ll slot into the lineup easily, and former five-star recruits Elizabeth Gantner, Camie Winger, and Ella Zirbes all vaulted 10.0 start values in their level 10 careers that should also factor in. Add in Maile O’Keefe’s sturdy Yurchenko full, and the Utes will have options to play with.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. Jaedyn Rucker is a former NCAA champion on the event and gives Utah a standout anchor vault, but needing a pair of 10.0 start values from freshmen to hit the elusive six puts it a tad behind the other championship contenders.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Maile O’Keefe (9.930 NQS), Amelie Morgan (9.880), Makenna Smith (9.880), Ashley Glynn (9.820), Elizabeth Gantner, Grace McCallum, Abby Paulson, Camie Winger, Ella Zirbes
How It Looked Before: Bars was Utah’s weakest event, with its lowest event NQS and ranking at sixth. Even with McCallum’s 10 potential at the end of the lineup when she was healthy, the lineup with plenty of potential often succumbed to counting a minor error or two.
How It Looks Now: Zirbes has a perfect 10 under her belt from her junior career and should not only be in the lineup but could be the second standout routine it needs needs. However, even if Glynn and the trio of former five-star recruits bring in useable sets, the Utes are only going to be eight routines deep—making depth a potential concern.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. The potential is there, but the outlook is a bit cloudy with unproven depth as well as an overall lack of it.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Maile O’Keefe (9.990 NQS), Kara Eaker (9.965), Abby Paulson (9.925), Amelie Morgan (9.880), Makenna Smith (9.840), Ashley Glynn (9.775), Elizabeth Gantner, Jaylene Gilstrap, Grace McCallum, Camie Winger, Ella Zirbes
How It Looked Before: For the second-straight year the Utes topped the NQS beam rankings as O’Keefe and her six perfect 10s made them nearly unstoppable on the event. The Red Rocks went 49.6 or better more often than not.
How It Looks Now: This should continue to be Utah’s pet event as it returns more than a lineup’s worth of athletes who’ve contributed to its dominance on beam. With that, this will be the hardest event for any of the freshmen to break into, with Gantner the most likely.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. With Amelie Morgan leading off, O’Keefe anchoring, and standouts Abby Paulson and Kara Eaker capable of 10s mid-lineup, there’s no reason the Red Rocks can’t top the beam rankings for a third year in a row. The only question is whether Eaker is still on the team, a rumor that has popped up over the past couple weeks but remains unconfirmed as of publishing.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Maile O’Keefe (9.915 NQS), Jaylene Gilstrap (9.910), Abby Paulson (9.905), Jaedyn Rucker (9.900), Makenna Smith (9.890), Ashley Glynn (9.810), Kara Eaker, Elizabeth Gantner, Grace McCallum, Camie Winger, Ella Zirbes
How It Looked Before: A relatively consistent event for the Utes, they ranked sixth in NQS to end the season but struggled to find any standout routine to anchor and bring in a huge number. Utah didn’t lose meets on floor but certainly didn’t win any either.
How It Looks Now: With seven returners with plenty of experience and freshmen capable of providing routines, depth shouldn’t be an issue on floor. However, there’s no clear answer to who can step up and be the consistent 10-threat this lineup needs to compete with the other championship contenders.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. Another year of experience for most of the lineup bodes well for consistency, but a lineup that maxes out at 9.9 won’t always cut it.
Three Big Questions
Which freshman will make the most lineups?
While it was Gantner who was once the top-rated recruit of the class, Zirbes looks like the rookies’ best bet for lineups after her national all-around win to cap off her level 10 career. Her Yurchenko one and a half is a necessity to fill the difficulty void on vault, and she swings so well on bars that she’ll challenge O’Keefe for the anchor spot from the get-go. But, Winger will be right on her heels with a strong bars set and a Yurchenko one and a half of her own.
What should we expect from Grace McCallum?
After a bad vault landing at Metroplex sidelined McCallum most of the season, her return on bars and beam at nationals not only helped the Utes at the moment but makes her return to full health more promising. McCallum has been seen tumbling on the rod floor in preseason training videos, indicating that she is likely eyeing a comeback in the all-around. But, don’t be too surprised to see a change in her vault to avoid another awkward forward landing on a Yurchenko one and a half.
Can Utah win an NCAA title?
On paper, this roster can contend for a championship. But, its composition is very similar to those that have fallen just short of the feat in years past. A lack of vault difficulty, a true floor anchor, and question marks on bars hold the Red Rocks back from achieving title favorite status, with the newcomers needing to make a huge impact to earn that qualifier and challenge for the top of the podium in April. Yet, the Utes do open as favorites for the conference title.
No. 5 UCLA
After missing Nationals in 2021 and 2022, UCLA showed massive strides in the 2023 season, displaying the confidence, consistency, and depth that earned it a spot in the national semifinals. But wait, there’s a twist this season: The Bruins will be missing Jordan Chiles, who is deferring the 2024 season to train for the Paris Olympics. Luckily, they’re also welcoming a talented incoming class to fill in some of the gaps in the hopes of reclaiming a spot in the team final.
| Losses: | Jordan Chiles, Paige Hogan, Kalyany Steele | |||
| Gains: | Paige Anastasi, Alex Irvine, Nya Reed (transfer from Florida), Katelyn Rosen | |||
| Returning From Injury: | Frida Esparza, Katie McNamara, Sara Ulias | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Chae Cambell (9.925 NQS), Selena Harris (9.915), Emily Lee (9.845), Margzetta Frazier (9.800), Madisyn Anyimi (9.790), Paige Anastasi, Alex Irvine, Brooklyn Moors, Nya Reed, Katelyn Rosen
How It Looked Before: Vault was UCLA’s weakest piece during the 2023 season. It was the only event where it did not rank in the top five nationally.
How It Looks Now: Although Chiles’ deferral will be a blow, the addition of Reed, Rosen, Anastasi, and Irvine—who have all shown 10.0 vault capabilities in the past—is significant for boosting the Bruins’ potential.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. The addition of several more 10.0 SV vaults in addition to Campbell and Harris will be like night and day for UCLA’s lineup compared to last season.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Selena Harris (9.940 NQS), Margzetta Frazier (9.910), Ana Padurariu (9.900), Chae Campbell (9.840), Madison Anyimi, Frida Esparza, Alex Irvine, Emily Lee, Katelyn Rosen, Sara Ulias
How It Looked Before: Ending the year ranked with the fifth highest NQS, bars was a strong event for the Bruins. Jordan Chiles scored three perfect 10.0s last season, leading her to win the event title at nationals.
How It Looks Now: The return of Ulias and Esparza is a beacon of hope for UCLA’s lineup. The Bruins will be hopeful to add these key routines to their depth even in Chiles’ absence.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. The Bruins will keep the core of last season’s lineup, and it will be interesting to see if Ulias and Esparza can regain their pre-injury form. Additionally, routines from incoming freshmen like Irvine, Rosen, and Anastasi could help add to the potential contributors.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Selena Harris (9.950), Emma Malabuyo (9.920), Emily Lee (9.910), Ciena Alipio (9.880), Ana Padurariu (9.840), Emma Andres, Chae Campbell, Margzetta Frazier, Alex Irvine, Brooklyn Moors, Katelyn Rosen
How It Looked Before: While beam is historically unpredictable for the Bruins, the 2023 lineup was a major improvement. In comparison to 2022 when they could only muster up 9.7s and 9.8s, this ended up being the difference-making event in qualifying to nationals in 2023.
How It Looks Now: UCLA has a safe lineup of 9.8-plus scores coming from Alipio, Padurariu, and Lee. They will look to capitalize on beam with Malabuyo and Harris with 10.0s in striking distance.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. UCLA has a love-hate relationship with beam, and while this squad doesn’t have the scoring potential of its prior years, there are lots of easy lineup options.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Chae Campbell (9.945), Selena Harris (9.925), Emma Malabuyo (9.915), Margzetta Frazier (9.910), Emily Lee (9.855), Madisyn Anyimi, Frida Esparza, Alex Irvine, Chloe Lashbrooke, Katie McNamara, Brooklyn Moors, Nya Reed, Katelyn Rosen, Sara Ulias
How It Looked Before: The Bruins regained the No. 1 NQS on their signature event for the 2023 season. Chiles, Campbell, Harris, and Malabuyo were standouts and essential to making that happen.
How It Looks Now: The Bruins will be looking to replace Chiles’ essential floor scores with Nya Reed’s. They will also be hoping to beef up the lineup depth with former elite Katelyn Rosen, Alex Irvine, and Brooklyn Moors—who was absent for most of last season due to a knee injury but showed promising scores during the postseason.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. The Bruins were very dependent upon a few gymnasts in their lineup for most of 2023. But, there is hope that the incoming class, gymnasts returning from injuries, and Moors’ floor comeback will help increase UCLA’s lineup depth.
Three Big Questions
Is it comeback season?
Ulias and Esparza, both important assets to UCLA’s bars lineups and important in providing solid backup options on other events, were out with injuries last season. Will they make their comebacks this season? By how much will their contributions raise UCLA’s scoring potential?
How will UCLA handle Jordan Chiles’ absence?
Chiles was able to provide standout routines in UCLA’s lineups, it will be interesting to see how UCLA compensates amidst her absence. An all-around spot is open in the Bruins’ lineups, with former elite and four-star recruit Rosen a favorite to fill at least a few of the holes.
What will the new Bruins bring to the table?
The Bruins will be ecstatic to welcome former Florida gymnast Reed. She will be expected to bring in big numbers on vault and floor. Additionally, an exciting new freshman class of Irvine, Anastasi, and Rosen will add depth across the board, as well as some solid numbers.
No. 7 California
The 2023 season was historic for the Golden Bears, setting a new program-best team score on multiple occasions and ending the year by matching their best finish ever. eMjae Frazier was one of the nation’s standout freshmen, Mya Lauzon was a breakout star, and both are set to lead California to even greater things this coming season. With just four total routines to replace and two former five-star recruits added to the roster, all eyes are on Berkley.
| Losses: | Nevaeh DeSouza, Maya Green, Natalie Sadighi | |||
| Gains: | Kyen Mayhew, Annalise Newman-Achee | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Mya Lauzon (9.930 NQS), Madelyn Williams (9.850), eMjae Frazier (9.845), Andi Li (9.845), Casey Brown (9.830), Ella Cesario (9.760), Kyen Mayhew, Annalise Newman-Achee
How It Looked Before: Vault was the weakest event for California last season. With just three 10.0 start values, the Golden Bears were at a deficit compared to most of the top 10 teams, ranking only 10th on the event.
How It Looks Now: Kyen Mayhew and Annalise Newman-Achee should immediately factor into the top six for the Golden Bears. Newman-Achee has a dynamic Yurchenko full that’s better than some California competed in 2023, and Mayhew’s one and a half is ready to set up Mya Lauzon and eMjae Frazier for big scores.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. While California will still be at a disadvantage with just three vaults likely starting from a 10.0, it is adding overall potential. Time will tell if it can build on that.
Bars
Potential Contributors: Andi Li (9.960 NQS), Madelyn Williams (9.955), Gabby Perea (9.920), eMjae Frazier (9.900), Ella Cesario (9.885), Mya Lauzon, Kyen Mayhew, Annalise Newman-Achee
How It Looked Before: What the Golden Bears lacked on vault, they made up for with bars. Andi Li and Madelyn Williams constantly pushed for perfection and led one of the most consistent lineups in the country. Until the NCAA championships, California scored no lower than 49.425 the entire season.
How It Looks Now: The top five routines return and Lauzon’s 9.8-plus average is perfect for the vacated leadoff spot. Newman-Achee should also see some lineup time this season, with the only concern for the Golden Bears being depth.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. All of California’s important routines are back, and another offseason of polishing should only see scores improve. The Golden Bears have established themselves as a powerhouse on this event over the last few seasons.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Mya Lauzon (9.950 NQS), Gabby Perea (9.925), Andi Li (9.910), Madelyn Williams (9.905), eMjae Frazier (9.885), Ella Cesario, Kyen Mayhew, Annalise Newman-Achee
How It Looked Before: Beam was easily California’s second-best event, finishing sixth in NQS. Led by Lauzon, who notched a perfect 10, the Golden Bears put up a massive 49.825 on beam mid-March that tied for the highest event score by any team on any event all season. They were also consistent, never falling below 49.
How It Looks Now: Both five-star freshmen bring in routines capable of making the lineup, with five regulars from 2023 back to handle a majority of the routines. Depth could be an issue, with the leadoff position also needing replacing.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. While the historic total from last season shows the crazy potential of this lineup, it’s the proven consistency that speaks volumes and should lead the Golden Bears to success.
Floor
Potential Contributors: eMjae Frazier (9.955 NQS), Mya Lauzon (9.945), Andi Li (9.915), Madelyn Williams (9.895), Gabby Perea (9.850), Miki Aderinto, Jordan Kane, Kyen Mayhew, Annalise Newman-Achee, Jayden Silvers
How It Looked Before: Floor came on strong at the end of the season, hitting a huge 49.7 with a 10.0 from then-rookie eMjae Frazier to start March before never dropping below 49.4 after. California finished 10th in NQS on floor.
How It Looks Now: Another event, the same story. The Golden Bears bring back five strong routines and add two newbies with lineup-ready routines. Mayhew is end-of-lineup ready with powerful tumbling to complement eMjae Frazier.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. California has a bit more depth to work with on floor compared to the other events, making this the area most likely to improve for the Golden Bears in 2024.
Three Big Questions
What’s next for eMjae Frazier?
It didn’t take long for the former national team member to etch her name in the history books—becoming the first Golden Bear to earn a perfect 10 on floor in early March and breaking the school all-around record with a 39.750 a month later at regionals. If Frazier can up her bars consistency and home in on her vault landings, there’s no reason she shouldn’t be one of the NCAA’s leading all-arounders this season.
Where will the freshmen make an impact?
The leg events are where the rookies can make the biggest immediate difference—particularly Mayhew with her difficult vault and powerful tumbling that earned her a perfect score on floor as a level 10. Newman-Achee excels on bars and has the talent necessary for that lineup, but she may struggle to break into the Golden Bears’ top six as it’s stacked with returners.
Can the Golden Bears repeat their nationals appearance?
Yes, and then some. California was only a hit on its pet event away from making the team final in 2023, and that is a realistic goal for this 2024 squad with little to replace. The Golden Bears enter the season as favorites for a trip back to Fort Worth.
No. 12 Oregon State
The Beavers’ journey toward the top 10 continues, largely thanks to Jade Carey, who helped them climb back into the top half of the conference and repeat as regular season champions in 2023. But, things will look different for Oregon State in 2024, with Carey competing just part-time and plenty of roster turnover to contend with.
| Losses: | Trinity Andrews, Kayla Bird, Madi Dagen, Jenna Domingo, Julia Melchert (transfer to Boise State), Kristina Peterson, Brianna Yamamoto | |||
| Gains: | Olivia Buckner, Taylor DeVries, Sophia Esposito, Mia Heather, Sage Thompson (transfer from Utah) | |||
| Returning From Injury: | Phoebe Jakubczyk | |||
Vault
Potential Contributors: Sydney Gonzales (9.885 NQS), Lauren Letzsch (9.845), Natalie Briones (9.805), Kaitlin Garcia (9.805), Olivia Buckner, Francesca Caso, Karlie Chavez, Taylor DeVries, Sophia Esposito, Phoebe Jakubczyk, Ariana Young
How It Looked Before: Vault is a consistent event for the Beavers—Jade Carey’s, Madi Dagen’s, and Sydney Gonzales’ 10.0 start values were crucial amidst a sea of mid-tier Yurchenko fulls.
How It Looks Now: Without Dagen, Gonzales’ importance will increase. However, newcomers Sophia Esposito and Olivia Buckner have promising 10.0 start value potential, with Esposito training a Yurchenko double and Buckner competing a one and a half in level 10. Both will be of immense value to Oregon State’s lineup.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. With a talented incoming freshmen, there is hope the Beavers can beef up their 10.0 arsenal. However, social media training clips and competition surfaces are two different stories
Bars
Potential Contributors: Jade Carey (9.965 NQS), Sage Thompson (9.900), Ellie Weaver (9.870), Jennifer McMillan (9.840), Carley Beeman (9.825), Francesca Caso (9.825), Natalie Briones (9.605), Olivia Buckner, Taylor DeVries, Sophia Esposito, Mia Heather, Savannah Miller, Ariana Young
How It Looked Before: Oregon State had an impressive bars glow-up toward the tail end of the 2023 season. The Beavers began their season with only a 48.3750 on bars but were able to turn it around to 49.5 by regionals.
How It Looks Now: The Beavers will be over the moon to welcome Utah transfer Sage Thompson and her perfect 10 career high to the top six. New recruit Taylor DeVries also has lots of promise on the event after finishing in the top 10 at level 10 nationals in 2019 and 2022. A lineup with Carey, DeVries, and Thompson could transform one of Oregon State’s weakest events into one of its best.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending up. A lineup headlined by Carey and Thompson is going to do wonders for Oregon State’s scores.
Beam
Potential Contributors: Jade Carey (9.975 NQS), Sydney Gonzales (9.935), Lauren Letzsch (9.895), Natalie Briones, Carley Beeman, Olivia Buckner, Francesca Caso, Taylor DeVries, Sophia Esposito, Mia Heather, Phoebe Jakubcyzk, Jennifer McMillan, Savannah Miller, Sage Thompson, Ellie Weaver, Ariana Young
How It Looked Before: Beam was Oregon State’s strength. Its consistent mid-49 scores throughout the season earned it the fourth-highest NQS in the country.
How It Looks Now: Carey, the 2023 NCAA beam silver medalist, still plays a very important anchoring role for this lineup. However, without Dagen and Jenna Domingo, Oregon State might have some difficulty piecing a top six together that could match their 2023 season performance.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Trending down. The loss of Dagen and Domingo to their lineup is going to hurt Oregon State. Yet, this could be an opportunity for someone new like Thompson or injury-returnee Phoebe Jakubczyk to step in.
Floor
Potential Contributors: Sydney Gonzales (9.879 NQS), Savannah Miller (9.863), Ariana Young (9.840), Lauren Letzsch (9.823), Kaitlin Garcia (9.787), Natalie Briones, Olivia Buckner, Francesca Caso, Taylor DeVries, Sophia Esposito, Phoebe Jakubczyk, Jennifer McMillan, Sage Thompson, Ellie Weaver, Karlie Chavez
How It Looked Before: Like beam, floor was a good event for Oregon State in 2023, as reigning Olympic floor champion Carey led with three 10.0s. Lauren Letzsch, Dagen, Gonzales, and Ariana Young were crucial to the success and consistently brought in 9.9-plus scores.
How It Looks Now: The bulk of last season’s floor lineup should stay the same in 2024. The Beavers will be looking to add new first years like Buckner, DeVries, or Esposito to the lineup, all of which have shown strong E-passes in level 10.
Trending up, down or too early to tell? Too early to tell. The meat and bones of the lineup shouldn’t shift too much, but it will be interesting to see if the freshmen can make their way into the lineup.
Three Big Questions
Is Oregon State going to become a bars team?
Oregon State showed great improvement on the event throughout the 2023 season. Newcomer Thompson will be a big factor in the team’s success—or stagnation.
What can we expect from Jade Carey?
Over the offseason, Carey detailed some of her plans for the upcoming NCAA season in coordination with her bid to make the 2024 Olympics. While she’ll still be competing for the Beavers, she’s also stated she’ll likely stick to bars and beam and possibly not every meet. Expect Oregon State’s depth on the leg events to be tested all season.
How will the freshmen contribute to the lineups?
The freshman class of Olivia Buckner, Taylor DeVries, Sophia Esposito, and Mia Heather has great potential to make its mark on all four events, particularly by bringing in a few more 10.0 start values on vault.
Article by Brandis Heffner and Daniel Rothwell
Kara Eaker will no longer be a part of the Utah team.