In our penultimate watchlist for the 2024 season, we’re naming the 10 specialists with a chance of standing out this season. Whether they only ever perform on one event or are a regular three-eventer, these gymnasts are just as important—if not more so—to a team as all-arounders. Which will be invaluable in 2024?
Reese Samuelson, Western Michigan
Former three-star recruit Samuelson hit the ground running—as predicted—at the Michigan quad exhibition earlier this month. Her 9.800 in the Broncos’ first rotation is a sign of big bars scores to come for the freshman who’s scored as high as 9.950 on the event in club.
Noelle Adams, Iowa State
In a rebuilding year for the Cyclones, specialists like Adams will be more important than ever. Adams was known in level 10 for her vault and floor performances, but she looks to be just as impressive on balance beam in recent intrasquad footage.
Danielle Sievers, Oklahoma
It’s impossible to talk about top specialists without talking about Sievers. Her three-event excellence across vault, bars, and floor helped the Sooners’ secure their title defense. With an NQS over 9.900 on all three pieces and averages hovering right around that number as well, she’s flat-out one of the best gymnasts in the country.
Ellie Lazzari, Florida
Limited to beam in 2023 after her return from injury, Lazzari was spectacular there. Her season was marred by only one miss, at the worst time possible in the national final. Whether she adds more events in 2024 as it likely looks or remains a beam specialist, Lazzari is a crucial piece of the Gators’ success.
Hailey Davis, Kentucky
Davis was an integral part of the Wildcats’ historic finish in 2023. She competes bars and floor, especially excelling on the latter. Ten of her 14 scores on the event were a 9.900 or better. She’s poised to carry on that leadership in 2024.
Jade Carey, Oregon State
One of college gymnastics’ most prolific all-arounders in her first two years has stated that she will only play a limited role in the Beavers’ 2024 season in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. With a career-high of a perfect 10 on every event, Carey is certain to be a difference-maker whenever she does compete.
Nya Reed, UCLA
After missing the 2023 season, Reed has reappeared on the West Coast after four years at Florida. She shined for the Gators with her booming Yurchenko one and a half and engaging floor routine that earned a 10 on several occasions and will have the opportunity to do so again for the Bruins. Reed’s floor will go over extremely well in Pauley Pavilion, and it’s already garnered attention thanks to the choreography’s tribute to the Black Greek sorority Delta Sigma Theta.
Courtney Blackson, Boise State
While Blackson came on strong at the end of the 2023 season with her perfect vault at regionals to nab a spot at the national championships, she was a leader for the Broncos all season long with an NQS above 9.9 on vault, bars, and floor. She’ll once again be a driver for Boise State as she’s set for a standout senior season.
Amanda Gruber, Western Michigan
Now entering her fifth year, Gruber had a breakout year in 2023 for the Broncos. She competes beam and floor, shining especially on the former, where she tied for first at the Michigan preview quad with a huge 9.950. Her 2023 NQS on the event was a 9.895. With clean lines and great precision, she’s arguably one of the best beamers in the country.
JaFree Scott, Georgia
Scott had a very good freshman season. With a high score of 9.950 on bars and a SEC All-Freshman recognition for beam, she banished the injury demons of her club career and found consistency. This year, she looks quite a bit better than that. With refurbished routine compositions and newfound fluidity, expect Scott to become a force on the national level on bars and beam.
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Article by Emily Minehart, Brandis Heffner, and Rebecca Scally
