The Mid-American Conference has released both its preseason poll and list of gymnasts to watch, and it couldn’t come at a better time for fans of the mid-major gymnastics scene. The two lists were posted by the conference hours before the season is set to begin, with Ball State starting 2025 facing Illinois, Illinois State, and host Missouri later this evening.
The Cardinals lead the preseason poll, with four first-place votes predicting their regular season title along with two votes for them winning the MAC Championship in March. Their placement at the top of the conference is expected, as the list published days after the team celebrated its 2024 regular season title. Kent State and Central Michigan rank second and third respectively, each picking up votes for regular season and tournament titles.
2025 MAC Preseason Poll
First-place votes for regular season standings in parentheses.
- Ball State (4) – 33 points
- Kent State (1) – 29 points
- Central Michigan (2) – 28 points
- Western Michigan – 24 points
- Eastern Michigan – 14 points
- Bowling Green – 12 points
- Northern Illinois – seven points
All seven teams have two names representing their programs in the conference’s Gymnasts to Watch list. The fourteen selections paint a picture of fan favorites and freshmen alike poised to hit the ground running. Newcomers to the MAC included in this season’s watchlist include Northern Illinois’ Aliyah Kelly, Eastern Michigan’s Keeley Kohler, and Western Michigan’s Reilan Garvey. Senior Hannah Appleget joins the above freshmen, representing Central Michigan after the folding of Lindenwood’s program. Eight MAC veterans on the watchlist have seen postseason action, highlighted by the Cardinals’ all-around duo of Hannah Ruthberg and Zoe Middleton.
Three MAC teams will begin their 2025 season this weekend, with Ball State, Central Michigan, and Western Michigan all on the road facing top 20 teams. Full conference action begins in week two and promises close matchups from the leading pack as they chase the regular season title.
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Article by Peri Goodman
