The world of college gymnastics never truly stops, even in the offseason. One week can bring a whirlwind of news, from seismic shifts in coaching lineups to athletes unveiling jaw-dropping new skills in training. It’s easy to miss a beat, but don’t worry—we have you covered. This is your weekly dose of everything you need to know from the gymternet, delivering the biggest headlines, crucial updates, and stories you might have missed. Let’s dive into the week’s action!
Top Storylines
Roberson, Chiles Tease Elite Plans Following Season
Joscelyn Roberson’s caption on her recent Instagram post, a tribute to her freshman season at Arkansas, suggested she may be returning to elite training and competition: “Gotta go for a minute but I’ll be back NCAA GYM.” Of note, USA Gymnastics left an eyes emoji comment. Chiles, on the other hand, indicated to Big Ten Network that she will return to UCLA for her senior year “next season.” She has not indicated whether she will compete elite in 2025.
Candia Named Rutgers Head Coach
Rutgers interim head coach Anastasia Candia was named as the new head coach of the program. Candia, a former Rutgers gymnast, served as acting head coach for the 2025 season following Umme Salim-Beasley being placed on administrative leave in January.
Bowers, Carey, Davis, and Finnegan Named Honda Award Finalists
Oklahoma’s Jordan Bowers and Audrey Davis, Oregon State’s Jade Carey, and LSU’s Aleah Finnegan were named as finalists for the Honda Award.
Transfer & Eligibility Updates
Incoming Transfers
Former LIU and Ohio State gymnast Kate Parks transferred to Western Michigan. She has two years of eligibility remaining. Former Illinois State gymnast Reese Grolla transferred to Arizona State. She has two years of eligibility remaining.
Outgoing Transfers
UCLA sophomore Paige Anastasi entered the transfer portal. She has two years of eligibility remaining. West Virginia senior Sierra Muns is in the transfer portal for her fifth year; she previously competed at Texas Woman’s. Missouri’s Courtney Woods and Eastern Michigan’s Cassie Bergin both entered the portal with one year of eligibility remaining. Illinois State senior Sara Wabi entered the portal for a fifth year; she did not compete at all in her freshman season. Maryland gymnast Bella Ferraccio is in the portal. She has two years of eligibility remaining. Denver’s Madison Ulrich entered the portal, she has two years of eligibility left. Arkansas’ Chandler Buntin has entered the portal. She has two years of eligibility remaining.
Fifth Year Returns
After tearing her Achilles in February, Penn State senior Jessica Johanson will return for her fifth year. Alabama seniors Corinne Bunagan and Jordyn Paradise will also return for their fifth years. Arkansas seniors Frankie Price, Leah Smith, and Cami Weaver will all return to Arkansas for their fifth years in 2026.
Coaching & Staff News
Iowa State, Denver Assistant Coaches Announce Moves
Iowa State assistant coaches Ryan Snider and Haylee Young both announced that they are leaving the Iowa State coaching staff. Elsewhere in the Big 12, Denver associate head coach Linas Gaveika and assistant coach Stephen Hood both announced their departures from the coaching staff as well.
Conkling Retires from Illinois State
Illinois State head coach Bob Conkling announced his retirement after 20 years leading the program.
Training Updates
New Skills Spotted
Incoming Brockport freshman Emily Kukura is training a tucked gainer full dismount on beam. Michigan’s Audrey Sanger is training a full-out dismount on bars.
Rehab Progress
Florida sophomore Skylar Draser posted an Instagram story depicting some sort of surgery. Ohio State junior Payton Harris was seen training bars dismounts on a team Instagram story after missing the majority of the 2025 season. West Chester’s Madalyn Espinosa announced her medical retirement following her freshman season. Ithaca sophomore Hali Seligman had surgery for a torn labrum. Washington senior Deiah Moody posted videos to her Instagram story of her performing bars dismounts with the caption “back to business.” She has redshirt eligibility after not competing last season.
Recruiting Buzz
College gymnastics recruiting news moves fast! For in-depth coverage of commitments, signings, and all the latest recruiting developments, be sure to check out our weekly Recruiting Roundup.
Other Newsworthy Items
Finnegan, Malabuyo to Compete In Southeast Asian Games
Fresh off their senior seasons with LSU and UCLA, respectively, Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo will represent the Philippines at the Southeast Asian Games this December in Bankgok, Thailand, per Olympics.com.
West Virginia Undergoing Gym Renovations
Renovations to West Virginia’s practice facility, Cary Gym, are in progress, with construction planned to be complete by this fall.
Hu Debuts Beam Routine Tattoo
Following her national championship-winning performance of her unique routine, former Missouri gymnast Helen Hu got a tattoo of the symbols from the code of points for her beam routine.
Tanskanen to Compete at Finnish Championships
Following her freshman year at Missouri, Kaia Tanskanen will compete at the Finnish Championships. She has previously represented Finland in international competition.
Sirjord Creates Grip Company
Former Minnesota gymnast Ella Sirjord founded Train With SHIFT, a grips company.
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News curated by Katherine Weaver with assistance from the editors of College Gym News
