Kent State

Kent State is returning a large group of upperclassmen in both its seniors and juniors, most of whom were major contributors this past season. Only losing three counting lineup scores from the 2025 season and bringing in four athletes that could be in lineup spots across the four events, Kent State is looking to be in a better spot going into its 2026 season.

2025 Rewind

No. 44 overall | No. 3 at MAC | No. 44 in regular season

Kent State is coming into this season finishing just four tenths off first place at the MAC championship behind Central Michigan. The team was consistently scoring in the mid 195s all last season, but with a couple of lower scores in the beginning of the year, this took the team out of regional contention and into number 44 nationally early on.

Losses & Gains

RETURNING

Seniors: Charlie Behner, Kennedy Bowen, Avery Compson, Emma Masse, Mya Migliore, Zoe Rankin, Nastia Rudnitskaya, Heidi Schultz

Juniors: Nene Alvine, Dani Fuertez, Grace Knurek, Ashley Morgan, Kaileigh Norton, Gabby Riley

Sophomores: Sophia Balko, Jersey Bingman, Allie Call, Gabby Espinoza, Isabella Marques, Anika Most

Freshmen: Taylor Archambeau, Lana Mast, Ashlyn Pearson, Ashlynd Werner

OUT

Graduated: Alyssa Guns (BB/FX), Cheyenne Pratola, Brynne Tsipis (UB)

INJURY UPDATE

Alvine has a torn right achilles as of March 2025.

Apparatus Deep Dive

Vault

2025 Event Ranking: No. 43 | NQS: 48.895 | Average: 48.758 | High: 49.025

Returning NQS: Charlie Behner (9.835), Nene Alvine (9.830), Mya Migliore, (9.790), Gabby Riley (9.775), Nastia Rudnitskaya (9.735), Ashley Morgan (9.705), Avery Compson (9.685)

Other Contributors: Zoe Rankin, Taylor Archambeau, Lana Mast, Ashlyn Pearson, Ashlynd Werner

Bars

2025 Event Ranking: No. 37 | NQS: 49.000 | Average: 48.704 | High: 49.275

Returning NQS: Nastia Rudnitskaya (9.825), Charlie Behner (9.820), Heidi Schultz (9.805), Isabella Marques (9.690), Nene Alvine (9.415), Mya Migliore (9.335)

Other Contributors: Sophia Balko, Dani Fuertez, Taylor Archambeau, Lana Mast, Ashlyn Pearson

Beam

2025 Event Ranking: No. 44 | NQS: 48.905 | Average: 48.800 | High: 49.125

Returning NQS: Heidi Schultz (9.850), Nene Alvine (9.805), Ashley Morgan (9.795), Gabby Riley (9.775), Mya Migliore (9.685), Zoe Rankin (9.590)

Other Contributors: Dani Fuertez, Taylor Archambeau, Lana Mast

Floor

2025 Event Ranking: No. 44 | NQS: 49.090 | Average: 48.883 | High: 49.375

Returning NQS: Nene Alvine (9.850), Charlie Behner (9.820), Gabby Riley (9.815), Jersey Bingman (9.785), Emma Masse (9.740)

Other Contributors: Dani Fuertez, Ashley Morgan, Zoe Rankin, Nastia Rudnitskaya, Heidi Schultz, Taylor Archambeau, Lana Mast, Ashlyn Pearson

Records Watch

Three of the four individual records are 10.0s, so tying that record for any athlete is the goal, but a hard one to beat. However, several individuals did get close to these marks last season that have the potential to do it again this year. Alvine on vault, barring her return from her achilles injury this season, Behner on bars, and Schultz on beam all came the closest last season to these individual titles and could absolutely do it again in their junior and senior seasons.

The Big Picture

Kent State had a solid 2025 season, but fell short of the scoring consistency it achieved in prior years. Few routines broke the 9.900 mark, and if the team hopes to return to regional contention, boosting those top-end scores will be essential. The good news: Fuertez is back to full strength on bars and beam, providing a needed lift to the Golden Flashes’ depth on two key events. With promising newcomers like Archambeau—who, based on her club results, could contend in the all-around—there’s plenty of potential for improvement. Sharpening execution and developing more depth, particularly on bars, will be crucial for Kent State to turn those close calls into higher team totals.

Likely 2026 finish: Nationally in the 40s, second in the MAC

Ball State

Ball State graduated athletes this past year who each individually held spots in the lineups, and whose presences will be missed greatly. The absence of all five graduated seniors is going to have to be replaced by either new freshmen, like three-star recruit Ava Thurston who could fill an all-around spot, or some returning veterans who might have been trying to break into the lineups last season and are now going to be put to the test.

2025 Rewind

No. 45 overall | No. 5 at MAC | No. 45 in regular season

Ball State is coming off a fifth place finish at the MAC conference championship and just falling out of regional contention in 2025. Finishing nationally at no. 45, the Cardinals had a pretty up-and-down season across all four events, with no two meets being the same across the board. Hitting a season high of 196.900 in March against Northern Illinois showed how much potential this 2025 team had, but with the remainder of the year’s scores being in the mid 194s and mid 195s, it wasn’t enough to get the team to regionals.

Losses & Gains

RETURNING

Seniors: Mary Rose Bellan, Aislyn LaBadie, Zoe Middleton, Alauna Simms

Juniors: Lindsay Fuller, Lindsay Girard, Delaney McMahon, Ava Molina, Ashley Szymanski

Sophomores: Viviana Campuzano, Avery Kantor, Karli Mercer, Jordanna Phillis, Grace Suchecki

Freshmen: Kinlee Bare, Scarlet Pajer, Carley Stalder, Ava Thurston

OUT

Graduated: Cai Afalla (VT/FX), Carissa Martinez (FX), Suki Pfister (VT), Hannah Ruthberg (AA), Grace Sumner (UB/BB)

Retired: Dilynn Blair, Breelyn Rickey

Apparatus Deep Dive

Vault

2025 Event Ranking: No. 45 | NQS: 48.885 | Average: 48.794 | High: 49.150

Returning NQS: Zoe Middleton (9.800), Lindsey Girard (9.770), Karli Mercer (9.735), Cai Afalla (9.730)

Other Contributors: Jordanna Phillis, Kinlee Bare, Scarlet Pajer, Carley Stalder, Ava Thurston

Bars

2025 Event Ranking: No. 34 | NQS: 49.055 | Average: 48.806 | High: 49.175

Returning NQS: Ashley Szymanski (9.875), Mary Rose Bellan (9.815), Zoe Middleton (9.790), Ava Molina (9.750), Jordanna Phillis (9.735)

Other Contributors: Ava Thurston

Beam

2025 Event Ranking: No. 52 | NQS: 48.795 | Average: 48.692 | High: 49.350

Returning NQS: Ashley Szymanski (9.810), Lindsay Fuller (9.780), Delaney McMahon (9.775), Ava Molina (9.855)

Other Contributors: Karli Mercer, Scarlet Pajer, Carley Stalder, Ava Thurston

Floor

2025 Event Ranking: No. 38 | NQS: 49.130 | Average: 48.927 | High: 49.225

Returning NQS: Zoe Middleton (9.890), Alauna Simms (9.810), Lindsey Girard (9.795), Ava Molina (9.795), Cai Afalla (9.745)

Other Contributors: Kinlee Bare, Scarlet Pajer, Carley Stalder, Ava Thurston

Records Watch

Ball State hit an extreme season high last year of 196.900, topping its ending NQS by over a point. The team excelled on floor and bars last season, coming in nationally ranked in the 30s, but will have to make up some big scores on those two events specifically to get back to these already-set records.

The Big Picture

It’s hard to tell how this season is going to look for Ball State since the team already possesses talented athletes, but with the absence of extremely influential seniors who had a place in each lineup, it’s the experience and confidence that is going to be missed. Statistically, there is not much returning depth that is known yet, but this could all change once intrasquads and competitions start happening and new faces come into the lineup for the first time in a while or to make their debuts.

Likely 2026 finish: Nationally in the 40s, fifth in the MAC

Western Michigan

Western Michigan enters 2026 in a period of transition, graduating a large senior class but welcoming an even bigger group of newcomers who could make an immediate impact this season.

2025 Rewind

No. 47 overall | No. 4 at MAC | No. 47 in regular season

Western Michigan tied for third with Kent State at last year’s MAC championship, four-tenths from first. It was one of the Broncos’ best meets of the season, as they consistently scored in the mid-194s to 195s and surpassed 196 only once. Beam proved the most inconsistent event, while the others remained steady. Improving consistency will be key to reaching the team’s 2026 goals.

Losses & Gains

RETURNING

Seniors: Agenais Abeyta, Sidnei Heubach, Makenna King

Juniors: Brooke Gelesko, Julie Korfhage, Emily Krzciok, Hannah Milton, Reese Samuelson

Sophomores: Kennedy Cooper, Reilan Garvey, Estee Goltsman, Tricia Mills, Kyler Webster

Freshmen: Isabella Ciolfi, Breanna Ford, Casey Mooney, Amy Robins, Molly Sabin, Olivia Sabin, Peyton Stanos, Linda Uro

Transfers: Kate Parks (Ohio St.), Aliyah Kelly (NIU)

OUT

Graduated: Halle Faulkner (VT), Molly Freeman (UB), Sarah Moravansky (VT/UB/BB), DonnaKathryn Roy (VT/FX), Ally Schaupp (FX), Gigi Singh (BB), Cassie St. Clair (VT/FX)

Apparatus Deep Dive

Vault

2025 Event Ranking: No. 38 | NQS: 48.940 | Average: 48.867 | High: 49.200

Returning NQS: Kennedy Cooper (9.760), Brooke Gelesko (9.738), Hannah Milton (9.732), Reilan Garvey (9.670)

Other Contributors: Isabella Ciolfi, Breanna Ford, Casey Mooney, Molly Sabin, Peyton Stanos

Bars

2025 Event Ranking: No. 41 | NQS: 48.980 | Average: 48.871 | High: 49.275

Returning NQS: Reese Samuelson (9.812), Kate Parks (transfer Ohio State- 9.755), Aliyah Kelly (transfer NIU- 9.725) Reilan Garvey (9.721), Julie Korfhage (9.660), Makenna King (9.597)

Other Contributors: Isabella Ciolfi, Casey Mooney, Amy Robins, Peyton Stanos

Beam

2025 Event Ranking: No. 52 | NQS: 48.795 | Average: 48.306 | High: 49.075

Returning NQS: Reese Samuelson (9.830), Reilan Garvey (9.780), Julie Korfhage (9.750), Tricia Mills (9.665), Aliyah Kelly (9.635), Hannah Milton (9.505)

Other Contributors: Emily Krzciok, Allie Schaupp, Isabella Ciolfi, Molly Sabin, Linda Uro

Floor

2025 Event Ranking: No. 35 | NQS: 49.150 | Average: 48.998 | High: 49.300

Returning NQS: Hannah Milton (9.835), Reilan Garvey (9.800), Kennedy Cooper (9.795)

Other Contributors: Isabella Ciolfi, Breanna Ford, Casey Mooney, Molly Sabin, Olivia Sabin, Peyton Stanos

Records Watch

Samuelson and Garvey are two to watch this season as potential record-breakers. Both return with some of the team’s highest NQSs and could challenge existing records, particularly on bars and beam. Freshman Ciolfi also has the potential to approach the all-around record, with the talent and scoring ability to make an immediate NCAA impact.

The Big Picture

Last season, Western Michigan relied heavily on its senior class, which made up a large portion of its lineups. With that group gone, the Broncos will need to draw on the depth they’ve built this preseason, particularly on vault and floor, where the most lineup spots are open. Transfers Parks and Kelly bring valuable NCAA experience that should help fill those gaps. Freshman Ciolfi is also one to watch—she has the potential to step into an all-around role and become a key contributor for years to come.

Likely 2026 finish: Nationally in the 40s, third in the MAC

Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan is losing a few athletes who have been crucial in its lineups for the past four seasons, like all-arounder Raisa Boris and three-event specialists Ella Chemotti and Alana Fisher. It will be a challenge to replace the experience and confidence those athletes brought to the competition floor, but that is exactly what will have to happen if the main goal of the team is getting back into regional contention.

2025 Rewind

No. 50 overall | No. 2 at MAC | No. 50 in regular season

Coming in just two-tenths behind Central Michigan as the runner-up for the MAC title Eastern Michigan has a lot to be proud of. This was the second-highest team total in Eastern Michigan history and was a great way to end its season. The Eagles were all over the board in terms of scoring, notching a few scores in the 192s and 193s throughout the year, but also getting high 195s. The team started strong in its first few competitions, but low scores on bars made it difficult for the Eagles to get into postseason contention.

Losses & Gains

RETURNING

Seniors: Priya Karle, Kyrie Lowe

Juniors: Abby Brushwood, Gwendelyn Cantu, Katin Childress, Genae Daniel, Brooke Maycroft, Jacquelyn Patterson

Sophomores: Sanai Evans, Keeley Kohler, Brianna Lucas, Elise Ritzenthaler, Analiah Solorio, Jaelyn Stetz

Freshmen: Savanna Dunwoody, Adysen Mazzoni, Macy Nihart, Georgie Slack,

Transfers: Kendall Landry (Minn., SO)

OUT

Graduated: Gianna Antonio (FX), Cassie Bergin, Raisa Boris (AA), Ella Chemotti (UB/BB/FX), Alana Fisher (VT/BB/FX)

Retired: Iyana King

INJURY UPDATE

Iyana King was unexpectedly removed from the team in October 2025.

Apparatus Deep Dive

Vault

2025 Event Ranking: No. 56 | NQS: 48.655 | Average: 48.534 | High: 48.925

Returning NQS: Abby Brushwood (9.740), Gwendelyn Cantu (9.725), Kyrie Lowe (9.645), Brianna Lucas (9.530)

Other Contributors: Ganae Daniel, Jaelyn Stetz, Savanna Dunwoody, Adysen Mazzoni, Macy Nihart

Bars

2025 Event Ranking: No. 49 | NQS: 48.775 | Average: 48.516 | High: 48.900

Returning NQS: Kyrie Low (9.830), Analiah Solorio (9.785), Keeley Kohler (9.750), Sanai Evans (9.445)

Other Contributors: Gwendelyn Cantu, Jaelyn Stetz, Savanna Dunwoody, Macy Nihart

Beam

2025 Event Ranking: No. 40 | NQS: 48.970 | Average: 48.705 | High: 49.200

Returning NQS: Katin Childress (9.78-0), Kyrie Lowe (9.765), Analiah Solorio (9.700)

Other Contributors: Keeley Kohler, Savanna Dunwoody, Macy Nihart

Floor

2025 Event Ranking: No. 52 | NQS: 48.935 | Average: 48.873 | High: 49.300

Returning NQS: Abby Brushwood (9.870), Priya Karle (9.770), Kyrie Lowe (9.745)

Other Contributors: Savanna Dunwoody, Macy Nihart

Records Watch

Newcomers Nihart and Dunwoody are two athletes who, if they compete in the all around and find their footing in the NCAA, could make a run for that high score of 39.725 that was set in 2000. Eastern Michigan has a few records that were set in the early 2000s, so it would be a huge accomplishment to tie or break these longstanding highs. The Eagles will look to meet or surpass the individual vault (10.0), bars (9.950), and beam (10) scores in the coming years.

The Big Picture

Losing its graduating seniors will be a hard loss for the team. Boris was a staple contributor in all four lineups, so losing her experience is going to be difficult to replace. The Eagles had a relatively solid season last year, but every time the team got into trouble, it was due to low scores on bars. Replacing Boris’ and Chemotti’s solid scores from this lineup will be key. Look to athletes like Dunwoody or Nihart to step up in that lineup this season. This is a small team, so having athletes who are consistent and stay healthy the entire season will give the team the best chance of a successful season.

Likely 2026 finish: Nationally in the 50s, fourth in the MAC

Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois is entering the 2026 season with a large class of seven freshmen and transfer Ashlie Leage to add to its lineups. After four seniors graduated, two transfers out of the program, and one athlete’s retirement, this is a relatively new team with only 12 returning athletes. However, after several disappointing season ends, a fresh start and fresh faces might prove beneficial for the Huskies.

2025 Rewind

No. 56 overall | No. 6 at MAC | No. 56 in regular season

Since its MAC conference win in 2019, Northern Illinois has unfortunately been unable to return to the top. In 2025, it dipped to No. 56 in the national rankings, its lowest in several seasons. Without a score over 195 this past season, the Huskies are going to have to make some changes to be competitive with the other teams in this conference going into this season.

Losses & Gains

RETURNING
Seniors: Jocelyn Harbeck, Samantha Nickle, Kiera O’Shea
Juniors: Mikayla Brown, Jade Golembiewski, Isabella Ross, Dawsyn Sallee, Savannah West
Sophomores: Audrey Brenner, Katie Ferguson, Maria King, Drake White
IN
Freshmen: Samantha Bartlett, Deziray Boykin, Makenna Brooks, Syvanna Navarro, Elizabeth Poncin, Avery Riiff, Alanah Wallace
Transfers: Ashlie Leage (Greenville)
OUT
Graduated: Alana Anderson (FX), Natalia Kraus (UB), Isabella Sissi (UB), Ellery Werner (BB)
Transferred: Haley Zampella (UWEC), Aliyah Kelly (WMU – AA)
Retired: Sami DiFabrizio
INJURY UPDATE
No injuries to report as of now.

Apparatus Deep Dive

Vault

2025 Event Ranking: No. 51 | NQS: 48.820 | Average: 48.713 | High: 49.000

Returning NQS: Kiera O’Shea (9.845), Dawsyn Sallee (9.785), Drake White (9.760), Audrey Brenner (9.750), Jocelyn Harbeck (9.750)

Other Contributors: Samantha Nickle, Isabella Ross, Deziray Boykin, Makenna Brooks, Syvanna Navarro, Alanah Wallace

Bars

2025 Event Ranking: No. 58 | NQS: 48.275 | Average: 47.719 | High: 48.700

Returning NQS: Ashlie Leage (Greenville transfer) (9.770), Kate Ferguson (9.750), Kiera O’Shea (9.625), Drake White (9.575), Isabella Ross (9.505),

Other Contributors: Mikayla Brown, Jocelyn Harbeck, Deziray Boykin, Avery Riiff

Beam

2025 Event Ranking: No. 59 | NQS: 48.470 | Average: 48.260 | High: 48.600

Returning NQS: Mikayla Brown (9.775), Kiera O’Shea (9.715), Isabella Ross (9.705), Dawsyn Sallee (9.700), Ashlie Leage (Greenville transfer) (9.380), Samantha Nickle (9.350)

Other Contributors: Deziray Boykin, Makenna Brooks, Syvanna Navarro,

Floor

2025 Event Ranking: No. 57 | NQS: 48.825 | Average: 48.692 | High: 49.175

Returning NQS: Mikayla Brown (9.810), Isabella Ross (9.765), Drake White (9.760), Kiera O’Shea (9.755), Dawsyn Sallee (9.745), Samantha Nickle (9.715), Ashlie Leage (Greenville transfer) (9.535)

Other Contributors: Audrey Brenner, Jocelyn Harbeck, Deziray Boykin, Makenna Brooks, Avery Riiff, Syvanna Navarro, Alanah Wallace

Records Watch

The Big Picture

There is a lot of potential here, but it needs to be utilized for the program to return to its previous high standard. In 2019, ending in No. 40 just outside of regional contention to 16 spots lower in 2025, NIU needs a breakout year with athletes who are scoring big, especially in these pressure situations, to make a change. This huge incoming group might be exactly what the Huskies need to give themselves a chance to get closer to where they were just a few years ago when they held the MAC title.

Likely 2026 finish: Nationally in the 50s, sixth in the MAC

Bowling Green

With only 15 athletes on this year’s roster, Bowling Green will need to rely heavily on the depth it’s built since last season. After losing 11 athletes to graduation, transfer, or retirement, the Falcons will need contributions from every gymnast—veterans and newcomers alike—to make the 2026 season a success.

2025 Rewind

No. 59 overall | No. 7 at MAC | No. 59 in regular season

Bowling Green consistently scored in the 191 to 192 range last season but showed its potential with three meets above 194. Beam proved to be the team’s weakest event, ranking 10 spots lower nationally than the other three, thanks to major consistency issues. The Falcons ended their season four points behind Central Michigan at the MAC championship—a disappointing finish for a team that had shown greater potential earlier in the year.

Losses & Gains

RETURNING

Seniors: Charniya Brown, Madison Coburn

Juniors: Love Akpan, Faye Dubin, Megan Dzialo, Teegan Milligan, Nadia Parente, Keira Thornton, Landyn Williams

Sophomores: Emily Gianfrancesco, Kayla Shaw

Freshmen: Natasha Lopez, Johanna Sasser, Addie Tandeski

Transfers: Taylor Wurtz (UNH)

OUT

Graduated: Kaylie Bokey, Lexi Bornhorn, Emily Castiglia, Kennady Kreinbrink (UB), Baylie Lawrence, Brooke McNamara

Transferred: Katrina Mendez Abolnik (Maryland – VT), Megan Bingham (Maryland – AA)

Retired: Elise Brzoska (BB), Starr Ogilvie

Apparatus Deep Dive

Vault

2025 Event Ranking: No. 55 | NQS: 48.725 | Average: 48.583 | High: 48.975

Returning NQS: Madison Coburn (9.735), Charniya Brown (9.730), Megan Dzialo (9.725), Keira Thornton (9.685)

Other Contributors: Love Akpan, Natasha Lopez, Johanna Sasser, Kayla Shaw, Addie Tandeski

Bars

2025 Event Ranking: No. 56 | NQS: 48.480 | Average: 47.748 | High: 48.825

Returning NQS: Kayla Shaw (9.745), Love Akpan (9.715), Keira Thoronton (9.690), Megan Dzialo (9.660)

Other Contributors: Natasha Lopez, Addie Tandeski

Beam

2025 Event Ranking: No. 69 | NQS: 48.215 | Average: 47.765 | High: 48.425

Returning NQS: Nadia Parente (9.700), Faye Dubin (9.670), Love Akpan (9.640), Teegan Milligan (9.405), Kayla Shaw (9.185)

Other Contributors: Emily Gianfrancesco, Natasha Lopez, Johanna Sasser, Addie Tandeski

Floor

2025 Event Ranking: No. 56 | NQS: 48.890 | Average: 48.650 | High: 49.100

Returning NQS: Kayla Shaw (9.820), Keira Thoronton (9.785), Madison Coburn (9.770), Megan Dzialo (9.760), Landyn Williams (9.715)

Other Contributors: Emily Gianfrancesco, Natasha Lopez, Addie Tandeski

Records Watch

Several of Bowling Green’s program records date back nearly two decades, and with many top scorers graduating, it’s unclear who might challenge them next. Freshmen Lopez and Trandeski could make an immediate impact as potential all-arounders, while returner Shaw came within a tenth of the floor record last season. With another year of experience, she could be one to rewrite the Falcons’ record book.

The Big Picture

After losing nearly half its roster, Bowling Green faces a major rebuild. The departure of standout all-arounder Bingham leaves a significant gap, but freshmen Lopez and Trandeski could help fill that role. With limited returning experience, the Falcons will need a true team-wide effort to surpass last season’s results.

Likely 2026 finish: Nationally in the 60s, seventh in the MAC

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Article by Julianna Roland

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