If Illinois State gymnastics had a motto, it would consist of four words that begin with the letter C: consistency, confidence, commitment, and communication. These are the cornerstones of new head coach Cassandra Ringer’s vision for the team. “If we’ve done those things, they’re going to get us where we need to be,” said Ringer.
Ringer takes over for Bob Conkling, a two-time MIC coach of the year who retired after leading the program for 20 years, leaving her with big shoes to fill. In recent years, Illinois State has been a team on the rise, winning the MIC championship two of the last three years and advancing three individuals to NCAA regionals in 2025. Despite the challenge, Ringer, who was a graduate assistant at Illinois State before becoming assistant coach at Ball State, said, “I always thought there was just a lot of opportunity here. There’s so much attention around gymnastics right now. I’m so excited to see the continued development of the sport, to get more opportunities for marketing and getting out into the community, and anything to really promote our student-athletes and all the amazing things that they’re doing.”
To realize this vision, Ringer hired former University of Iowa gymnast Adeline Kenlin to begin her coaching career with the team. “What brought me here to Illinois State was definitely Cass,” said Kenlin. She had also heard good things about the community during her time competing in the NCAA. “They love the athletics here and everyone just seems to enjoy their time here.”
Ringer also retained assistant coach Kendra Combs, a former MVP gymnast at West Virginia, to round out the staff. “I’ve been here two years and something that kept me here was Cass’s vision,” commented Combs. “She talked about her vision for the program, and I could see where it was going, and that’s something I was really interested in following through, seeing where the program could grow and benefit from that.”
“It’s not just my vision, it’s the entire staff’s, and I think they’ve really bought into what I was wanting to bring here and jumped on board,” Ringer continued. “We have meshed really, really well. And we are all very different. We have very different backgrounds, and we don’t always agree on things, and we will sit in these offices and hash it out plenty of times. But I think what we produce out on the floor is that we are a united front and that we are always going to support one another in what we’re doing.”
Ringer’s early assessment is that despite losing a large group of seniors and transfers, including regionals qualifiers Alana Laster, Jaye Mack, and Sara Wabi, the team is well-rounded with strength on each event. “I definitely think it’s a program that can be at the top of the conference. It can be challenging to make NCAA post-season every year, but the process is what I’m trying to get the team to see. If we can look back and say we’ve done all the different things, not just in the gym, but in the classroom, in taking care of ourselves, and having that championship mindset in everything we’re doing, we can look back at the end of the year and say it’s been a really amazing experience and we did all that we could.”
This process-oriented approach includes building adaptability by switching drills, assignments, and even equipment to keep the gymnasts on their toes. Combs may use the element of surprise while coaching bars, telling the athletes right before they perform: “Don’t bring out your normal grips you would use to compete. Go get your backup set.” Dealing with unexpected situations that might occur in competition is a regular part of the team’s practice.
“It doesn’t matter what the beam looks like. It doesn’t matter if there’s a mat underneath it. Those uncomfortable situations is where we grow,” Ringer explained. She described the process as “a little bit difficult” for the athletes at first, but the gymnasts have started to realize the benefits of building their confidence. “I think they’re starting to learn that they’ve got each other’s backs and that’s a really special thing.”
Each coach stressed that maintaining high standards is key to the Illinois State gymnastics culture. Kenlin, who coaches beam, said, “Be authentic to yourself and uphold those standards, but be adjustable knowing that every year is going to be a little bit different.”
Ringer’s confidence in herself, the staff, and the athletes drives her to set the bar high, knowing that each individual can achieve the goals they collectively set. “You hold those high standards by continuously encouraging, continuing to support those folks in what you’re doing and really create a culture of understanding and communication and really a tight-knit group.”
Since every member of the team is valued equally, Ringer is hesitant to name specific athletes she thinks will have a breakout year. “There are always some top-notch performers, but it’s a collective group. At the end of the day, you’re counting all of those scores. I think what’s going to make us special is that we do have a collective group that’s really working together and understanding that there’s not one star.”
After relying on seniors to fill the majority of lineup slots last year, Combs is looking forward to having more athletes in positions to contribute. “I’m really excited for season and I’m excited for new faces to be competing. I think over the past few years they haven’t had the chance to, just because we’ve had some powerhouses. But now I’m excited for some of the younger girls to be out there.”
In addition to their athletic performance, returning students have a part to play in carrying on established traditions. “Being open and honest with each other is really important with this group,” Ringer said. “Respect is another thing our upperclassmen are very big in making clear as soon as our newcomers come in.” Ringer also cited having Mack, a standout gymnast during her four years with the team, as a graduate assistant coach. She is uniquely positioned to help ease the transition between past successes and the current rebuilding phase.
Matching and surpassing recent achievements can be a source of stress, but the coaches try to mitigate that pressure by playing games in practice and keeping the mood light. Kenlin said one of her goals is for the athletes to have fun. “These are the peoples’ last four years of gymnastics, and we want them to end on a good note even if they don’t make it to nationals.”
Ringer echoed this sentiment. “What we’re all looking for is to make sure our women are having an exceptional experience, really preparing them for life after gymnastics, that’s what we’re trying to do here.”
While it can take time for a new head coach to find her footing, Ringer seems to be well on her way to creating a cohesive staff and defining the team’s identity. She realizes change takes time, and patience is necessary to reach the level of refinement that results in a winning season. With the start of season just weeks away, we’ll soon see how Ringer’s focus on process over outcome plays out on the competition floor. The first test comes on Jan. 10, as Kenlin makes her coaching debut at a quad meet hosted by her alma mater, Iowa. Illinois State has time to work out any early-season jitters before claiming home-field advantage by hosting the MIC Championship on March 20.
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Article by Jessica Needle
