The MAC has been gaining significant attention in recent years, and the 2025 season promises to produce even more standout gymnasts. The top four teams in this mid-major conference are neck and neck, heading into the first week of conference play, and a record 12 former-ranked recruits across seven programs are ready to make their collegiate debuts. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the MAC, there’s always something exciting to watch.
If you love seeing leadoff gymnasts setting the tone…
Tune in to Bowling Green’s meets to catch Megan Bingham in action. A vault and bars leadoff star, she set the tone in nearly every meet last season, hitting an impressive 37 out of 39 routines. She was also the Falcons’ top beam scorer, with a career-high of 9.925.
If you enjoyed Alyssa Baumann’s fifth-year comeback…
Ball State’s fifth-year duo, Hannah Ruthberg and Suki Pfister, bring their experience to the table. Ruthberg opened the 2025 season strong, leading the team with the top scores on three events, culminating in a 39.075 all-around score.
If you miss Emma Andres’ floor flair…
Keep an eye on Western Michigan’s Ally Schaupp, who broke into the lineup in 2024. She’s a forward-twisting specialist, hitting three floor routines over 9.900 last year. As a senior, she’s continuing her strong performances while also adding beam to her repertoire.
If you’re impressed by top-tier recruiting classes…
Central Michigan’s freshman class is one of the best the MAC has ever seen, featuring four highly rated recruits, including Ava Wellmeier and Zoë Zimmerman. Their standout performances on floor in week one are just the beginning for this impressive group, who are set to uphold the team’s title aspirations.
If cross-conference matchups excite you…
Northern Illinois’ schedule features a wealth of out-of-conference competition, with seven different teams from six conferences facing off against the Huskies in 2025. Watch for Kiera O’Shea’s clean Yurchenko one and a half vault as she and the team aim to regain the MAC title after a five-year drought.
If you’re a fan of standout bar routines…
Western Michigan freshman Reilan Garvey is making waves on bars, showcasing a massive Tkatchev that rivals those seen on the national stage. Her debut nearly broke the 39-point all-around barrier, and her bar routine is one to watch as the Broncos reload their lineup.
If you’re partial to explosive vaults and floor routines…
Eastern Michigan’s Abby Brushwood is your gymnast to watch. She excelled on vault and floor during her freshman year, posting a floor high of 9.900. Now a sophomore, she remains one of the Eagles’ top performers on both events.
If you love real-time meet updates…
Ball State’s Instagram is the place to be. With eye-catching graphics and live updates, its social media presence keeps fans engaged every step of the way. The Cardinals are known for their creative posts, and 2025 promises even more fun surprises for fans.
If you admired Ragan Smith’s evolution as a three-event specialist…
You’ll enjoy watching Kent State’s Heidi Schultz, who excels on bars, beam, and floor. With career highs over 9.900 on all three, she helped propel her team to new program records last season and is one of the MAC’s most consistent competitors.
If you’re looking for the next beam sensation…
Western Michigan’s Emily Krzciok is the name to know. After competing just once as a freshman, she returned this season to score an incredible 9.900 on beam, earning the MAC Specialist of the Week for week one. Her graceful side aerials and powerful beam routine make her a breakout star to watch.
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Article by Peri Goodman
Love to see the MAC get some love! Michigan is my home state and I wish more people thought about about Western and Central when they think about NCAA gymnastics. There is SO much talent in Michigan right now.