Eastern Michigan Athletics
Friday, March 13
Ann Arbor, MI
7 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
University of Michigan
Gymnastics Set for Busy Road Weekend
3/11/2026 3:42:00 PM | Gymnastics
Eastern opens at Michigan before continuing MAC competition against Kent State
| Gymnastics at Michigan Tri | |
| Date | Friday, March 13, 2026 | 7 p.m. |
| Venue | Crisler Center | Ann Arbor, Mich. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Watch | Stats | B1G+ |
| Follow Us On X | @EMUGym | @EMUAthletics |
| Gymnastics at Kent State | |
| Date | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. |
| Venue | M.A.C. Center | Kent, Ohio |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Watch | Stats | ESPN+ | Live Stats |
| Follow Us On X | @EMUGym | @EMUAthletics |
ANN ARBOR, Mich. / KENT, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) – With the addition of a Friday night meet against No. 9 Michigan, the Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team prepares for a busy road weekend. The Eagles will face the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines and No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners Friday at 7 p.m. inside the Crisler Center before traveling to Kent, Ohio, on Sunday, March 15, for a 1 p.m. Mid American Conference matchup against Kent State inside the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. The Kent State meet will stream on ESPN+ and marks Eastern's final MAC regular season competition before the MAC Championship.
QUICK TOUCHES
» Eastern enters the 2026 season in its 50th year as a varsity gymnastics program after launching in 1976.
» EMU holds an all-time overall record of 370-357-2.
» From available records dating back to 2003, Eastern owns a 76-106-1 record in regular-season MAC meets.
» Eastern is entering the ninth year of the head coach Katie Minasola era. EMU posted a 6-8 (2-5 MAC) record in 2025.
» Finished as the MAC Championship Runner-Up in 2025 with a team score of 195.525.
» EMU MAC gymnasts to watch are senior Kyrie Lowe and sophomore Keeley Kohler.
» Freshman Georgie Slack is believed to be the first gymnast in EMU history to be from Europe.
» Eastern's last win over a Power Four program came Feb. 11 at the Bowling Green Tri with a 196.100 to defeat West Virginia by 1.400 points.
» The Eagles most recently faced ranked opponents March 8, 2026, competing against No. 20 Ohio State, No. 18 NC State, and No. 16 Penn State at the Ohio State Quad.
» The last regular season meeting with Michigan came Feb. 8, 2016, when Eastern posted a then program record 195.975 in a tri meet in Ann Arbor.
» Eastern last competed against Oklahoma in 1994 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won the meet, 189.300 to 185.680.
» Eastern last competed against Oklahoma in 1994 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won the meet, 189.300 to 185.680.
» The most recent meeting with Kent State came Jan. 23, 2026, at the Air Force Quad where Eastern finished ahead of the Golden Flashes, 193.750 to 193.150.
» Abby Brushwood has scored at least 9.825 on floor in seven of 10 meets this season and 9.700 or higher on vault in seven of 10 meets.
IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY!
As EMU gymnastics marks its 50th varsity season in 2026, the program stands among the longest-running in the Mid-American Conference after launching in 1976 and competing when the MAC began sponsoring women's gymnastics in 1981. The Kent State gymnastics program began in 1959, making it among the earliest in the nation and within the league. Northern Illinois began its gymnastics program in 1978. Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Ball State, and Bowling Green all competed as MAC members when the conference first sponsored the sport in 1981.
WHERE THEY STACK UP
Eastern checks in at No. 51 in this week's national rankings, following the latest update from Road To Nationals.
NATIONAL RANKINGS (MAC ONLY):
33. Central Michigan
35. Ball State
43. Western Michigan
45. Kent State
51. Eastern Michigan
56. Bowling Green
62. Northern Illinois
EASTERN VS. THE MAC
From available records dating back to 2003, Eastern owns a 76-106-1 record in regular-season MAC meets.
FIRST MEETING WITH NO. 1 TEAM
Eastern Michigan will face the No. 1 ranked team in the country for the first time in program history when the Eagles compete against Oklahoma. Records dating back to 2003 show Eastern Michigan has never competed against the nation's top ranked team. The meet also marks another first for the program, as Eastern Michigan will compete in back to back meets against all ranked opponents after facing No. 16 Penn State, No. 18 NC State, and No. 20 Ohio State in the previous meet.
LAST POWER FOUR WIN
The last time Eastern defeated a Power Four opponent came Feb. 11 at the Bowling Green Tri, when the Eagles topped West Virginia, 196.100-194.700. Eastern posted a 196.100 team score in the victory, one of its highest totals of the season, and outpaced the Mountaineers by 1.400 points.
LAST TIME VS. A RANKED OPPONENT
The most recent time Eastern faced ranked opponents came March 8, 2026, at the Ohio State Quad in Columbus, Ohio. The Eagles competed against No. 20 Ohio State, No. 18 NC State, and No. 16 Penn State, posting a 194.725 in the meet. Eastern continues its search for the first win over a ranked opponent in program history.
LAST TIME VS. MICHIGAN
The most recent regular-season meeting between Eastern Michigan and Michigan took place Feb. 8, 2016, in Ann Arbor during a tri-meet with Maryland. The Eagles delivered one of the top performances in program history, posting a then school-record team score of 195.975 to finish second behind Michigan.
Eastern recorded three event totals above 49.000, including a 49.125 on beam, 49.100 on bars, and 49.025 on vault. Kendall Valentin highlighted the night with a 9.925 on bars, the second-highest score in program history at the time, while Rachel Slocum added a 9.900 on vault.
The record-breaking performance capped a weekend in which Eastern set program records in back-to-back meets and showcased one of the strongest team efforts in school history.
SERIES HISTORY VS. MICHIGAN
Eastern and Michigan have met three times in official competition since 2003, with the Wolverines holding a 3-0 advantage in the series. All three matchups have taken place on the road for the Eagles.
The most recent competitive meeting came Feb. 8, 2016, in Ann Arbor, where Eastern posted a then program-record 195.975 in a tri meet that included Maryland, finishing behind Michigan's 197.425.
The series began Feb. 2, 2003, when Eastern fell 193.900-192.525 in East Lansing. Despite the record favoring Michigan, the programs have produced competitive scores in their meetings, including Eastern's record-setting performance in 2016.
FIRST MEETING WITH OKLAHOMA SINCE 1994
Eastern Michigan will face Oklahoma for the first time in more than three decades when the Eagles compete in Ann Arbor on March 13. Records from 2003 to present show no previous meeting between the two programs during that span. The last matchup occurred in 1994 in Norman, Oklahoma, where the Sooners defeated Eastern Michigan, 189.300 to 185.680. Oklahoma enters the meet ranked No. 1 in the nation and stands as one of the most successful programs in NCAA gymnastics. The Sooners hold multiple national championships and continue to rank among the top teams in the country each season. Known for consistent routines and high scoring across all four events, Oklahoma presents a strong challenge for the Eagles as the team approaches the Mid American Conference Championships.
FIRST MEETING WITH OKLAHOMA SINCE 1994
Eastern Michigan will face Oklahoma for the first time in more than three decades when the Eagles compete in Ann Arbor on March 13. Records from 2003 to present show no previous meeting between the two programs during that span. The last matchup occurred in 1994 in Norman, Oklahoma, where the Sooners defeated Eastern Michigan, 189.300 to 185.680. Oklahoma enters the meet ranked No. 1 in the nation and stands as one of the most successful programs in NCAA gymnastics. The Sooners hold multiple national championships and continue to rank among the top teams in the country each season. Known for consistent routines and high scoring across all four events, Oklahoma presents a strong challenge for the Eagles as the team approaches the Mid American Conference Championships.
LAST TIME VS. KENT STATE
The most recent meeting between Eastern Michigan and Kent State came Jan. 23, 2026, at the Air Force Quad inside Cadet West Gym in Colorado Springs, Colo. Eastern posted a 193.750 team score to finish third in the meet, while Kent State placed fourth with a 193.150. The competition did not count toward the Mid-American Conference standings.
Abby Brushwood highlighted the meet by tying for the floor title with a 9.875, while Kyrie Lowe placed fourth in the all-around with a 38.925. Eastern's strongest rotation came on beam with a 48.825 team score, led by Katin Childress with a 9.875 and Keeley Kohler with a career-best-tying 9.850.
SERIES HISTORY VS. KENT STATE
Eastern and Kent State have met 26 times since Jan. 18, 2003, with the Golden Flashes holding a 19-7 advantage in the all-time series. The Eagles are 5-8 at home and 1-10 on the road in the matchup.
The most recent meeting came Jan. 23, 2026, at the Air Force Quad in Colorado Springs, where Eastern earned a 193.750-193.150 win over Kent State. The victory snapped a recent stretch in the series and gave the Eagles a 4-6 record across the last 10 meetings.
Eastern's largest win in the series came March 15, 2019, with a 196.025-193.900 victory, while the narrowest margin was a 195.825-195.650 result Feb. 14, 2021. Across the series, team scores have averaged around 194 points.
FLOOR CAREER HIGHS
Eastern delivered several standout floor routines while competing against three ranked programs in Columbus. Macy Nihart led the lineup with a career-best 9.825, tying Abby Brushwood for the team high on the event. Kendall Landry and Priya Karle each posted 9.800 routines, with Landry matching a career high, while Sanai Evans added a career-best 9.750. The strong rotation helped Eastern record a 48.550 team score on floor against the nationally ranked field.
(BRUSH)WOOD ON FIRE
Junior Abby Brushwood has scored at least a 9.825 on floor in seven of her 10 meets and a 9.700 or higher on vault in seven of 10 meets. Her routines helped Eastern's season highs include a 48.775 on vault, a 49.050 on floor, and a 195.225 overall team score.
EVENT TITLES ACROSS THE SEASON
Eastern has claimed at least one event title in every meet this season prior to the George Washington quad and Ohio State quad. EMU has recorded two complete event sweeps.
Bowling Green
» Team sweep on all four events
» Vault – Gwen Cantu
» Bars – Keeley Kohler
» Beam – Jackie Patterson
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
NIU / SUNY Brockport
» Bars – Kyrie Lowe
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
Air Force Quad
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
Wilberforce
» Team sweep on all four events
» Vault – Gwen Cantu
» Bars – Kyrie Lowe and Analiah Solorio (tie)
» Beam – Jackie Patterson
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
Central Michigan
» Beam – Katin Childress
Ball State
» Vault – Kendall Landry
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
Temple
» Vault – Genae Daniel (tie)
» Beam – Katin Childress
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
WMU / ILST
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
LAST MEET RECAP AT OHIO STATE QUAD
Bowling Green
» Team sweep on all four events
» Vault – Gwen Cantu
» Bars – Keeley Kohler
» Beam – Jackie Patterson
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
NIU / SUNY Brockport
» Bars – Kyrie Lowe
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
Air Force Quad
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
Wilberforce
» Team sweep on all four events
» Vault – Gwen Cantu
» Bars – Kyrie Lowe and Analiah Solorio (tie)
» Beam – Jackie Patterson
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
Central Michigan
» Beam – Katin Childress
Ball State
» Vault – Kendall Landry
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
Temple
» Vault – Genae Daniel (tie)
» Beam – Katin Childress
» Floor – Abby Brushwood
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
WMU / ILST
» All-Around – Kyrie Lowe
LAST MEET RECAP AT OHIO STATE QUAD
BEAM OPENS THE MEET
Eastern opened the quad meet on beam and posted a 48.775 team score. Kyrie Lowe led the rotation with a 9.775 to tie for 12th overall, while Keeley Kohler followed with a 9.725. Jacquelyn Patterson and Katin Childress each added 9.700 routines, and Macy Nihart contributed a 9.500 as the Eagles began the meet with a steady opening rotation.
FLOOR BUILDS MOMENTUM
The Eagles moved to floor and recorded a 48.550. Abby Brushwood and Macy Nihart led the lineup with matching 9.825s, with Nihart marking a career best. Kendall Landry and Priya Karle each posted career-high 9.800 routines, while Sanai Evans added a career-best 9.750 as Eastern continued to build momentum in the second rotation.
BARS CLOSE STRONG
Eastern closed the meet on uneven bars with a 49.000 team score. Kyrie Lowe paced the lineup with a 9.775, while Jacquelyn Patterson matched that mark with a 9.775. Georgie Slack recorded a career-best 9.675, and Keeley Kohler added a 9.675. Gwendelyn Cantu and Genae Daniel contributed scores of 9.650 and 9.625 as the Eagles capped the meet with their highest team score of the day.
VAULT HOLDS STEADY
Eastern totaled a 48.400 on vault in the third rotation. Genae Daniel led the Eagles with a 9.800 to tie for eighth overall, while Kyrie Lowe followed with a career-high 9.775. Georgie Slack added a 9.750, and Kendall Landry and Gwendelyn Cantu each posted 9.725. Abby Brushwood contributed a 9.700 as Eastern remained competitive through the lineup.
PREVIOUSLY IN THE 2026 SEASON NOTES
IN THE RANKINGS
Eastern ranked 50th nationally at the conclusion of the 2025 season (Road To Nationals). The highest EMU has been ranked in program history (started tracking in 1998) was the 2016 team, which ranked 17th in the nation.
NATIONAL RANKINGS (MAC ONLY):
40. Central Michigan
44. Kent State
45. Ball State
47. Western Michigan
50. Eastern Michigan
56. Northern Illinois
59. Bowling Green
MAC GYMNASTS TO WATCH
» Kyrie Lowe and Keeley Kohler were named to the 2026 MAC Gymnasts to Watch list.
» Lowe returns as one of the league's top bars performers after competing in 11 meets during the 2025 season with four first-place finishes on bars and two all-around wins.
» Lowe ranked fifth in the MAC on bars in 2025 and recorded a career-best 9.900 against Ball State on March 14.
» As a junior in 2024, Lowe competed in 12 meets and posted eight scores of 9.800 or higher, contributing to a season-best vault total at Kent State on March 3.
» Kohler earned recognition following a strong sophomore campaign, appearing in 11 meets during the 2025 season.
» Kohler posted a season-high 9.850 on bars against Ball State, March 14, establishing herself as a consistent contributor in the lineup.
PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS
(First Place Votes)
1. Central Michigan – 33 points (3)
2. Kent State – 31 points (3)
T3. Ball State – 23 points (1)
T3. Eastern Michigan – 23 points
5. Western Michigan – 19 points
6. Bowling Green – 12 points
7. Northern Illinois – 6 points
MAC Tournament Champion: Central Michigan (3), Kent State (3), Western Michigan (1)
LOOKING BACK • 2025 SEASON
» EMU finished with an 6-8 overall record for the 2025 season with a 2-5 mark in MAC duals.
» MAC Championship Runner-Up finish with a team score of 195.525, the second-best team total of the season.
» Season-best vault score of 48.925 recorded at the MAC Championships.
» The team posted a 49.300 floor score at the MAC Championships, ranking as the top floor score of the season and the seventh-best floor mark in program history.
» Raisa Boris placed second in the all-around at MACs with a 39.075 and earned First Team All-MAC honors.
» Abby Brushwood tied for second on floor at MACs with a career-high 9.900.
» Kyrie Lowe placed third in the all-around at the MAC Championships with a 38.950.
» Three All-MAC selections for the first time since 2015.
» Eight Eagles earned Academic All-MAC honors in 2025.
» Boris competed in all-around at NCAA Regionals for the second straight season.
» Brushwood became the first EMU gymnast on floor at NCAA Regionals since 2021.
HELLO! MY NAME IS...
» The incoming class includes freshmen Savanna Dunwoody, Adysen Mazzoni, Macy Nihart, and Georgie Slack, along with transfer Kendall Landry from Minnesota.
» As a group, the class brings three Level 9 championships, six state titles, one Level 10 championship, seven national qualifiers, and one national champion.
» Macy Nihart enters with one of the strongest resumes in the class after winning Level 10 Michigan State titles on vault, bars, floor twice, and all-around, along with two national qualifier appearances.
» Kendall Landry brings Division I experience after competing two seasons at Minnesota, helping the Gophers finish second in the Big Ten in 2024 and third in 2025, while also earning Academic All-Big Ten honors.
» Savanna Dunwoody qualified for nationals five times at the club level and helped her team capture a national title during her senior season.
» Adysen Mazzoni claimed a Level 9 Eastern Nationals title and earned a spot at Development Program camp after four years of training at LaFleur's Gymnastics.
» Georgie Slack is believed to be the first international gymnast in program history, joining from Uttoxeter, England, after competing in the all-around at Thomas Alleyne's High School.
FUTURE ADDITIONS
» EMU adds three freshmen all-arounders for the 2027 season.
»The incoming class includes Bailee Norris, Karalyn Key, and Riley Sheppard.
»The trio brings six combined Level 10 national qualifications, a Level 10 regional vault champion, and a Level 10 state floor champion.
» Bailee Norris arrives as a five-year Level 10 gymnast, four-time national qualifier, Level 10 regional vault champion, Level 10 state floor champion, and two-time Gymnast of the Year.
»Karalyn Key competed as a Level 10 all-around gymnast and qualified to Level 10 Nationals in Daytona after training at Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy.
»Riley Sheppard joins as a Level 10 all-around gymnast and two-time national qualifier in 2024 and 2025.
BACK FOR MORE
» Eastern returns 14 gymnasts for the 2026 season, giving the roster one of the deepest returning cores in the MAC.
» The Eagles' returner total ranks at the top of the league alongside Kent State, which also brings back 14 athletes.
» Eastern returns more athletes than Bowling Green at 13, Ball State at 12, and Central Michigan at 11.
» Western Michigan and Northern Illinois each return eight gymnasts, placing them near the bottom of the conference in roster continuity.
» With 14 returners, Eastern enters the season with more lineup experience and competitive continuity than most MAC programs.
2025 SEASON SNAPSHOTS
»Abby Brushwood competed in all 12 meets and ranked fifth in the MAC on floor with a 9.784 season average. She posted a season-best 9.900 on floor and recorded three first-place finishes on the event. She qualified for NCAA Regionals on floor and scored as high as 9.850 against multiple Power Four opponents.
»Gwendelyn Cantu appeared in 11 meets and earned a season best 9.775 on vault at the MAC Championships. She closed the year with a 9.625 season high on bars
» Katin Childress competed in 11 meets and posted a season best 9.875 on beam against San Jose State and UC Davis. Beam remained her primary scoring event.
» Genae Daniel appeared in four meets and recorded a season best 9.825 on beam against Western Michigan.
»Sanai Evans competed in six meets and earned a season high 9.650 on bars, achieved twice in March competition.
» Priya Karle competed in 11 meets and posted a season best 9.850 on floor on three occasions. Floor remained her top-scoring event throughout the year.
»Keeley Kohler appeared in 11 meets and recorded a season high 9.850 on bars against Ball State on March 14.
»Kyrie Lowe competed in 11 meets and ranked fifth in the MAC on bars. She earned a career high 9.900 on bars and recorded four first-place finishes on the event, along with two all-around wins.
»Brianna Lucas appeared in six meets and posted a season best 9.675 on vault against Western Michigan, Wilberforce, and Ball State.
»Brooke Maycroft redshirted the 2025 season after competing on beam in 2024, where she recorded a career best 9.750.
»Jackie Patterson redshirted in 2025 after appearing in 10 meets in 2024 and earning a career high 9.875 on vault and beam.
»Elise Ritzenthaler redshirted during the 2025 season.
»Analiah Solorio competed in 11 meets as a freshman and earned five vault scores of 9.800 during the season.
»Jaelyn Stetz appeared in three meets and recorded a season best 9.720 on vault against Bowling Green on Jan. 12.
AYE, AYE CAPTAINS!
Jackie Patterson and Priya Karle will lead Eastern gymnastics as the two team captains for the 2026 season.
MINASOLA LEADS THE WAY
»Katie Minasola enters her ninth season as head coach, taking over the program in July 2017 and guiding it through eight completed seasons.
Eastern owns a 52-74-1 overall record and a 16-32 MAC mark during Minasola's tenure, highlighted by steady postseason presence and individual success.
» The Eagles captured the MAC Championship in 2021 with a 195.900 team score, earning the program's fourth league title and a team berth to NCAA Regionals.
»Eastern has produced NCAA Regional qualifiers in six of Minasola's eight full seasons, including team qualification in 2021 and multiple individual qualifiers in every postseason since 2018.
»Minasola has coached three MAC major award winners, including Raisa Boris as MAC Gymnast of the Year in 2024, Boris as MAC Senior Gymnast of the Year in 2024 and 2025, Ella Chemotti as MAC Freshman of the Year in 2022, and Caitlin Satler as MAC Specialist of the Year in 2021.
» Under her direction, Eastern has crowned four individual MAC champions, including Molly Parris on vault in 2021, Emili Dobronics on floor in 2019, and Ella Chemotti on bars in 2022 and beam in 2024.
»The program reached new scoring heights during her tenure, including top-five all-time event totals on vault, bars, beam, and floor, with multiple scores above 49.300 at the conference and regular-season levels.
» Eastern finished runner-up at the 2025 MAC Championship with a 195.525 team score, marking the program's best conference finish since the 2021 title season.
» Minasola has helped develop consistent academic and competitive balance, with multiple Academic All-MAC selections each season and long-term roster stability across the lineup.
HAPPY TO HELP
Sam Higgins enters her sixth season on staff and has overseen the beam lineup since 2022. Under her guidance, the beam squad ranked 22nd nationally in her first year, the highest event ranking in program history, while Ella Chemotti qualified for NCAA Regionals with a MAC-leading 9.875 NQS and earned First Team All-MAC honors. Higgins played a key role in the 2021 MAC Championship season and the program's NCAA Regional team appearance, while also helping produce multiple All-MAC selections and five beam scores of 9.900 or higher in a single season. She previously spent 10 years coaching at Gym America and earned her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan.
Lauren Volpe is in her second season as an assistant coach after joining the staff in July 2024. A former Ball State standout, she brings MAC championship and NCAA Regional experience as both a student-athlete and graduate assistant. Volpe was a multi-year team captain at Ball State, a MAC Specialist of the Week honoree, and a three-time WGCA Scholastic All-American. She is tied for the Ball State beam record at 9.925 and brings conference-tested knowledge and competitive insight to the staff.
Sophia Rios joined the staff after competing for the program and serving as a student-athlete leader. She appeared in 10 meets on vault during the 2023 season and posted a career-high 9.700, while also earning Academic All-MAC and WCGA Academic All-America honors. Rios brings first-hand program experience to the coaching staff, pairing competitive insight with an academic background in mechanical engineering and contributing to athlete development across the vault lineup.
ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will travel to Bowling Green, Ohio, for the 2026 Mid-American Conference Gymnastics Championship on Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m. inside the Stroh Center. Bowling Green will serve as the host institution for the championship meet. Spectator seating will be located in the upper bowl of the arena, with Eastern Michigan fans assigned to Section 114. Tickets for the championship can be purchased at https://bgsufalcons.evenue.net/event/G25/MAC. The full competition will stream live on ESPN+, with Hans Glandorff on play by play and Kim Glandorff serving as the analyst. Links to the full meet stream and individual event feeds will be released by the conference office during the week of the championship.
Eastern opened the quad meet on beam and posted a 48.775 team score. Kyrie Lowe led the rotation with a 9.775 to tie for 12th overall, while Keeley Kohler followed with a 9.725. Jacquelyn Patterson and Katin Childress each added 9.700 routines, and Macy Nihart contributed a 9.500 as the Eagles began the meet with a steady opening rotation.
FLOOR BUILDS MOMENTUM
The Eagles moved to floor and recorded a 48.550. Abby Brushwood and Macy Nihart led the lineup with matching 9.825s, with Nihart marking a career best. Kendall Landry and Priya Karle each posted career-high 9.800 routines, while Sanai Evans added a career-best 9.750 as Eastern continued to build momentum in the second rotation.
BARS CLOSE STRONG
Eastern closed the meet on uneven bars with a 49.000 team score. Kyrie Lowe paced the lineup with a 9.775, while Jacquelyn Patterson matched that mark with a 9.775. Georgie Slack recorded a career-best 9.675, and Keeley Kohler added a 9.675. Gwendelyn Cantu and Genae Daniel contributed scores of 9.650 and 9.625 as the Eagles capped the meet with their highest team score of the day.
VAULT HOLDS STEADY
Eastern totaled a 48.400 on vault in the third rotation. Genae Daniel led the Eagles with a 9.800 to tie for eighth overall, while Kyrie Lowe followed with a career-high 9.775. Georgie Slack added a 9.750, and Kendall Landry and Gwendelyn Cantu each posted 9.725. Abby Brushwood contributed a 9.700 as Eastern remained competitive through the lineup.
PREVIOUSLY IN THE 2026 SEASON NOTES
IN THE RANKINGS
Eastern ranked 50th nationally at the conclusion of the 2025 season (Road To Nationals). The highest EMU has been ranked in program history (started tracking in 1998) was the 2016 team, which ranked 17th in the nation.
NATIONAL RANKINGS (MAC ONLY):
40. Central Michigan
44. Kent State
45. Ball State
47. Western Michigan
50. Eastern Michigan
56. Northern Illinois
59. Bowling Green
MAC GYMNASTS TO WATCH
» Kyrie Lowe and Keeley Kohler were named to the 2026 MAC Gymnasts to Watch list.
» Lowe returns as one of the league's top bars performers after competing in 11 meets during the 2025 season with four first-place finishes on bars and two all-around wins.
» Lowe ranked fifth in the MAC on bars in 2025 and recorded a career-best 9.900 against Ball State on March 14.
» As a junior in 2024, Lowe competed in 12 meets and posted eight scores of 9.800 or higher, contributing to a season-best vault total at Kent State on March 3.
» Kohler earned recognition following a strong sophomore campaign, appearing in 11 meets during the 2025 season.
» Kohler posted a season-high 9.850 on bars against Ball State, March 14, establishing herself as a consistent contributor in the lineup.
PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS
(First Place Votes)
1. Central Michigan – 33 points (3)
2. Kent State – 31 points (3)
T3. Ball State – 23 points (1)
T3. Eastern Michigan – 23 points
5. Western Michigan – 19 points
6. Bowling Green – 12 points
7. Northern Illinois – 6 points
MAC Tournament Champion: Central Michigan (3), Kent State (3), Western Michigan (1)
LOOKING BACK • 2025 SEASON
» EMU finished with an 6-8 overall record for the 2025 season with a 2-5 mark in MAC duals.
» MAC Championship Runner-Up finish with a team score of 195.525, the second-best team total of the season.
» Season-best vault score of 48.925 recorded at the MAC Championships.
» The team posted a 49.300 floor score at the MAC Championships, ranking as the top floor score of the season and the seventh-best floor mark in program history.
» Raisa Boris placed second in the all-around at MACs with a 39.075 and earned First Team All-MAC honors.
» Abby Brushwood tied for second on floor at MACs with a career-high 9.900.
» Kyrie Lowe placed third in the all-around at the MAC Championships with a 38.950.
» Three All-MAC selections for the first time since 2015.
» Eight Eagles earned Academic All-MAC honors in 2025.
» Boris competed in all-around at NCAA Regionals for the second straight season.
» Brushwood became the first EMU gymnast on floor at NCAA Regionals since 2021.
HELLO! MY NAME IS...
» The incoming class includes freshmen Savanna Dunwoody, Adysen Mazzoni, Macy Nihart, and Georgie Slack, along with transfer Kendall Landry from Minnesota.
» As a group, the class brings three Level 9 championships, six state titles, one Level 10 championship, seven national qualifiers, and one national champion.
» Macy Nihart enters with one of the strongest resumes in the class after winning Level 10 Michigan State titles on vault, bars, floor twice, and all-around, along with two national qualifier appearances.
» Kendall Landry brings Division I experience after competing two seasons at Minnesota, helping the Gophers finish second in the Big Ten in 2024 and third in 2025, while also earning Academic All-Big Ten honors.
» Savanna Dunwoody qualified for nationals five times at the club level and helped her team capture a national title during her senior season.
» Adysen Mazzoni claimed a Level 9 Eastern Nationals title and earned a spot at Development Program camp after four years of training at LaFleur's Gymnastics.
» Georgie Slack is believed to be the first international gymnast in program history, joining from Uttoxeter, England, after competing in the all-around at Thomas Alleyne's High School.
FUTURE ADDITIONS
» EMU adds three freshmen all-arounders for the 2027 season.
»The incoming class includes Bailee Norris, Karalyn Key, and Riley Sheppard.
»The trio brings six combined Level 10 national qualifications, a Level 10 regional vault champion, and a Level 10 state floor champion.
» Bailee Norris arrives as a five-year Level 10 gymnast, four-time national qualifier, Level 10 regional vault champion, Level 10 state floor champion, and two-time Gymnast of the Year.
»Karalyn Key competed as a Level 10 all-around gymnast and qualified to Level 10 Nationals in Daytona after training at Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy.
»Riley Sheppard joins as a Level 10 all-around gymnast and two-time national qualifier in 2024 and 2025.
BACK FOR MORE
» Eastern returns 14 gymnasts for the 2026 season, giving the roster one of the deepest returning cores in the MAC.
» The Eagles' returner total ranks at the top of the league alongside Kent State, which also brings back 14 athletes.
» Eastern returns more athletes than Bowling Green at 13, Ball State at 12, and Central Michigan at 11.
» Western Michigan and Northern Illinois each return eight gymnasts, placing them near the bottom of the conference in roster continuity.
» With 14 returners, Eastern enters the season with more lineup experience and competitive continuity than most MAC programs.
2025 SEASON SNAPSHOTS
»Abby Brushwood competed in all 12 meets and ranked fifth in the MAC on floor with a 9.784 season average. She posted a season-best 9.900 on floor and recorded three first-place finishes on the event. She qualified for NCAA Regionals on floor and scored as high as 9.850 against multiple Power Four opponents.
»Gwendelyn Cantu appeared in 11 meets and earned a season best 9.775 on vault at the MAC Championships. She closed the year with a 9.625 season high on bars
» Katin Childress competed in 11 meets and posted a season best 9.875 on beam against San Jose State and UC Davis. Beam remained her primary scoring event.
» Genae Daniel appeared in four meets and recorded a season best 9.825 on beam against Western Michigan.
»Sanai Evans competed in six meets and earned a season high 9.650 on bars, achieved twice in March competition.
» Priya Karle competed in 11 meets and posted a season best 9.850 on floor on three occasions. Floor remained her top-scoring event throughout the year.
»Keeley Kohler appeared in 11 meets and recorded a season high 9.850 on bars against Ball State on March 14.
»Kyrie Lowe competed in 11 meets and ranked fifth in the MAC on bars. She earned a career high 9.900 on bars and recorded four first-place finishes on the event, along with two all-around wins.
»Brianna Lucas appeared in six meets and posted a season best 9.675 on vault against Western Michigan, Wilberforce, and Ball State.
»Brooke Maycroft redshirted the 2025 season after competing on beam in 2024, where she recorded a career best 9.750.
»Jackie Patterson redshirted in 2025 after appearing in 10 meets in 2024 and earning a career high 9.875 on vault and beam.
»Elise Ritzenthaler redshirted during the 2025 season.
»Analiah Solorio competed in 11 meets as a freshman and earned five vault scores of 9.800 during the season.
»Jaelyn Stetz appeared in three meets and recorded a season best 9.720 on vault against Bowling Green on Jan. 12.
AYE, AYE CAPTAINS!
Jackie Patterson and Priya Karle will lead Eastern gymnastics as the two team captains for the 2026 season.
MINASOLA LEADS THE WAY
»Katie Minasola enters her ninth season as head coach, taking over the program in July 2017 and guiding it through eight completed seasons.
Eastern owns a 52-74-1 overall record and a 16-32 MAC mark during Minasola's tenure, highlighted by steady postseason presence and individual success.
» The Eagles captured the MAC Championship in 2021 with a 195.900 team score, earning the program's fourth league title and a team berth to NCAA Regionals.
»Eastern has produced NCAA Regional qualifiers in six of Minasola's eight full seasons, including team qualification in 2021 and multiple individual qualifiers in every postseason since 2018.
»Minasola has coached three MAC major award winners, including Raisa Boris as MAC Gymnast of the Year in 2024, Boris as MAC Senior Gymnast of the Year in 2024 and 2025, Ella Chemotti as MAC Freshman of the Year in 2022, and Caitlin Satler as MAC Specialist of the Year in 2021.
» Under her direction, Eastern has crowned four individual MAC champions, including Molly Parris on vault in 2021, Emili Dobronics on floor in 2019, and Ella Chemotti on bars in 2022 and beam in 2024.
»The program reached new scoring heights during her tenure, including top-five all-time event totals on vault, bars, beam, and floor, with multiple scores above 49.300 at the conference and regular-season levels.
» Eastern finished runner-up at the 2025 MAC Championship with a 195.525 team score, marking the program's best conference finish since the 2021 title season.
» Minasola has helped develop consistent academic and competitive balance, with multiple Academic All-MAC selections each season and long-term roster stability across the lineup.
HAPPY TO HELP
Sam Higgins enters her sixth season on staff and has overseen the beam lineup since 2022. Under her guidance, the beam squad ranked 22nd nationally in her first year, the highest event ranking in program history, while Ella Chemotti qualified for NCAA Regionals with a MAC-leading 9.875 NQS and earned First Team All-MAC honors. Higgins played a key role in the 2021 MAC Championship season and the program's NCAA Regional team appearance, while also helping produce multiple All-MAC selections and five beam scores of 9.900 or higher in a single season. She previously spent 10 years coaching at Gym America and earned her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan.
Lauren Volpe is in her second season as an assistant coach after joining the staff in July 2024. A former Ball State standout, she brings MAC championship and NCAA Regional experience as both a student-athlete and graduate assistant. Volpe was a multi-year team captain at Ball State, a MAC Specialist of the Week honoree, and a three-time WGCA Scholastic All-American. She is tied for the Ball State beam record at 9.925 and brings conference-tested knowledge and competitive insight to the staff.
Sophia Rios joined the staff after competing for the program and serving as a student-athlete leader. She appeared in 10 meets on vault during the 2023 season and posted a career-high 9.700, while also earning Academic All-MAC and WCGA Academic All-America honors. Rios brings first-hand program experience to the coaching staff, pairing competitive insight with an academic background in mechanical engineering and contributing to athlete development across the vault lineup.
ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will travel to Bowling Green, Ohio, for the 2026 Mid-American Conference Gymnastics Championship on Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m. inside the Stroh Center. Bowling Green will serve as the host institution for the championship meet. Spectator seating will be located in the upper bowl of the arena, with Eastern Michigan fans assigned to Section 114. Tickets for the championship can be purchased at https://bgsufalcons.evenue.net/event/G25/MAC. The full competition will stream live on ESPN+, with Hans Glandorff on play by play and Kim Glandorff serving as the analyst. Links to the full meet stream and individual event feeds will be released by the conference office during the week of the championship.
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