Who Stands Out in Michigan This Summer?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As summer training continues, gymnasts across Michigan are continuing to build new skills, refine routines, and make impressive progress in the gym. While competition season may still be months away, the offseason often provides the clearest glimpse into an athlete's growth and potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From exciting upgrades to increased consistency and polished execution, several Michigan gymnasts have caught our attention this summer. Here are a few athletes who have stood out with their development and are worth following as they continue preparing for the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4364"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6771abe1e12"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reese Marsden has established herself as one of Michigan's standout beam workers, while continuing to develop into a strong all-around athlete with the potential to make a major impact in her senior season. Last season, Marsden showcased an impressive beam, with a back handspring to layout stepout, switch leap to wolf ¾, an aerial, and roundoff to 1½ dismount. Her floor routine featured powerful tumbling, including a double tuck and front layout to front full, while she competed a Yurchenko layout on vault and a strong bars routine highlighted by a big double tuck dismount with a confident landing, Pak salto, and toe shoot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Marsden has continued to build difficulty and expand her competitive potential across all four events. On beam, she is working upgrades including an aerial to tuck full dismount, gainer full dismount, aerial-aerial series, piked front toss, front toss to split jump, back handspring-back handspring-layout series, and cat leap to side somi. On bars, she is training higher-level skills including a full-out dismount, Gienger release, and Shaposh. Her floor upgrades include a double pike, front through to double tuck, front full to front pike, full-in, and 1½ to layout, while she is also working a Yurchenko full on vault.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her standout beam work, growing difficulty, and consistency as an all-around competitor, Marsden is an athlete to watch as she enters her senior season. Her combination of experience, upgrades, and event versatility gives her the opportunity to be a key contributor and continue turning heads during the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4358"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6771abe1e9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='4358' first='Hurley' last='Gillis'] continues to establish herself as one of Michigan's most exciting athletes with an impressive combination of difficulty and versatility across all four events. Last season, she competed a powerful Yurchenko layout on vault, highlighted bars with a Deltchev, bail to handstand, and clear hip to double tuck dismount, and showcased exceptional beam difficulty with multiple acro series, including an aerial to back handspring, back handspring to layout stepout, and both a roundoff 1½ and aerial to tuck full dismount. On floor, her lineup featured big tumbling, including a double pike, double tuck, 2½ twist, front layout to front tuck, double full, and 1½ to front pike.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Gillis has continued to raise the bar. She's training both a Yurchenko full and Yurchenko 1½ on vault, a double layout dismount on bars, and upgraded beam dismounts with both a roundoff to double full and back handspring to gainer full, along with an aerial to scale combination. On floor, she's adding even more difficulty with a front layout to Rudi and a full-in, further demonstrating her commitment to increasing her scoring potential. If these upgrades make it into competition, Gillis is poised for a breakout senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4360"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6771abe1ef7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ally Stevens has continued to build on an already well-rounded all-around foundation, pairing consistent routines with exciting new upgrades this summer. Last season, she competed a Yurchenko layout on vault, a polished bars routine featuring a full pirouette, bail, and double tuck dismount, and an impressive beam set highlighted by a back handspring to layout two feet, switch leap to tuck ¾, and back handspring to gainer full dismount. On floor, Stevens showcased dynamic tumbling with a double tuck, Rudi, and 1½ to front layout, along with elegant dance elements including a switch ring to switch side connection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This offseason, Stevens has taken another step forward by increasing her difficulty across every event. She is training a Yurchenko full on vault, a Gienger release and more refined bail to handstand on bars, and new beam combinations including a front toss to back handspring connection and a Barani. On floor, she's adding high-level tumbling with a front double full, 1½ to front full, and even an Arabian double front into the foam pit. With upgrades spanning all four events, Stevens is positioning herself for a strong season and continued growth as a collegiate prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4362"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6771abe1f4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carmen Skaggs brings a steady confidence and consistency to every event, making her an athlete to watch as she enters her senior season. Last year, Skaggs showcased strong all-around capability with a powerful floor routine featuring a double pike, Rudi, and 1½ to front pike, while competing a Yurchenko layout on vault. On beam, she demonstrated her composure and consistency with a back handspring to layout stepout, back handspring to chest mount, and roundoff to 1½ dismount. Her bars routine included a blind change to piked Jaeger, showcasing her ability to perform challenging skills with confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Skaggs has continued to refine her routines while working toward valuable upgrades that can elevate her scoring potential. She is training a double layout dismount on bars and a Yurchenko full on vault, adding increased difficulty to two key events. With her reliable execution, calm presence under pressure, and continued progress throughout the offseason, Skaggs is an upcoming senior who could make a significant impact this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4109"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6771abe1fa0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ella Wright is an exciting athlete to watch as she returns from a knee injury and continues building toward a strong season ahead. A standout on bars, Wright showcases excellent technique and confidence on the event, highlighted by a Shaposh to bail connection, consistently clean handstands, and a powerful double layout dismount. Her floor routine features impressive tumbling with a double tuck, 1½ twist, and front layout to front full, while she competes a front handspring-front on vault.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After returning from injury, Wright has looked strong this summer and is continuing to add difficulty across multiple events. On vault, she is working toward a Yurchenko full and a front handspring to front ½. On beam, she is training upgrades including a front tuck full dismount, switch leap to switch side connection, and front tuck mount. Her floor upgrades include a Rudi and double pike, while on bars she is working toward adding a Hindorff release.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her standout bars work, strong fundamentals, and continued upgrades across all four events, Wright has the potential to be a major contributor this season. Her combination of technical precision and increasing difficulty makes her a gymnast to keep an eye on as she continues her comeback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4775"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6771abe1ff2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chloe James is a poised and artistic gymnast who stands out with her precision, confidence, and ability to perform with consistency across all four events. Last season, James showcased her strengths on beam, where she competed a back handspring to layout stepout, aerial, and a back handspring to 1½ dismount while displaying excellent composure and confidence throughout her routine. Her attention to detail and strong artistry make her a standout performer on the event. On bars, she competed a toe-on and front tuck dismount, while her floor routine brought energy and personality with a front double full, whip back to 1½, front Rudi, and engaging choreography.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, James has continued to elevate her routines with several exciting upgrades. On beam, she is training advanced combinations including an aerial to scale, back handspring to layout-layout series, Onodi to back handspring, and an aerial to 1½ dismount. She is also working a Yurchenko full on vault, a bail to handstand and toe-on to tuck ½ dismount on bars, and a full-in on floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her combination of artistry, precision, and growing difficulty, James is an athlete who has the tools to make a significant impact this season. As she continues to add upgrades and refine her routines, she will be one to watch throughout the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4786"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6771abe2044"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jocelyn Pydyn is a powerful and dynamic all-around athlete who continues to elevate her routines with impressive difficulty and strong execution. Last season, Pydyn showcased a strong Yurchenko full on vault with excellent height off the table, demonstrating her explosiveness and potential on the event. On bars, she competed a challenging routine featuring a Jaeger, clear hip to bail, and clear hip handstand to double tuck dismount. Her beam routine included a front tuck, back handspring to layout stepout, switch leap to straddle ¼, and a back handspring to tuck 1½ dismount. On floor, she displayed powerful tumbling with a double tuck and front layout to front full.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Pydyn has continued to push her difficulty and is working toward several impactful upgrades. On vault, she is training a Yurchenko tuck 1½, adding more options to an already impressive event. On bars, she is developing higher-level skills including a Weiler, which she plans to connect to her Jaeger, bail to handstand, double Arabian dismount, and full-out dismount. Her beam upgrades include a roundoff to 1½ dismount, while on floor she is working toward a full-in and front layout to Rudi.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her combination of power, amplitude, and continued skill development, Pydyn is an athlete with significant upside heading into the season. Her ability to produce high-difficulty skills across multiple events makes her a gymnast to watch as she continues to refine her routines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4783"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6771abe2098"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grace Dingeldey has made significant strides in her development, turning heads with both her consistency and the impressive upgrades she has added this summer. Last season, Dingeldey showcased strong fundamentals and clean execution across all four events. On beam, she competed an aerial and roundoff to tuck 1½ dismount, while on floor she displayed excellent presentation with precise choreography and strong tumbling, including a 1½ to front pike and Rudi. On vault, she competed a powerful Kaz vault, and her bars routine featured a blind change to bail, toe shoot, toe-on, and front tuck dismount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Dingeldey especially exciting is the amount of difficulty she has continued to add. On vault, she has upgraded to a ½ twist, while also training front handspring to front tuck. On bars, she is working advanced skills including a Jaeger and front pike ½ dismount. Her floor upgrades include a front double full, 1½ to front layout, and 2½ twist, while on beam she is adding impressive combinations such as a Barani, aerial-aerial series, switch leap to split ¾, aerial to roundoff, and a roundoff to full dismount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dingeldey's combination of precision, artistry, and rapidly increasing difficulty makes her one of Michigan's most intriguing athletes to watch this season. As she continues to refine these upgrades, she has the potential to make a significant impact with a dynamic and well-rounded skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4779"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a677277382ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emma Kiefer is a talented all-around athlete who continues to showcase impressive versatility and growth across every event. Last season, Kiefer demonstrated strong beam work with a back handspring to aerial connection, aerial to scale, and gainer full dismount, highlighting both her confidence and difficulty on the event. On floor, she competed a dynamic routine featuring a front Rudi, switch ring to wolf full, front layout to front full, and 1½ to front pike. Her bars routine included a blind change to Pak and double tuck dismount, while she competed a Yurchenko layout on vault.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Kiefer has continued to raise her level by adding exciting upgrades across multiple events. On vault, she is training a Yurchenko full, as well as a front handspring to front tuck ½, increasing her scoring potential and showing variety on the event. On beam, she is working a side somi, adding another high-level skill to an already strong event. Her floor upgrades are especially impressive, with new skills including a double tuck, front layout to Rudi, front double full, and double front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her combination of power, creativity, and continued improvement, Kiefer is an athlete to watch this season. Her ability to add significant difficulty while maintaining strong execution gives her the potential to make a major impact as she continues to develop as an all-around competitor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4803"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67727738358"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Natalya Schneider is a strong and expressive all-around athlete who brings a combination of power, artistry, and consistency to each event. Last season, Schneider showcased a dynamic Yurchenko layout on vault and strong beam work highlighted by an aerial to split jump, back tuck, back handspring to layout stepout, and roundoff to tuck 1½ dismount. On floor, she stood out with her expressive choreography and powerful tumbling, including a double pike, Rudi, and 1½ to front layout. Her bars routine featured a full pirouette to double tuck dismount, demonstrating her ability to compete challenging skills with confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Schneider has continued to build on her strengths while working toward upgrades that can increase her scoring potential. On floor, she is training a front double full, adding another high-level tumbling pass to an already impressive routine. On bars, she is developing a blind change to piked Jaeger, further elevating the difficulty of her routine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her combination of athleticism, presentation quality, and continued progression, Schneider is an athlete to keep an eye on this season. As she continues refining her routines and incorporating new skills, she has the potential to be a valuable all-around contributor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4793"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a677277383f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Macee Freeman is an athlete who stands out for her composure, consistency, and ability to deliver confident performances, especially on beam. Last season, Freeman showcased why beam is one of her strongest events, competing a back handspring to layout stepout series, switch leap to straddle ¼, aerial, and roundoff to 1½ dismount with steady execution and confidence. On bars, she competed a challenging routine featuring a piked Jaeger, bail, and double tuck dismount. She also brought power and personality to her other events, competing a Yurchenko layout on vault and a floor routine highlighted by a front layout to front layout, Rudi, 1½ to front pike, and excellent showmanship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Freeman has continued to elevate her routines with impactful upgrades across multiple events. On beam, she is training a back handspring-back handspring-layout series, adding even more difficulty to an already impressive event. On bars, she is working toward a double layout dismount, while on vault she is training a Yurchenko full. Her floor upgrades include both a double pike and double tuck, further increasing the difficulty and scoring potential of her routine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her consistency, performance quality, and continued progression, Freeman is an athlete to watch this season. Her ability to combine confidence with increasing difficulty makes her a strong all-around competitor who has the potential to make a significant impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4365"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a677277384b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ayla Savalle is an exciting all-around athlete who combines creativity, difficulty, and strong performance quality across all four events. Last season, Savalle showcased her personality and confidence on floor with fun choreography and dynamic tumbling, including a 1½ to front pike, front Rudi, and front full to front pike. On vault, she competed a powerful tuck Tsuk, while her beam routine featured a front toss, handstand to back handspring to layout stepout series, and tuck front full dismount. On bars, Savalle demonstrated impressive release skill with a Gienger, along with a full pirouette to double tuck dismount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Savalle has continued to build on her strengths while adding upgrades that increase her difficulty and competitive potential. On vault, she is training a Tsuk full, while on beam she is working a pike front toss and front toss to beat jump connection. Her floor upgrades include a front double full, adding another high-level tumbling element to her routine. On bars, she is developing a bail to handstand, further strengthening an already challenging event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her combination of athleticism, creativity, and continued skill development, Savalle is an athlete to watch this season. Her ability to bring both difficulty and personality to her routines makes her a standout competitor with exciting potential moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4768"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a67727738546"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aubree Bentley is a dynamic all-around athlete who continues to show impressive development across all four events. Last season, Bentley showcased strong tumbling and versatility on floor with a front layout to front full, 1½ to front pike, and Rudi. On beam, she competed a challenging routine highlighted by a front toss to back handspring connection and a front full dismount. Her vault featured a powerful Layout Tsuk, while her bars routine included a Tkachev release, bail to handstand, and double tuck dismount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Bentley has continued to build difficulty with several exciting upgrades. On bars, she is training a piked Jaeger and full pirouette to double tuck dismount, adding more difficulty and potential to an already strong event. On floor, she is working a front layout to front Rudi, while on vault she is developing a front handspring to front pike ½. Her beam upgrades include a cat leap to aerial, adding another dynamic connection to her routine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her combination of power, versatility, and continued progression, Bentley is an athlete to watch this season. As she continues refining her routines and incorporating these upgrades, she has the potential to be a strong contributor across multiple events.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4804"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a677277385e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olivia Lee is a graceful and highly skilled all-around athlete who stands out with her exceptional beam work and beautiful artistry. Last season, Lee showcased one of the most polished beam routines in the field, combining precision, confidence, and elegance with a back handspring to layout stepout, switch leap to straddle ¼, front aerial, and aerial to tuck full dismount. Her ability to connect difficult skills while maintaining strong presentation makes her a standout on the event. On bars, she competed a routine featuring a Pak salto, toe-on, and front tuck dismount, while on floor she displayed power with a double pike and competed a Yurchenko layout on vault.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Lee has continued to elevate her routines with an impressive list of upgrades, especially on beam. She is training advanced combinations including a back handspring to layout-layout series, front aerial to split jump, aerial to tuck 1½ dismount, aerial-aerial, aerial to back handspring to layout, and a Barani. These upgrades showcase her commitment to increasing difficulty while maintaining the artistry and precision that make her beam work so special. On bars, she is working a piked Jaeger and toe-on to tuck ½ dismount, while on floor she is adding a full-in and front layout to front full. She is also training a Yurchenko ½ twist on vault.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her exceptional beam presence, strong fundamentals, and continued upgrades across every event, Lee is an athlete who could make a significant impact this season. Her combination of elegance, difficulty, and consistency makes her one of Michigan's most exciting gymnasts to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4359"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6772773867c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abby Thomson is a polished and confident all-around athlete who brings precision, consistency, and strong presentation quality to each event. Last season, Thomson stood out on beam with clean choreography, precise footwork, and confident execution. Her routine featured a back handspring to layout stepout, aerial, and roundoff to 1½ dismount, showcasing her ability to perform challenging skills with quickness and composure. On vault, she competed a Yurchenko layout, while her floor routine featured powerful tumbling including a 1½ to front layout, double tuck, and front Rudi. On bars, she competed a routine highlighted by a bail to handstand and double tuck dismount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, Thomson has continued to increase her difficulty with exciting upgrades across multiple events. On floor, she is training a double pike, front layout to front double full, and 2½ twist, adding significant scoring potential to her routine. On beam, she is developing new combinations including an aerial to split jump to back tuck and an aerial to split jump to splashdown, further enhancing an already strong event. On bars, she is working full pirouettes to continue building difficulty and refinement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her clean execution, confident presence, and continued upgrades, Thomson is an athlete to watch this season. Her combination of consistency and increasing difficulty gives her the tools to make a strong impact as an all-around competitor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michigan has long been a state rich with gymnastics talent, and this summer has only reinforced the depth and potential within the region. From established veterans refining their craft to rising athletes adding significant upgrades, gymnasts across Michigan are using the offseason to build confidence, increase difficulty, and prepare for the competitions ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out about this group is the balance of power, artistry, and consistency throughout the state. Whether it's a beam routine built on precision, explosive vault upgrades, dynamic tumbling, or increased bars difficulty, these athletes are showing the continued growth of Michigan gymnastics. As the season approaches, these are the names to keep watching, because the work happening in Michigan gyms this summer could translate into some of the most exciting performances of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->