Region 5 Beam Queens to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 5's beam queens deliver poise, precision, and artistry when it matters most. From sharp connections to graceful execution, these gymnasts know how to own the beam. Let's take a look at these standout gymnasts to watch.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4398"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aced9ccb73a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kentucky gymnast MaryLou Ogbe brings poise, consistency, and crisp lines to the balance beam. Her front aerial to layout step-out to scale connection is a standout, with the addition of the scale over the summer further increasing the routine's value. She also showcases her athleticism through a cat leap to side aerial to a beautiful 180-degree split jump connection, a switch leap to straddle quarter jump, standing layout step-out, and strong back handspring step-out to 1.5 dismount. A powerhouse across all four events, Ogbe combines impressive skill with the consistency and execution college programs seek. Her versatility and ability to contribute reliably in a college lineup make her an exciting recruit to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["96933"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aced9ccb7404"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='96933' first='Jaionna' last='Boatman']'s work on the balance beam is highlighted by her poise, precision, crisp finishes, and artistic choreography. Her routine last season included a back handspring to layout step-out, cross split jump 1/2, switch leap to straddle quarter jump, back tuck, and round-off 1.5 dismount, featuring excellent landing execution and scoring as high as 9.525. Over the summer, Boatman has been training several connections, including a cat leap or beat jump to side aerial, side aerial to layout step-out, switch leap to switch leap half to back tuck, and a triple series consisting of a front toss to back handspring layout step-out. She has also trained an impressive round-off double full dismount and barani, both of which have progressed nicely over the summer. Boatman's continued development combined with her ability to adapt and attention to detail make her an excellent recruit to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4787"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aced9ccb744e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='4787' first='Joey' last='Reed'] brings a steady presence, sharp finishes, and a unique flair to the balance beam with her creative choreography. Last season, she competed a beautiful, well-controlled candle mount, a 180 split jump to tuck 3/4 jump, a piked gainer dismount, and an aerial swing-through to round-off series, which she has upgraded to an aerial swing-through to barani. She has also been training a switch-leg tick-tock to barani and a side aerial to back handspring swing down over the summer, highlighting her connection versatility and creativity. Reed worked hard last season after returning from an ACL tear and has made promising progress over the summer. With her continued development and upgraded skills across all events, she is primed for an exciting season ahead and will be one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4397"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aced9ccb7494"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ranya Handley is a standout beam worker who combines confidence, precision, clean lines, and impressive 180-degree leaps and jumps. Her routine features a front toss to back handspring step-out series and a switch leap to split 3/4 jump. She showcases her versatility with training, including a fun, flowing front aerial to front toss, a beautiful cat leap to front aerial connection, and a back handspring step-out to layout step-out series. After competing a pike gainer dismount last season, Handley has been training double back dismounts into the pit, further demonstrating her power and ambition to upgrade. A powerful gymnast with the versatility to contribute across multiple events at the collegiate level, Handley is an enticing prospect for college programs to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4769"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aced9ccb74d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='4769' first='Audrey' last='Hill'] brings a calm, confident presence to the balance beam, combining poise with the perseverance she demonstrated last season while recovering from an injury. Her previous routine featured a cat leap to aerial, a back handspring step-out to layout step-out series, which she further refined over the summer, and a round-off 1.5 dismount. Hill continues to build difficulty with skills such as an aerial to split or pike jump, a cat leap aerial to split jump connection, and a beautiful triple series consisting of a front aerial to back handspring step out layout step-out, with solid landing execution. She has also developed a back handspring to layout 1.5 dismount, adding another dynamic element to her repertoire. With her power, consistency, and continued development, Hill has the potential to make a valuable contribution across multiple events in a collegiate program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["97351"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aced9ccb7518"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='97351' first='Emma' last='Kruk'] brings a poised and steady demeanor to the balance beam, combining precision with excellent control throughout her skills. Over the summer she has been training a beautiful switch leap to ring jump and a front aerial to scale, demonstrating impressive control through the E-level skill. Other skills in her repertoire include a front aerial to back handspring step-out, which she competed last season, side sumi, and a back handspring step-out to 1.5 dismount. Kruk has also shown tremendous perseverance over the summer, adapting her training and continuing to progress following a hand injury. Her composure, attention to detail, and commitment to improvement make her a promising beam worker and one to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4789"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acfbb870b0ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leah Griffen brings clean finishes, solid landing execution, and consistency to the beam. Last season, she showcased a back handspring layout step-out series, a cat leap to side aerial, a split 3/4 jump, a switch leap to tuck 3/4 jump, and a round-off 1.5 dismount. This off-season, Griffen has added a switch leap to back tuck connection and upgraded to a round-off double full dismount, demonstrating solid form and growing difficulty. Alongside these upgrades, she continues refining her previously competed skills to elevate her overall execution. Be sure to watch Griffen across all four events, where additional upgrades make her a recruit to watch in the exciting season ahead!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4394"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acfbb870b145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Indiana gymnast Reina Kawamura brings composure, consistency, and gorgeous 180-degree leaps to the beam. Last season, she showcased a back handspring step-out to layout step-out series, a beautiful front aerial to split jump, a switch leap to split 1/4 jump, and back handspring to layout 1.5 dismount. Looking ahead, Kawamura is upgrading to an impressive triple series featuring a back handspring layout step-out layout step-out, with each layout performed with beautiful form and seemingly effortless execution. Kawamura's upgrades combined with her confidence and consistent execution further elevate her routine and make her a beam worker to watch this season.</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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acfbb870b193"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Class of 2027 gymnast Abigail Thomson stands out on beam for her consistency, confident presence, and creative choreography that keeps her routines flowing and engaging. Last season, she showcased a beautiful back handspring layout step-out series and a side aerial, both of which became even more consistent over the summer. She also improved the landing execution on her round-off layout 1.5 dismount. This off-season, Thomson expanded her repertoire with upgrades including an aerial to split jump or straddle jump, an aerial to split jump to swing down, a switch leap switch leap, and a beautiful switch side leap. With her artistry, consistency, and growing difficulty, Thomson is one to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3978"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad29a54a1c58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Future University of Pittsburgh Panther Kylie Dacanay is a standout beam worker who combines clean lines, confidence, and poise under pressure to deliver polished, captivating routines. Last season, she showcased a strong lineup featuring a front aerial to back handspring step-out, front toss, cross split half jump, and front gainer full dismount, earning an impressive 9.6 at the 2026 Nationals. Continuing to raise the bar, Dacanay has been training a challenging triple series consisting of a front aerial to back handspring to back handspring step-out, executing the skills with precision and making the difficult look effortless. She is also gaining consistency with a beautiful front toss to layout, adding even more excitement to her beam repertoire. Dacanay is also an accomplished all-around gymnast who is primed for an exciting season, with upgrades across all four events.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->