ROSEMONT, Ill. – Illinois women's gymnastics finished third in the 2018 Preseason Coaches' Poll as announced by the Big Ten Conference on Thursday afternoon. The Orange and Blue jump four spots from the previous year, where they began the season in seventh place.
"It is definitely an honor to be picked third in the coaches' poll for the Big Ten. It is great to see that other coaches look at our work as relevant," said Illinois women's gymnastics head coach Nadalie Walsh. "They are starting to recognize that our team did a tremendous job last year and will be equally as strong this year. We are excited for third but are definitely going to shoot for higher than that."
As host, the Illini finished third at the 2018 Big Ten Championships held at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. Finishing first and second were powerhouses Michigan and Nebraska, who both return as the top two teams in this year's Big Ten Preseason Coaches poll. Ohio State is fourth in the coaches' poll, while Minnesota rounds out the top five. Along with the Illini, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State, and Iowa are ranked in the top 30 of the WCGA Preseason Poll.
In addition, juniors Rae Balthazor and Karen Howell were selected as 2018 Gymnasts to watch by the conference. Balthazor finished second-team All-American in 2018 on floor and was first team All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten. Howell earned six individual event titles in 2018 and was named Academic All-Big Ten.
"Having Karen Howell and Rae Balthazor be on the Big Ten Watch List makes all of us very proud," said Walsh. "Both of these young women are beautiful gymnasts who have tremendous competitive spirits. They expect excellence from themselves and our program. Illinois gymnastics would not be the same without them."
The Illini will host six meets home events in 2019 including the home opener quad meet against No. 10 Kentucky, No. 17 Oregon State, and Lindenwood inside Huff Hall on Jan. 13. On the road, the Orange and Blue will get their first chance on podium at the Elevate the Stage Big Five meet, hosted by Knight Eady Sports Group in Toledo Ohio on Saturday, Feb. 23. The Illini will square off against No. 9 Michigan, No. 18 Ohio State, No. 23 Minnesota, and Rutgers.
Illinois opens their 2019 campaign on the road against No. 30 Central Michigan, No. 33 Arizona, and Bridgeport on Sunday, Jan. 6. The quad meet will be held in Mount Pleasant, Mich. at 12 p.m. CT.
2019 Big Ten Women's Gymnastics Coaches' Poll
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Illinois
- Ohio State
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Penn State
- Maryland
- Michigan State
- Rutgers
2019 Big Ten Women's Gymnasts to Watch List
Rae Balthazor, Jr., Illinois
Karen Howell, Jr., Illinois
Nicole Chow, Sr., Iowa
Charlotte Sullivan, Jr., Iowa
Audrey Barber, So., Maryland
Kirsten Peterman, Jr., Maryland
Abby Brenner, Fr., Michigan
Natalie Wojcik, Fr., Michigan
Ella Douglas, Jr., Michigan State
Lea Mitchell , So., Michigan State
Ona Loper, So., Minnesota
Lexy Ramler, So., Minnesota
Sienna Crouse, Sr., Nebraska
Taylor Houchin, Jr., Nebraska
Olivia Aepli, Jr., Ohio State
Jamie Stone, Sr., Ohio State
Lauren Bridgens, So., Penn State
Sabrina Garcia, Sr., Penn State
Michelle Amoresano, Sr., Rutgers
Belle Huang, So., Rutgers
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