Illinois Ranked #22 in WCGA Preseason Coaches Poll

MARLBORO, N.J. – The Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) released its 2025 preseason coaches poll on Tuesday.

The University of Illinois women's gymnastics program will begin its 2025 campaign ranked in the top 25 for the 15th time in the last 16 seasons, coming in at No. 22. All of the Big Ten women's gymnastics programs received votes in the coaches poll, with Illinois being one of nine teams from the conference to earn a spot in the top 25. 

The Illini are returning nine letterwinners for the 2025 season, including captain Amelia Knight, who opted to use her fifth year of eligibility. In addition, head coach Nadalie Walsh reloaded her roster with nine newcomers: seven freshmen and two transfer students. 

After their annual Orange and Blue meet on Dec. 14, the squad will gear up for their season opener at Ball State on Jan. 12. 

WCGA Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Oklahoma
2. LSU
3. Florida
4. California
5. Utah
6. Alabama
7. Kentucky
8. Arkansas
9. Missouri
10. UCLA*
11. Michigan State*
12. Denver
13. Michigan*
14. Georgia
15. Stanford
16. Ohio State*
17. Auburn
18. Minnesota*
19. Oregon State
20. Arizona State
21. Penn State*
22. Illinois*
23. Nebraska*
24. Maryland*
25. North Carolina State
26. Washington*
27. BYU
28. Clemson
29. Iowa*
30. Arizona
31. Southern Utah
32. Iowa State
33. Boise State
34. Towson
35. Kent State
36. North Carolina

* Denotes Big Ten program