Julia Abel Director of Gymnastics Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Julia Abel Director of Gymnastics Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Illinois Women's Gymnastics team commenced their 2025 season with a strong performance at the Ball State Quad meet in Muncie, Indiana. The Illini finished second overall, with several gymnasts making their competitive debuts.
Senior Makayla Green made a notable return on the uneven bars after missing last season due to injury. She matched her career-high score of 9.800, leading both her team and the entire field. Newcomers Kennedy Brown, Chloe Cho, and Mareli Muller also competed on bars for the first time.
On balance beam, Chloe Cho improved from her earlier performance with a score of 9.775. Freshmen Eden King and Emmalise Nock scored 9.225 and 9.600 respectively in their debut routines. Team captain Amelia Knight excelled on beam with a top score of 9.850, earning her an event title.
Despite trailing No. 14 Ball State, Tali Joelson and Mareli Muller delivered strong floor routines, each scoring 9.775 and narrowing the gap to just 0.075 before the final rotation.
In vault, first-time competitors impressed again as Chloe Cho led with a score of 9.850, securing first place in that event. Muller followed closely with a score of 9.800 in her debut.
Although Illinois did not win the team title, Cho's all-around score of 38.700 placed her third overall while Muller's score of 37.825 secured fifth place.
Head coach Nadalie Walsh reflected on the meet stating: "While the final result is not what we wanted, this opening meet is one that the team will learn a lot from." She noted that most routines were performed by new athletes and expressed confidence in their potential for future competitions against Nebraska at home next week.
Illinois will host Nebraska on January 18th at Huff Hall for their home opener.
Alerts Sign-up