BYU ranked No. 17 in WCGA Preseason Poll

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) announced Thursday the 2021 preseason poll, ranking BYU No. 17 in the nation. Last season the Cougars were ranked No. 23 in 2020 preseason poll. Jumping six spots in the 2021 ranking, BYU received 628 points. 

“It’s one of our team’s highest preseason rankings in a long time,” head coach Guard Young said. “We’re in really good company. We’re pretty close to Washington, Nebraska, ASU and Iowa State. These are big conference programs.”

The top three spots went to Florida (1167 points), Oklahoma (1152 points) and LSU (1076 points). Within the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference, Southern Utah earned a No. 23 ranking, while Boise State came in at No. 30. 

BYU finished the 2020 season ranked No. 16 in the nation—the team’s highest final national ranking in 15 years. The Cougars boasted its highest score since 2004 (197.075) and became the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference champions for the first time in program history.

Heading into the upcoming season, seniors Abby Boden Stainton and Abbey Miner Alder will lead the team as captains. Additionally, the team welcomes four true freshmen to its roster, including Sydney Benson (Riverton, UT), Anna Bramblett (Cottonwood, AZ), Sophia McClelland (Camarillo, CA) and Lauren Ono (San Dimas, CA). 

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Young is impressed with the dedication of his athletes. 

“It’s been challenging at times, but I love the positivity that the girls bring," Young said. “They know we have fierce competition in front of us. We need to do a great job this season.”

WCGA Preseason Poll