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We are excited to officially announce the finalists for the 2026 AAI Award! This year brought something extra exciting – a tie in the voting – resulting in seven finalists instead of the traditional six. Being named a finalist is a reflection of more than performance alone. These athletes have distinguished themselves through excellence in competition, leadership beyond the gym, and a lasting influence on their programs and communities.
Congratulations to this outstanding group of finalists on an achievement that speaks to both their talent and character!
2026 Finalists
Carly Bauman
Jordan Chiles
Gabby Gladieux
Morgan Price
Anna Roberts
Nikki Smith
Faith Torrez
University of Michigan
UCLA
University of Alabama
University of Arkansas
Stanford University
Michigan State University
University of Oklahoma
The winner will be announced at the 2026 NCAA Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. More details to come on the presentation.
Established in 1985, the AAI Award has grown into one of the most prestigious honors in women’s gymnastics, celebrating the nation’s top senior athletes for their leadership, dedication, and excellence in the sport.
The AAI Award is a coach’s award, facilitated by AAI. Each year, collegiate coaches are invited to submit their nominations for the candidates they believe deserve recognition. This peer-driven process makes the award especially meaningful, as it reflects the respect and admiration of those who have witnessed these athletes’ hard work and achievements firsthand.
We’re excited to honor the standout athletes who continue to elevate collegiate gymnastics. With 45 gymnasts nominated by their coaches, this year’s selections highlight the tremendous depth of skill within the sport. Their drive and passion push gymnastics forward, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.
Congratulations to the 2026 Nominees
Ciena Alipio
Luciana Alvarado-Reid
Avery Bibbey
Alea Byrne
Brie Clark
Cecilia Cooley
Ariana DeSouza
Kylie Eaquinto
Gwen Fink
eMjae Frazier
Hannah Hagle
Jocelyn Harbeck
Selena Harris-Miranda
Kara Houghton
Sage Kellerman
Abigail Kenney
Skyelar Kerico
Madeline Komoroski
Addison Lawrence
Gianna Masella
Riley McCusker
Isabella Minervini
Deiah Moody
Sarah Moraw
Serena Mullin
Lana Navarro
Samantha Nickle
Kiera O’Shea
Ava Piedrahita
Kimberly Smith
Leah Smith
Makenna Smith
Emma Strom
Elise Tisler
Lilly Tubbs
Tory Vetter
Kami Zarlengo
Olivia Zsarmani
Central Michigan University
Utah State University
University of Illinois
Clemson University
University of Denver
University of Alaska Anchorage
Brigham Young University
University of North Carolina
University of Florida
Auburn University
Northern Illinois University
Sacramento State University
University of Bridgeport
University of Pennsylvania
University of Maryland
University of Missouri
University of Iowa
Towson University
University of Washinton
University of Minnesota
University of New Hampshire
University of Washington
Penn State University
Arizona State University
University of Utah
University of Arizona
Ohio State University
Texas Woman’s University
AAI proudly supports NCAA Gymnastics and celebrates the achievements of this year’s AAI Award Nominees and all gymnasts across the sport.
The finalists will be released on March 18th, 2026 – stay tuned!
Introducing the 2025 AAI Award Winner, Jade Carey! A standout on the competition floor and beyond, Jade has left a lasting impact as both a collegiate and elite gymnast. With a 4.0 GPA, leadership roles in campus organizations, a commitment to community service, and passionate advocacy for women and girls in sports, she exemplifies what it means to be truly well-rounded.
Jade Carey is the definition of all-around excellence, and we are proud to honor her as the 2025 AAI Award winner—recognizing the most outstanding senior female gymnast in the country.
From an incredible group of nominees, six exceptional gymnasts have risen to the top as finalists for the 2025 AAI Award. This prestigious honor is a testament to their unwavering dedication, leadership, and excellence in collegiate gymnastics. As some of the most accomplished athletes in the sport, these finalists have left a lasting impact on their teams, their programs, and the gymnastics community as a whole.
Congratulations to these remarkable athletes on this well-deserved recognition!
The Final 6
Jordan Bowers
Jade Carey
Audrey Davis
Aleah Finnegan
Grace McCallum
Leanne Wong
Oregon State University
Louisiana State University
The winner will be announced at the 2025 NCAA Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.
The AAI Award was started in 1982 and has since then become a one of the most prestigious awards in women’s gymnastics, recognizing the top senior female gymnasts in the nation for their dedication, leadership, and excellence in the sport.
“Every year, the AAI Award reminds us of the incredible impact these athletes have on collegiate gymnastics. It’s not just about their performance, but their leadership, resilience, and the way they inspire others,” said Lisa Ebersole, Senior Marketing Manager for AAI. “We’re proud to be part of recognizing their hard work and dedication. This year’s nominees exemplify the very best of the sport, and we are excited to see how their legacies continue to shape the future of gymnastics.”
We are honored to recognize the remarkable athletes who have left their mark on collegiate gymnastics. This year’s nominations were a testament to the incredible depth of talent in the sport, with over 50 outstanding gymnasts earning recognition from their coaches. Their dedication, leadership, and passion continue to inspire, and we are excited to celebrate their achievements.
Keanna Abraham
Shania Adams
Jah’Liyah Bedminster
Josie Bergstrom-Te Slaa
Sloane Blakley
Raisa Boris
Brianna Brooks
Chae Campbell
Amari Celestine
Elizabeth Cesarone
Brooke Donabedian
Jordan Ewing
Alysen Fears
Sophia Growth
Kaitlyn Hoiland
Olivia Hollingsworth
Mya Hooten
Helen Hu
Lilly Hudson
Olivia Imbarlina
Maddie Jones
Adelin Kenlin
Skylar Killough-Wilhelm
Amelia Knight
Julia Knower
Mya Lauzon
Emma Lavelle
Ellie Lazzari
Rhea LeBlanc
Emily Lopez
Isabella Magnell
Emma Malabuyo
Jada Mangahas
Eliza Millar-Crossman
Jocelyn Moore
Emily Mueller
Ryle Mundell
Breanna Neault
Chloe Negrete
Victoria Nguyen
Alexa Rothenbuescher
Taylor Russon
Isabella Salcedo
Renee Schugman
Skyla Schulte
Emma Spence
Sage Thompson
Sidney Washington
Rebecca Wells
Ellery Werner
Emily White
University of California, Davis
University of Pittsburgh
Iowa State University
Eastern Michigan University
Temple University
University of Kentucky
Cal
Centenary College
Boise State University
North Carolina State University
University of Nebraska
The Ohio State University
AAI is proud to support NCAA Gymnastics and recognizes the achievements and dedication of all the AAI Award Nominees as well as all gymnasts within the sport.
Since 1954, American Athletic, Inc. has been manufacturing world-class gymnastics equipment. Headquartered in Jefferson, Iowa, the company operates three facilities totaling over 240,000 square feet and employs about 100 people. AAI is an official supplier and partner to USA Gymnastics and is proud to partner with the Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (FIG) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information on AAI, please call (800) 247-3978 or visit www.americanathletic.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Ebersole
Marketing Manager, AAI/Spalding
515-386-5956
Lisa.ebersole@fotlinc.com
