FORT WORTH, Texas — There was no shortage of drama at the women’s NCAA championships this week. Trinity Thomas and Grace McCallum returned from injuries for the final meet of the season, hitting exceptional routines with barely any practice time. Jordan Chiles and Maile O’Keefe earned consecutive 10s in semifinals, with O’Keefe then edging out Chiles for the all-around crown. And fifth-year senior Olivia Trautman, who had considered retirement, earned her first individual event title on vault, then led Oklahoma to yet another national championship.
While O’Keefe has announced she will return for a fifth year, this was the last competition for Thomas and Trautman, two icons in college gymnastics. Chiles has said she will take next season off to train for the Olympics, and McCallum said at nationals that she is still undecided on her plans.
But never fear, there are many other gymnasts who can bring this type of excitement to the 2024 season. Alongside established leaders like Haleigh Bryant, Leanne Wong and Jordan Bowers, watch out for these “next” five. Because all signs point to them becoming new stars of the sport in the coming year:
Aleah Finnegan
When Finnegan joined the LSU Tigers last year, head coach Jay Clark said her potential was even greater…
