After a top-three finish in 2024, the Red Rocks are coming in hot this season thanks to the addition of former No. 1 recruit Avery Neff, two additional former five-star recruits in Zoe Johnson and Clara Raposo, and blossoming returners. Although the Red Rocks have graduated notable contributors in Abby Paulson, Maile O’Keefe and lost Jaedyn Rucker to injury, they showed incredible depth during their preview with upwards of eight solid routines on every event, with standout all-around performances by Neff and Makenna Smith. Vault was a place of noticeable improvement following the hiring of Mike Hunger. Johnson was notably absent, reportedly nursing a sore back. While she is back training, it’s unclear whether she will be ready to compete today. The Red Rocks plan to play with their depth this season, so it is very possible to see unexpected lineup choices early in the season.
Following a 45th-place finish last season, the Aggies will be looking to move up the rankings back into the top 36 where they lived before 2023. With three graduate students returning for their fifth years and a stellar freshman class, the Aggies are looking to make a statement at this season opener and allow the freshman to get some valuable competition experience in an arena as…
