WAG Who makes it to NCAA?

[gym_dad32608]

I'm curious if anyone has any opinions. Seeing it's an Olympic year, who on the team or alternates or others will actually make it on campus and compete in NCAA. We know Mykala is not coming back, which I think was kinda expected. I think Suni and Grace will make it on campus, I am not sure about Jordan depending upon how well she does. I am also not sure about Morgan Hurd. Just watching the Golden series, she seems like someone who doesn't really want to go to college. As if it's a total last resort type thing. I also am unsure of Riley, she has been pretty quiet. It would really stink for UF if they lose both of them, heck I guess they could lose Leanne too. Of course, this is all speculation and fun message board fodder.

 

[Empowered]

I'll play armchair quarterback on this one...

Morgan and Riley have both struggled with injuries. We've seem many elite athletes in that camp go to college and adjust and compete well for 4 years. We've also seen many forced into medical retirement before making any kind of impact. Morgan could easily give up bars, go armless on beam and be a great floor/beam specialist. And even with just bars to contribute, would any team turn down Riley? I think both will give it a go, but their bodies may decide for them long term.

I expect Kara, Grace, Suni and Emma to go to college and thrive.

I too am on the fence with Jordan. I could see her going either way.

 

[gym_dad32608]

I'll play armchair quarterback on this one...

Morgan and Riley have both struggled with injuries. We've seem many elite athletes in that camp go to college and adjust and compete well for 4 years. We've also seen many forced into medical retirement before making any kind of impact. Morgan could easily give up bars, go armless on beam and be a great floor/beam specialist. And even with just bars to contribute, would any team turn down Riley? I think both will give it a go, but their bodies may decide for them long term.

I expect Kara, Grace, Suni and Emma to go to college and thrive.

I too am on the fence with Jordan. I could see her going either way.

Good point on only competing certain events. That's what Alyssa Bauman has been doing up until last year. Still, there has to be a desire to be in college too. I think Riley has that, just don't see that with Morgan, but who knows

 

[rjb123]

From what I saw, Morgan took all references of Florida off her instagram. Is she still planning on going there or did I miss something?

 

[Empowered]

From what I saw, Morgan took all references of Florida off her instagram. Is she still planning on going there or did I miss something?

I am not an Instagram person so I can't speak to that. I haven't read any official announcements regarding her status and as of nationals Florida was still touting her as an incoming freshman.

 

[gym_dad32608]

Both Morgan and Riley signed their LOI's to UF last year and there have been no announcements about not going to college, but as we all know that can change. Morgan did already state that she was not planning on getting to campus until the spring because she wanted to compete at Worlds, I am not sure if that is an option for her now?

I also forgot about Jade Carey. I am also on the fence on whether she ends up at Oregon State or not. Although I think she technically started college? She just red-shirted this past year? Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

 

[LemonLime]

I believe Riley and her family already moved to Florida and she's preparing to start college.

 

[gym_dad32608]

I believe Riley and her family already moved to Florida and she's preparing to start college.

I didnt know she had moved to Gainesville already. I don't follow her social media, but if so that's a good sign

 

[MILgymFAM]

I believe Riley and her family already moved to Florida and she's preparing to start college.

Her whole family moved to Florida for her to start college? Is that normal for athletes?

 

[gym_dad32608]

Her whole family moved to Florida for her to start college? Is that normal for athletes?

I don't think so, but I do know it happens occasionally with other sports.

 

[txgymfan]

I think the Kupets family moved when Courtney started college. He older sister went to Georgia too. I’m not sure what her parents did fo a living, but if I’m not mistaken, they had moved for her elite training, so when she was finished, they didn’t have a reason to stay near her elite gym.

 

[LemonLime]

It's not unusual, especially when the weather is warmer, the housing is more exciting or affordable, and the family is interested in new opportunities. I can think of more than 5-7 off the top of my head.

In any event, I think this particular family moved to support their other children in their sports.

 

[gym_dad32608]

Given Suni grabbing the all-around (so happy for her), now I wonder if she will make it to Auburn. With the opportunity to win another gold and possibly another medal on beam, there is going to be a tremendous demand for her. She has a more compelling background story than the other athletes. Even with NIL in effect, she would make a significant amount of $$ if she maximized her time working on her brand (I certainly wouldn't fault her for that). She has been a pretty low key on social media, so pumping her brand may not be her thing. It would be really exciting to see an all-around gold medalist competing in college.

 

[Empowered]

I think she'll go and thrive. The SEC is no stranger to superstars, but it will be awesome to see one at Auburn. Plus the coaching transition, from one brother to the other, should be nice and easy.

I think we should all say a prayer for Auburn Gymnastics' social media person who I was worried might have a stroke this morning.

 

[gym_dad32608]

I think she'll go and thrive. The SEC is no stranger to superstars, but it will be awesome to see one at Auburn. Plus the coaching transition, from one brother to the other, should be nice and easy.

I think we should all say a prayer for Auburn Gymnastics' social media person who I was worried might have a stroke this morning.

Lol, so true, they have been working overtime with their posts. SEC gymnastics is going to be intense the next 4 years IF UF gets Hurd and Riley and Wong to come and Suni and then Greaves at Auburn then Oklahoma joining in the next year or so. Some great NCAA meets!

 

[Tweb]

I'll play armchair quarterback on this one...

Morgan and Riley have both struggled with injuries. We've seem many elite athletes in that camp go to college and adjust and compete well for 4 years. We've also seen many forced into medical retirement before making any kind of impact. Morgan could easily give up bars, go armless on beam and be a great floor/beam specialist. And even with just bars to contribute, would any team turn down Riley? I think both will give it a go, but their bodies may decide for them long term.

I expect Kara, Grace, Suni and Emma to go to college and thrive.

I too am on the fence with Jordan. I could see her going either

 

[Tweb]

Now that Suni has the AA gold, I could see her giving up her eligibility in favor if endorsements. Although athletes can make money now, right? In any event, if they are doing NCAA can someone please help Georgia!

 

[txgymfan]

Athletes can make money now with NIL. I could see Suni delaying enrollment by up to a year but I think she’ll go. A college degree is worth a lot and she won’t be that big of a celebrity.

 

[gym_dad32608]

Athletes can make money now with NIL. I could see Suni delaying enrollment by up to a year but I think she’ll go. A college degree is worth a lot and she won’t be that big of a celebrity.

Idk, she is the 5th US olympic AA gold. None of them have made it to college. At least competition at college level. NIL definitely changes thing some, but there is definitely a limit on how much you might be able to make by Instagram posts and retweets. The time demands of book deals, commercials, tours, dancing with the stars etc, makes it almost impossible to not only go to college classes but compete. I do think Suni is different, coming from an immigrant family. She just presents herself more grounded. I still think she makes it to NCAA, but I am little less sure than before.

 

[txgymfan]

Jo has said she regretted not doing college gym. Nastia never planned on it . Who knows? We’ll see.