McLean County Times

The Illinois State gymnastics team is set to begin its 2025 season on January 3 in Columbia, Missouri. The Redbirds will participate in a quad meet against host Missouri, Ball State, and Southeast Missouri State at Mizzou Arena. This event is part of the Mizzou Beauty and the Beast competition, which features both gymnastics and wrestling.

The meet will be broadcast live on ESPN+, with results available through Virtius. Head Coach Bob Conkling expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming competition: "I'm excited for our first competition of the season and for it to be a quad meet with teams from the SEC, MAC and the MIC makes it even more special. The team is ready and confident, and we are looking forward to a strong showing right out of the gate in our 2025 season opener."

Illinois State aims to reclaim its position at the top of the Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) after finishing third in last year's championship. Although they have lost Angelica Labat, a four-time MIC Gymnast of the Year, senior Jaye Mack returns as a three-time NCAA Regional qualifier and defending MIC champion on floor. Senior Alana Laster also returns after earning All-MIC honors last year.

Other key athletes include seniors Kaitlyn Donovan, Sara Wabi, Mya Robinson, Julia Heiner, juniors Joy Ziegenfelder and Leah Davis—all returning all-conference performers—and junior transfer Jaly Jones from Lindenwood University. Jones was named 2024 USAG First-Team All-America and won titles at last year's MIC Championship.

The Redbirds' roster has been bolstered by additional transfers Elli Brownfield from Lindenwood and Madyson Baucom from Fisk University. Five freshmen—Caitlin Caserta, Abbey Harris, Audrey Hiatt, Savannah Ray, and Sammie Wolff—also join this year's lineup.

Fans can follow Illinois State gymnastics updates on GoRedbirds.com or via social media platforms including Instagram (@redbirdgymnastics), X (@redbirdwgym), and Facebook.