2026 AAI Award Nominees: Celebrating the Leaders of NCAA Women’s Gymnastics

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

Carly Bauman

Avery Bibbey

Alea Byrne

Jordan Chiles

Brie Clark

Cecilia Cooley

Ariana DeSouza

Kylie Eaquinto

Gwen Fink

eMjae Frazier

Gabby Gladieux

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

Morgan Price

Anna Roberts

Nikki Smith

Kimberly Smith

Leah Smith

Makenna Smith

Emma Strom

Elise Tisler

Faith Torrez

Lilly Tubbs

Tory Vetter

Kami Zarlengo

Olivia Zsarmani

UCLA

Central Michigan University

University of Michigan

Utah State University

University of Illinois

UCLA

Clemson University

University of Denver

University of Alaska Anchorage

Brigham Young University

University of North Carolina

University of Florida

University of Alabama

Auburn University

Northern Illinois University

University of Florida

Sacramento State University

Michigan State University

University of Bridgeport

University of Pennsylvania

University of Maryland

University of Missouri

University of Iowa

University of Florida

Towson University

University of Washinton

University of Minnesota

University of New Hampshire

University of Washington

Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University

Penn State University

University of Arkansas

Stanford University

Michigan State University

Arizona State University

University of Arkansas

University of Utah

University of Arizona

University of Missouri

University of Oklahoma

University of Washington

Ohio State University

Texas Woman’s University

Michigan State 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!


Honoring the 2025 AAI Award Winner, Jade Carey of Oregon State University!

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.

Congratulations to Jade and her coaches!

Jade Carey

Oregon State University

About AAI 

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