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We’re proud to announce Jordan Chiles as the 2026 AAI Award Winner!
Through dedication, perseverance, and extraordinary talent, Jordan has distinguished herself as one of the most accomplished gymnasts of her era. From the international stage to collegiate competition, she has continually risen to the moment — most recently captivating audiences nationwide with her run to the finale on Dancing with the Stars 2025 season.
A two-time Olympian, 2024 Olympic gold medalist, and three-time NCAA Champion, Jordan stands among an elite group of one of only four women to claim Olympic, World, and NCAA Championship titles — a testament to her continual excellence at the highest levels of the sport.
Beyond her competitive resume, Jordan exemplifies what it truly means to be a well-rounded individual. When she’s not on the competition floor, she dedicates her time and voice to causes she’s passionate about, including mental health advocacy, diabetes awareness, women’s empowerment, supporting underserved communities, and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Jordan Chiles defines all-around excellence, and we are proud to honor her as the 2026 AAI Award winner — the most outstanding senior female gymnast in the country.
Congratulations to Jordan, her family, and her coaches on this well-deserved honor!
We are excited to officially announce the finalists for the 2026 AAI Award! This year brought something extra exciting – a tie in the voting – resulting in seven finalists instead of the traditional six. Being named a finalist is a reflection of more than performance alone. These athletes have distinguished themselves through excellence in competition, leadership beyond the gym, and a lasting influence on their programs and communities.
Congratulations to this outstanding group of finalists on an achievement that speaks to both their talent and character!
2026 Finalists
Carly Bauman
Jordan Chiles
Gabby Gladieux
Morgan Price
Anna Roberts
Nikki Smith
Faith Torrez
University of Michigan
UCLA
University of Alabama
University of Arkansas
Stanford University
Michigan State University
University of Oklahoma
The winner will be announced at the 2026 NCAA Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas on Thursday evening after the conclusion of semifinals.
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
Avery Bibbey
Alea Byrne
Brie Clark
Cecilia Cooley
Ariana DeSouza
Kylie Eaquinto
Gwen Fink
eMjae Frazier
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
Kimberly Smith
Leah Smith
Makenna Smith
Emma Strom
Elise Tisler
Lilly Tubbs
Tory Vetter
Kami Zarlengo
Olivia Zsarmani
Central Michigan University
Utah State University
University of Illinois
Clemson University
University of Denver
University of Alaska Anchorage
Brigham Young University
University of North Carolina
University of Florida
Auburn University
Northern Illinois University
Sacramento State University
University of Bridgeport
University of Pennsylvania
University of Maryland
University of Missouri
University of Iowa
Towson University
University of Washinton
University of Minnesota
University of New Hampshire
University of Washington
Penn State University
Arizona State University
University of Utah
University of Arizona
Ohio State University
Texas Woman’s 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!
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!
Oregon State University
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
