Illinois women’s gymnastics split the count during its 2023 season. The Illini were 10-10 overall, 4-5 against Big Ten opponents, and finished fifth out of 10 at the Big Ten championship in 2023. This year, the Big Ten preseason poll ranked the Illini sixth out of 10, while the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association’s preseason poll had them at 26th nationally.
From top to bottom, the WCGA preseason poll featured all Big Ten programs. Two Illini athletes were also featured on their gymnastics watchlist: senior Amelia Knight and graduate student Mia Takekawa. Entering her fourth year with the Illini, Knight has taken on a more active voice in the locker room with the hope of offering her younger peers valuable guidance.
“I think definitely this year I’ve stepped into more of a leadership role,” Knight said. “I feel like I’m able to be a mentor to them through what I’ve learned during my four years here. Through the experiences I’ve been through, I’ve been able to guide them through (it) and what works with me because transitioning into college is difficult.”
That will be especially valuable for the Illini this season, who have a handful of fresh talent and six total freshmen.
“I think we ended on quite the low last year,” Knight said. “We were all disappointed with how the season went. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and showing all of the hard work that we have put in. Even for the returners we’ve had this year, everyone has made huge progress. We have got lots of upgrades this year, and I’m excited for all of that to come together. Hopefully, we have a much more successful season this year.”
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Knight shed light on how the end of the Illini’s previous season was not the outcome they wanted, which builds into their goals going into this year.
“We want to be Big Ten champions this year,” Knight said. “We set goals and like stepping stones, so we have goals to work towards along the road instead of just one big end goal. Obviously, the plan would be to win the Big Ten championship, but I think just taking each meet step by step and growing from each one and taking corrections where we can.”
No longer having the absolute certainty of another year with the team in front of her, Knight is excited to give it her all in the present.
“I’m just excited to have fun and enjoy the moment,” Knight said. “I think we’re hungry — hungry to do really well this year.”
Illinois women’s gymnastics will begin its journey on Jan. 5 in Las Vegas at the Super 16. Home action will commence less than a week later, with West Virginia, Western Michigan and UW Oshkosh taking the mats at Huff Hall.
