IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team is ranked 18th in the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association preseason poll leading into the 2022 season, it was released Friday by the association. The Hawkeyes received 1,308 points.
Iowa is the third-highest Big Ten Conference team in the rankings. Defending national champion Michigan is the preseason No. 1, while Minnesota comes in at ninth. Ohio State (22), Illinois (23), Penn State (29), Maryland (31), Nebraska (32) and Michigan State (36) are also in the rankings, while Rutgers is receiving votes.
The Hawkeyes return 15 letterwinners, including All-Big Ten selections Clair Kaji, Lauren Guerin, JerQuavia Henderson and Adeline Kenlin, from a team that claimed the Big Ten regular season title last season. Guerin, Henderson and Kenlin were also WCGA All-Americans. The team also added six newcomers, including Michigan State transfer Linda Zivat and Towson transfer Allison Zuhlke.
Iowa opens the season Jan. 8, hosting Eastern Michigan and Lindenwood – two teams receiving votes in the preseason poll – at 5 p.m. (CT) inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
