NC State gymnastics is eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2024 season, buoyed by the momentum of a stellar 2023 campaign. After achieving a 13-11 (8-4) record and reaching the second round of the postseason in 2023, the Wolfpack is aiming to elevate its performance further this winter.
Last season marked a series of achievements for the red-and-white, including the program’s highest-ever score in a home opener, 196.375, an impressive seven consecutive scores of 196.000 or higher and the best overall score since 2000 at 197.225. These milestones were the result of a collective effort from the entire team, underpinned by standout performances from key athletes.
Integral to the Wolfpack’s success are graduate students Chloe Negrete, Emily Shepard and Alexis Ortega. With four years of experience together, the trio opted to return for their graduate years, aiming to build on the successes of the previous season. Shepard, a 15-time All-EAGL honoree; Negrete, a nine-time All-EAGL honoree; and Ortega, a four-time All-EAGL honoree, form a seasoned core.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the focus is on maintaining a high level of execution and leveraging the strengths of its younger talent will be crucial for sustained success. Last season’s achievements were a testament to the team’s ability to blend experience with fresh energy, exemplified by the contributions of younger athletes like juniors Macy Jennings and Hailey Merchant, as well as sophomore Meg Adler.
Seven freshmen, including Elle Hadrick, Lauren Wright, Wells Fischer and Ashley Knight, join the Pack. These athletes, all toting impressive high school gymnastics resumes, aim to fill the void left by key contributors Lauren Rutherford and Gabrielle Diaz from the previous season.
Last year, the Wolfpack demonstrated exceptional prowess in its floor exercise routine. The highlight came with a near-perfect score of 49.625 against Rutgers, marking a memorable performance in the final one-on-one matchup of 2023. Notably, the lowest floor exercise score was recorded in NC State’s inaugural meet against North Carolina, the sole instance below a 49.000.
As the team gears up for the upcoming season, there are anticipated changes in the lineup due to the departures of Rutherford and Diaz. With two spots opening up, there is a potential opportunity for athletes like Jennings, Adler or one of the newcomers to showcase their skills. The Wolfpack also have senior Madison Benson returning from injury. Meanwhile, the returning lineup will feature the experienced presence of Negrete, Shepard, Ortega and senior Krista Zultevicz.
The season kicks off with challenging matchups, starting with an away match against Georgia on Jan. 6, a team that has strengthened its roster with top recruits. Facing California on the road and contending with Michigan State, a team that vied for a nationals spot last season, adds to the early-season intensity. Success against these non-conference powerhouses will set the tone for a promising run against ACC opponents.
With a strong foundation built on the successes of the previous season, NC State gymnastics enters the 2024 campaign with optimism and determination to make a deeper postseason run. The combination of experienced veterans and promising newcomers sets the stage for an exciting and competitive season.
