CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -Â The Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics team opens its 2025 season on the road at the Ball State Quad, facing No. 14 Ball State, SEMO, and UW-Eau-Claire. All three of the Orange and Blue's opponents competed in Week 1 while head coach Nadalie Walsh's squad geared up for a Week 2 start.
Look Out!
- Freshman Chloe Cho and junior Arielle Ward were named to the Big Ten's Gymnasts to Watch during the preseason.
- Cho was previously a Level 10 state champion and nationals qualifier. The Simi Valley, Calif. native competed in the 2024 U.S. Championships, where she scored personal bests in the all-around competition on back-to-back days.
- Ward is entering her third season with the Illini after competing in all 16 meets last season, primarily on vault and floor. The Frisco, Texas, native won third place on vault (9.900) at the 2024 Big Ten Championships, earning her a spot on the All-Championship Team.Â
Give Her Five
- After four years in Champaign-Urbana, Amelia Knight thought her time with the Illinois women's gymnastics team was over. Instead, Knight received the opportunity to come back for one more year.
- Knight had immediately stepped into the lineup as a freshman, making her debut on beam and floor during the Illini's first meet of the 2021 season. The following year, she grew more comfortable, confident, and consistent, appearing in all 13 meets while garnering Academic All-Big Ten honors for the first time.
- As a junior, Knight helped the Illini set the program's new beam record with a career-high 9.925 while once again competing in every meet. Also finding success off the mat, she earned Academic All-Big Ten status for the second consecutive season while also being named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
- With increased expectations for herself and the team, Knight is ready to make a splash heading into the 2024-25 campaign.
Division I Career Record: 152-184 (.452), 21st year
At Illinois: 88-58 (.603), 8th year
Complete Illinois Meet Notes (PDF)
