Illini Earn Three Event Titles in Season Opener

Full Results

MUNCIE, Ind. - The Illinois Women's Gymnastics program completed their first meet of the 2025 season at the Ball State Quad on Sunday. Seven gymnasts made their Illini debuts on the team's way to a runner-up finish. 

The Orange and Blue started the day on bars, where senior Makayla Green made her return to competition after missing last season due to injury. The Mays Landing, N.J., native tied her career-high score (9.800) which not only ended up leading the Illini, but the entire field. Three other Illini, Kennedy Brown (9.725), Chloe Cho (9.450), and Mareli Muller (8.475), made their collegiate debuts on the apparatus as well.

In the second rotation, Cho would recover nicely from her shaky start with a 9.775 on balance beam, while freshman Eden King and Emmalise Nock scored 9.225 and 9.600, respectively, in their first time out for the squad. Captain Amelia Knight shone bright, scoring a 9.850 to take home the event title.

Trailing No. 14 Ball State, Tali Joelson and Muller both pulled out huge routines, each tallying a 9.775 to cut the deficit to just 0.075 heading into the final rotation.

The team's first-time competitors showed out on vault, and Cho led the way with a 9.850, good for first place. Muller followed close behind with a 9.800 for her debut.

While Illinois fell short of the team title, the combination of Cho and Muller proved fruitful in the all-around competition. Cho's 38.700 found her tied for third place, and Muller's 37.825 was right behind in fifth.

"While the final result is not what we wanted, this opening meet is one that the team will learn a lot from," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "Out of all the competed routines, we only had four returners in the lineup, meaning 20 routines were brand-new student-athletes. I see a ton of potential in this team and I believe they're on the path to capitalize on that potential against Nebraska at home in Huff Hall next week."

The Illini will face Nebraska on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. CT for their home opener.

Team Results

1. No. 14 Ball State - 194.450
2. Illinois - 194.175
3. SEMO - 189.750
4. UW-Eau Claire - 181.500

Event Winners

Chloe Cho - Vault (9.850)

Makayla Green - Uneven Bars (9.800)

Amelia Knight - Balance Beam (9.850)

Career Highs

Makayla Green - Uneven Bars (9.800)