CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Jan. 16, 2026 — The University of Illinois women's gymnastics team opened its Big Ten home schedule Friday night at Huff Hall, falling to Penn State by a final score of 196.075–194.100. Despite the loss, the Illini saw strong individual performances, particularly from all-arounder Chloe Cho.
The Fighting Illini started the evening on vault, finishing the rotation with a team score of 48.625. Chloe Cho led the group with a 9.800, followed by Callie Kauffman who posted a 9.775. Olivia Coppola added a 9.750 to the team total.
Illinois moved to the uneven bars for the second rotation, earning a team score of 48.925. Cho delivered the high mark for the Illini with a 9.950, while Lyden Saltness contributed a strong 9.900. Destiny Denning rounded out the top scores for the event with a 9.725.
On the balance beam, the Illini posted a 48.300. Callie Kauffman paced the team with a 9.725. Cho, Saltness, and Coppola remained consistent, each recording a score of 9.675.
The meet concluded on the floor exercise, where Illinois earned a 48.250. Cho once again led the lineup with a 9.825, while Kennedy Brown, Ava Banks, and Skylar Ray Dixon each turned in scores of 9.650. Cho finished the night with an all-around total of 39.250.
"The environment was electric tonight! Thank you too all that came out to support these ladies," Nilson said. "In terms of gymnastics, the performances tonight showed a lot of nerves. We need to move forward through the process of learning how to compete as more quickly. I have some adjustments to make this week, but I am certain we will have a different team mentality going into Ohio State."
"After the meet I told them that true teams are not defined by wins and loses, true teams are defined by how they respond to adversity- whether from within, or external. One thing I am certain- they know they have more to give than they showed tonight. We will attack the weak points and make this community proud," Nilson explained.
Illinois will look to rebound as they continue Big Ten play later this month.
