2026 Too Early Mizzou Gym Preview: BALANCE BEAM

It’s never too early to start focusing on the upcoming season, and over the next month or so, I’ll be taking you through each apparatus, looking at who’s back, who’s gone and who’s new that could push for a rotation spot. I’ve compiled notes and data (mostly from Road to Nationals), and then I’ll attempt to provide a lineup. Because it’s summer and we haven’t seen much action in the gym, these are very much subject to change and take them with a shaker (bigger than a grain) of salt.

And because my

technical knowledge is lacking in many areas of the sport— I am getting better! — I’ve asked my dearest and smartest gym colleagues, Mizzou J-Schooler/Flipside host/Inside Gymnastics editorial & social media coordinator, Nate Salsman, and ESPN talent booth/stats coordinator Claire Billman, for their help. I’ve also gathered some feedback from the gym staff as well as some of the gymnasts themselves, and I thank them immensely for their openness.

To keep the style of traditional NCAA dual meets, these will come out in Olympic order. We started with way-too-early vault predictions (which you can read here), and two weeks ago we moved onto uneven bars (which you can read here).

This week, we’re moving on to…

Season Rewind

What a year for the beam team, who had – much like last year – some holes to fill in the lineup. In fact, as Amari acknowledged in the postseason, SHE was the only one who was in the beam lineup in 2025 who also appeared in the beam lineup in 2024. Yes, Helen came back (2023) and Addi returned from hip surgery (2023), but technically speaking, it was a whole new lineup from year to year.

“I was the only one that was in this lineup last year!’ she said.

Mizzou ended the season ranked 11th nationally with a 49.370 national qualifying score (NQS) and 49.254 average to go along with a 49.575 high score — a program record! — set two different times (March 14 & April 4).

This was a sizable jump from 2024, when the beam team finished ranked no. 22 on beam, with a 49.295 NQS and, 49.098 average and a 49.40 high score. The Tigers beat (or tied) that 49.40 five times in 2025, and only ONCE scored under 49.10 (a [redacted] at Denver). This was a STRONG beam team. While beam always gives me anxiety, I no longer broke out into a cold sweat when a meet was close and they had beam to go. #Progress

“Our beam team last year was… yes, it was something…” Amari said, searching for a word when asked about beam after Regional Finals. “No, but seriously, for lack of a better term, it was something, and the fact that we had a little stumble in there [referring to a rare leadoff fall], and we were still able to pick it up. Us last year [2024], we would not been able to do that… I’m so proud of us. Okay, that’s all I have to say. I’m done now.”

Here’s a line graph of their scores this season, courtesy of Road to Nationals.

The best balance beam squads, which Mizzou has once again proven they are, have depth up and down the rotation and are full of confident beam workers. There was enough depth on this Tiger team, for instance, that Abby Mueller, who had several 9.85 & 9.875 scores to her name, didn’t even find herself in the beam lineup after SECs; they were that good.

The loss of beam queens Helen Hu, who scored three 10s this season after un-retiring, and Amari Celestine, who had seven 9.85+ scores this season (including four 9.875 scores) as well as the aforementioned Mueller, leaves the Tigers with a couple spots to fill in the 2026 lineup.

While NCAA judges are inconsistent at best at deductions and it oftentimes depends on the team you’re competing for(I wish I was kidding), it’s important to find quality beam workers who limit the falls, the wobbles, and can get the much-needed connections between elements. When you miss a connection, it downgrades your starting score, and so gymnasts need to either have other skills at the ready to throw in there or redo the series. (Amari and Amy were both pros at having replacement skills ready on the fly.)

Looking Ahead

Enter (or re-enter) ‘Achilles Twins,’ Grace Anne Davis and Lauren Macpherson, and a good chance for a few more returnees to add beam to their repertoire, this team could have an embarrassment of riches at its disposal. And that’s without including any freshmen!

When I talked with beam coach Lacey Rubin about LMac & GAD’s progress back from injury, she stressed that they are trying to be smart with their bodies. “Their return to gymnastics has looked a little different, but we are definitely looking forward to seeing them back in action.”

As we look ahead to this season, the team has confidence and is ready to go.

“I think our season as a whole gave our athletes confidence going into this year, even though it’s a totally new year and team,” Lacey said. “Knowing we have a lot of the same routines coming back and new ones in the making, whether that be from freshmen or even returners that have made small improvements, it makes the future for the Tigers really exciting. This year’s team and beam depth is just as ready and talented.”

As for skills, we’ll get into specifics as we look at the lineup possibilities, but Lacey did say that they are always trying to level up on beam, whether that be with skills, form or even presentation/dance.

“Some people are working on some new skills for fun or different triple flights but for the most part, everyone’s routine might be staying about the same.”

Let’s get into it!

Addison Lawrence, Senior

2025 STATS: 9.950 high | 9.885 NQS | 9.795 avg
2024 STATS: out for season; injury
2023 STATS: 9.975 high | 9.865 NQS | 9.788 avg

What a year for Addi, who just got better and better as the year went on. By season’s end, the WCGA Postseason Second Team All-American had secured a 9.95 in the regular season finale at Arkansas, a 9.925 against Auburn, a 9.9125 in the national semifinals, and three 9.90 scores. Only twice this past season did Addi even hit below a 9.80.

Her skills include what Claire described as a “cool low beam choreo that includes a back walkover on her shoulders,” as well as a full turn, a side aerial – back handspring series, a split jump – split 3/4 combination, and a roundoff 1.5 twist dismount. My favorite part is when she tips her figurative hat to the crowd; I just love it.

Lauren Macpherson, Fifth Year

2025 STATS: did not compete; injury
2024 STATS: 9.950 high | 9.905 NQS | 9.865 avg
2023 STATS: 9.950 high | 9.900 NQS | 9.871 avg
2022 STATS: 9.900 high | 9.845 NQS | 9.742 avg

The San Jose State transfer and 2024 Mountain West Beam Specialist of the Year returns from an achilles injury sustained before the Tigers’ first meet of the year, so we haven’t yet seen her beam magic in all its glory. In her final season in the blue & gold, LMac set a career-high 9.95 and her 9.905 NQS topped the MW. Coincidentally, that NQS would also top any member of last year’s squad not named Helen Hu, so suffice to say we are PSYCHED to see Lauren compete.

Macpherson scored under 9.825 twice in 2024 (9.775, 8.975— a fall in the NCAA Regional Round I), and the rest of the time? Consistent as hell. She scored five 9.825, two 9.85, a 9.875, 9.90, two 9.925, and a 9.950 in late February. We truly love to see it.

Skills include a unique standing layout stepout — normally it’s part of a series — and a roundoff 1.5 twist dismount (like Addi’s above).

Grace Anne Davis, Grad Student

2025 STATS: out for season; injury
2024 STATS: 9.925 high | 9.860 NQS | 9.733 avg
2023 STATS: 9.900 high | 9.855 NQS | 9.730 avg
2022 STATS: 9.725 high

Fresh off her second brand new achilles — OUCH! — Grace Anne is BACK, baby, for her final year of college gym (for real this time.) Davis reached career-highs on beam in 2024 across the board and was one of the Tigers’ most consistent beamers in her last two years of competition. In 2024, GAD earned four scores of 9.90 or above, a couple 9.85s, and a trio of 9.80s. She recorded just one fall. In fact, Grace Anne has recorded just two falls in her past two years!

Here’s a snippet of Davis’s routine, which features college gym’s best gainer full off the side of the beam.

Olivia Kelly, Sophomore

2025 STATS: 9.900 high | 9.880 NQS | 9.853 avg

Wow! What an inaugural season for Olivia Kelly, who killed it on the beam in 2025, earning four 9.90 scores, a 9.8875 in national semis (more on that below), and two 9.875s. In her inaugural beam routine, at home vs. Kentucky on January 28, she earned a 9.90. Incredible stuff.

As for that All-American performance, here’s what I wrote from my national semifinals recap:

Olivia nailed it, scoring a 9.8875, and while her double wolf turn strikes fear in Tiger fans everywhere because it’s so damn hard and a wrong move would be catastrophic, she killed it, earning a 9.95, 3x 9.90, and 2x 9.85 from the judges. This was good enough to earn Second Team All-American honors on her SECOND event.

I love a unique beam routine, and Liv’s is no exception, featuring a switch leap to split jump, a front aerial to back handspring series, a double wolf turn (think Simone Biles’ turn that goes on forever but one less rotation) and a round off back 1.5 twist dismount. She has told me she’s working on an illusion turn, which is exceedingly rare in NCAA gymnastics and can be described poorly as a full turn that, while spinning, involves kicking up your leg into a split. Hard to describe, but looks super cool! Claire says that Olympic silver medalist and current USAG coordinator Chellsie Memmel was famous for her illusion on beam.

Amy Wier, RS-Senior

2025 STATS: 9.900 high | 9.855 NQS | 9.815 avg
2024 STATS: did not compete
2023 STATS: 9.750 exhibition
2022 STATS: 9.775 exhibition

Back in her home state after spending her first few seasons at OU, Amy shined, recording 11 scores of 9.80 or higher, including three 9.85, a 9.8625 in the national semis, two 9.875, and two 9.90 scores.

By season’s end, Amy had solidified herself as the team’s leadoff, and I honestly don’t see that changing this coming year. She’s just so solid in that role.

Amy’s skills include a front aerial-BHS-BHS triple series — the aerial to back handspring was where the connection would sometimes be lost, but Amy’s a pro and would be ready to adjust on the fly— a split jump to split half turn, and a cartwheel into gainer full dismount off the side of the beam.

Railey Jackson, Sophomore

2025 STATS: 9.875 high | 9.845 NQS | 9.820 avg

Railey debuted on beam day one, earning a 9.80 in the Beauty & the Beast meet, and was a fixture in the lineup the entire season. In fact, she competed on beam in every single meet… as a freshman! By season’s end, RJ had earned nine scores of 9.85 or better, including three 9.875 and a 9.8625 in the national finals.

Her national finals scores featured two 9.90s, and was very close to tying her season-high 9.875 despite having six judges. This is remarkable, especially considering that during the postseason she switched her dismount to a gainer pike from a roundoff 1.5 twist.

In the video below, we see Railey doing a front aerial to back handspring series, a switch leap to tour jete to beat jump, a full turn followed by a dance element to another beat jump, and then the aforementioned gainer pike dismount. It’s a beautiful routine, and she performs so gracefully.

Kennedy Griffin, Junior

2025 STATS: 9.675 high
2024 STATS: 9.875 high | 9.825 avg

We just saw Kennedy once on beam in 2025, but she saw action on beam in five meets her freshman season. After making her debut into the Beam rotation on March 10 in the Denver quad meet, Kennedy did well, earning a 9.80 twice (including in her debut), a 9.85 and season-high 9.875 in the SEC Championships, while only having one score below 9.80 (a 9.775 in the Regional Final).

Below is a replay of KG’s highest scoring beam routine of the season, which includes a front toss (a forward somersault that takes off on one foot and ends on two) into a back handspring, a full turn, and a back handspring + 1.5 dismount. When I asked Lacey about Kennedy’s beam skills, she mentioned that she’s training a front full dismount, but “TBD if that comes to fruition.” A front full dismount, per Nate, is “like a run into a full twist, which takes off and lands facing away from the beam.”

Here’s a routine from Kennedy in March 2024— a career high.

Rayna Light, Junior

2025 STATS: did not compete
2024 STATS: 9.875 high | 9.775 NQS | 9.750 avg

Beam was Rayna’s most competed event in 2024, seeing the lineup six meets in a row between January and March before taking a break and then ending the season pretty strong. She had a fall (her ONLY one of the season) in the Regional finals, but just the meet prior, Session II of the NCAA Regionals, Rayma had recorded her highest score of the year, a 9.875.

However, we did not see Rayna on beam this past year. If she can perfect her connections and limit the wobbles— she was also quite a slow, deliberate beam worker in 2024 — she’s got potential to see the lineup in 2026.

Lisa Szeibert, Sophomore

2025 STATS: 9.800 (Black & Gold meet)

Per Lisa, her routine consists of a BHS BHS LOSO (back handspring x2, layout stepout), handstand to layout, switch leap to beat jump combination, and a round off back 1.5 twist dismount.

When I mentioned the handstand layout acro series to Claire, she said it’s a very uncommon but cool skill, and the only NCAA athlete she could recall doing one was Sydney Johnson-Schwarf from Florida. You can watch it here.

“It’d be a kickass follow up to Helen Hu,” she said, referencing the handstand-layout and Mizzou’s penchant for unique routines.

Below is a recent video Lisa shared with me of her triple series.

Kaia Tanskanen, Sophomore

2025 STATS: did not compete

When I asked Lacey about Kaia specifically (she’d been showcasing a lot of beam on socials over the summer), she said, “Kaia is training beam for college and elite – she’s an all-arounder! She is very talented on this event, of course as well as the others. After battling some minor things last year, she had the opportunity to exhibition beam at the end of last season, but she’s continued to work really hard to get more opportunities ahead, so we’re excited for her.”

Like Olivia above, coming into college, Kaia also competed a double wolf turn, as well as a side somi (a side somersault where you land sideways on the beam) and a round off back double full dismount. While not a lock, I would be shocked to not see Kaia on beam at some point in 2026. She’s uber-talented, and I know she’s hoping to be an all-arounder.

Hannah Horton, Sophomore

2025 STATS: did not compete

Y’all… I think we’re going to see H-squared on beam this year. I don’t know what other skills she’s working on to be honest, but I’m told a front tuck is a VERY difficult move. (and she’s not the only Tiger who can do this, as you’ll soon see).

Helen Hu (10.0 high | 9.970 NQS | 9.919 avg)

We must give a moment for the Queen of the Beam, who claimed not only a national title, but also a total three event titles in four postseason meets (Championships, Semis, Regionals Round 2). Watching a Helen Hu beam routine was an experience.

Here’s the reaction of the CGN live blogger watching her final routine in the national championships.

And the whole arena will be watching nothing but Helen Hu’s final beam routine. You cannot convince me this wasn’t planned.

Hu: Ugh her toe point. Beautiful leg up turn. Front aerial front aerial series, nice and flowy. Split leap split 3/4, flexibility is gorgeous, Gainer pike off the end. That was probably better than her routine from Thursday, and I’m 95% sure she just did a death drop split on the mat after the dismount [she did!!], I couldn’t tell with the standing ovation she got from the people in front of me. 9.9625, the people are MAD MAD.

I cannot be more effusive of my praise of the Tigers’ beam anchor. The un-retired globe trotter. The SEC Specialist of the Year. The only five-time SEC Specialist of the Week in a single season in conference history. She’s truly magnificent and took it to a whole other level in the postseason. Twice it was up to her to continue the Tigers’ storied season. And twice she got it done. Absolute nails.

So cheers to the Queen of the Beam. With her 9.9875 (4×10.0, 9.95, 9.90 scores), Helen took sole possession of the national title on beam, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the gymternet more excited or united. Helen Hu brought the world together, guys. And now, the beam ceases to exist. There is no more beam without HH.

Amari Celestine (9.875 high | 9.855 NQS | 9.758 avg)

Abby Mueller (9.875 high | 9.805 NQS | 9.800 avg)

Jessa Conedera (9.80 exh)

“Honestly,” Lacey said, “all the freshmen are competitive on this event and I’m super excited to see who steps up while getting to work with them this fall. I can see all of them making an immediate impact on beam, as they have great potential.”

Let’s get into it.

Kimarra Echols (freshman)

Of the freshmen, I think Kimarra is the most likely to see regular time in beam lineups. Here’s a video of the freshman practicing a round off double-full dismount in offseason workouts.

From her instagram, it also looks like she does a front tuck and a triple series that features a BHS-BHS-LOSO. While I assumed triple series were normal — many Mizzou athletes do them, after all — Claire informed me that no, it’s not that common and should be mentioned.

I sent one this video to her, she wrote back, “Gah, Echols is so good.” I AGREE, CLAIRE. I AGREE.

Hayli Westerlind (freshman)

Per this video from her instagram (I cut out the other events), in level 10 Hayli competed a back handspring – layout stepout series, a front toss (it’s a front flip but off of one foot) a gainer layout stepout (LOSO), and a round off back 1.5 twist dismount.

Bryce Kupbens (freshman)

Based on this 2024 video, it appears that Bryce does a wolf 1.5 turn, beat jump (it’s the small jump with the feet moving back & forth) to split half jump series, a BHS-BHS-LOSO series and a roundoff double full dismount. Of course, this video was taken like 1.5 years ago, so it could have changed since then, and I am excited to see her in practice!