Stypinski Named MAC Gymnast of the Year for Third Consecutive Season
3/24/2018 9:26:00 PM | Gymnastics
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Kent State All-American Rachel Stypinski was named 2018 Mid-American Conference Gymnast of the Year and Senior Gymnast of the Year following the conclusion of the MAC Gymnastics Championships on Saturday afternoon.
Stypinski is the conference's top gymnast for the third consecutive year and joins former Kent State standout Marie Case as the only three-time winners of the award. Earlier this week, she received All-MAC First Team honors for the fourth straight year.
"It's hard to describe in words what Rachel has done for this program" said Kent State head coach Brice Biggin. "For her to continue to get better every year is just amazing for a gymnast with her talent level. Not only is Rachel a tremendous talent, but she helps elevate what her teammates do as well. She has been a phenomenal teammate and wanted what's best for the team since she stepped on campus. Rachel will have a legacy at Kent State that will last forever, and I couldn't be prouder of everything that she has accomplished in her years here."
Stypinski recorded the highest all-around RQS (39.450) by a MAC gymnast since at least 1997, which is as far as the RoadToNationals.com database goes back, and the highest all-around average (39.292) since 2004. She ranks in the top-20 in the country for all-around (39.450; 17th), balance beam (9.920; tied for 8th) and uneven bars (9.910; tied for 13th) and led the conference on each apparatus. Stypinski's 9.990 on floor exercise is tied for 32nd in the nation and second in the MAC.
Winner of five MAC Gymnast of the Week awards this season, Stypinski's top six all-around totals were higher than any other MAC gymnast was able to score this season. She posted a career-high 39.575 against Bowling Green, which ranks 3rd in the Kent State record book. She scored a 39.550 in two additional meets, which is tied for the 4th-highest score in program history. Stypinski won 25 individual event titles while leading the Golden Flashes to a No. 32 national ranking.
Kent State waits to learn where it will compete at NCAA Regionals on Saturday, April 7. The NCAA Selection Show will air on NCAA.com at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 26.
Be sure to follow the Kent State gymnastics team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the squad.
Players Mentioned
