Gymnastics Picked Second in MAC Preseason Poll; Behner, Morgan Tabbed Gymnasts to Watch
1/2/2026 2:00:00 PM | Gymnastics
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Fresh off of back-to-back regular season conference titles, the Kent State gymnastics team was picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference's upcoming season by the league's seven head coaches on Friday.
Senior Charlie Behner and junior Ashley Morgan were included on the MAC Gymnasts to Watch list, which recognized 14 gymnasts across the conference.
The Flashes placed just behind preseason favorite Central Michigan in the poll as the Chippewas accumulated 33 points and three first-place votes. Kent State garnered 31 points and matched Central Michigan with three first-place selections, while third-placed Ball State earned one first-place vote, tying with Eastern Michigan at 23 points.
Additionally, the coaches were asked to predict who they thought would win the MAC tournament. Kent State and Central Michigan each received three votes, while Western Michigan received one selection to take the tournament crown.
2026 MAC Gymnastics Preseason Coaches' Poll (First Place Votes):
1. Central Michigan – 33 points (3)
2. Kent State – 31 points (3)
T-3. Ball State – 23 points (1)
T-3. Eastern Michigan – 23 points
5. Western Michigan – 19 points
6. Bowling Green – 12 points
7. Northern Illinois – 6 points
MAC Tournament Champion: Central Michigan (3), Kent State (3), Western Michigan (1)
2026 MAC Gymnasts to Watch:
Ashley Szymanski, Junior, Ball State
Carley Stalder, Freshman, Ball State
Keira Thornton, Junior, Bowling Green
Megan Dzialo, Junior, Bowling Green
Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Senior, Central Michigan
Samantha Shannon, Junior, Central Michigan
Kyrie Lowe, Senior, Eastern Michigan
Keeley Kohler, Sophomore, Eastern Michigan
Charlie Behner, Senior, Kent State
Ashley Morgan, Junior, Kent State
Ashlie Leage, Junior, Northern Illinois
Deziray Boykin, Freshman, Northern Illinois
Julie Korfhage, Junior, Western Michigan
Casey Mooney, Freshman, Western Michigan
The Golden Flashes begin the 2026 season on Sunday, January 11, at 1 p.m. as they host Northern Illinois in the M.A.C. Center. Tickets are available at ksutix.com.
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Players Mentioned
