7 Finalists Announced for 2026 AAI Award

Plus 7 more standout gymnasts you should know about

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the overlapping and intersecting motions of gymnasts performing on various apparatuses.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic movements and fierce competition of NCAA gymnastics.Minneapolis Today

The top senior gymnasts in NCAA women's gymnastics have been announced as finalists for the prestigious 2026 AAI Award, often called the 'Heisman Trophy of gymnastics.' While the seven finalists come from the highest-ranked programs, the article also highlights seven more gymnasts who have had impressive college careers despite not making the final round.

Why it matters

The AAI Award recognizes not just athletic excellence, but also academic and leadership achievements. These 14 gymnasts represent the best of college gymnastics and serve as role models for the next generation of student-athletes.

The details

The seven finalists for the 2026 AAI Award are Carly Bauman (Michigan), Jordan Chiles (UCLA), Gabby Gladieux (Alabama), Morgan Price (Arkansas), Anna Roberts (Stanford), Nikki Smith (Michigan State), and Faith Torrez (Oklahoma). The article also profiles seven other standout gymnasts: Luciana Alvarado-Reid (Central Michigan), Kara Houghton (Sacramento State), Abigail Kenney (Bridgeport), Skyelar Kerico (Penn/LSU), Isabella Minervini (Towson), Serena Mullin (New Hampshire), and Kami Zarlengo (Texas Woman's).

  • The AAI Award winner will be announced after the conclusion of national semifinal competition on Thursday.

The players

Carly Bauman

A sixth-year senior at Michigan who has led the Wolverines to a top-20 finish every year of her career, including a national title in 2021. She has won the Big Ten bars title and been named regional gymnast of the year twice.

Jordan Chiles

A multiple-time Olympic and world medalist, as well as a three-time NCAA champion, who has been a legendary gymnast during her time at UCLA, earning 19 perfect 10s and 21 All-American nods.

Gabby Gladieux

A standout all-arounder for Alabama who finished the regular season ranked in the top 10 nationally, with her best event being floor where she has scored a 9.975 seven times in her career.

Morgan Price

A gymnast who made history as the first HBCU gymnast to score a perfect 10 while competing for Fisk University, before transferring to Arkansas where she has continued her success.

Anna Roberts

A key contributor to Stanford's turnaround, winning the Cardinal's first national title since 2018 on vault and breaking the program's all-around record this season with a 39.875.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The AAI Award winner will be announced after the conclusion of national semifinal competition on Thursday.

The takeaway

These 14 gymnasts represent the best of college gymnastics, excelling not just in athletic performance but also in academics and leadership. Their achievements serve as inspiration for the next generation of student-athletes.