Throughout the 2020s, the EAGL has been one of the most dynamic conferences in Division I women’s gymnastics. From setting standards to setting records, many athletes have left lasting marks on their teams. Here are four gymnasts in particular who changed the direction of their programs.
Kendall Whitman (George Washington)
Making waves with a 9.950 on her very first collegiate floor routine, Whitman knew how to grab fans’ attention right from the start. From competing a rare three-E-pass routine to holding the George Washington floor record with a 9.975, Whitman has not only cemented herself in George Washington’s history book, but also showed what is possible on floor at the collegiate level. Additionally, Whitman’s uneven bars debut during her senior campaign saw her qualify as an all-arounder to regionals and contributed to George Washington scoring its first-ever 197+ team score. With her boldness and willingness to push boundaries, Whitman will be remembered for years to come.
Syd Morris (LIU)
Despite a short career at LIU, Morris set the standard for what a new program can be. Morris holds the top score in the all-around, as well as on vault, beam, and floor for the Sharks, highlighted by a 9.975 on beam. During their freshman season, they qualified as an all-arounder to regionals. As a member of the inaugural team, Morris defined what can be achieved not only as an underclassman, but by a new program.
Emerson Hurst (Towson)
Holding Towson’s only individual record scored post-COVID, a 9.975 on beam, Hurst helped usher the Tigers into a new era. During her junior season, Towson improved dramatically, finishing 29th nationally, its best finish since 1999. Hurst’s steady beam and consistent leadership gave Towson the boost it needed post-COVID.
Kylie Gorgenyi (New Hampshire)
As New Hampshire’s all-around and uneven bars record holder, Gorgenyi is the only Wildcat to etch her name in the program record book during the 2020s. Her clean lines on the uneven bars earned her a program-record 9.975. As just the fourth Wildcat to be named EAGL Gymnast of the Year, it’s no surprise Gorgenyi played a major role in the team’s fourth-highest score in program history while earning four individual NCAA regional berths throughout her career. When she qualified to regionals as an all-arounder in 2024, Gorgenyi recovered the Wildcats from a nine-year drought. In doing so, she helped lay the foundation for New Hampshire’s continued individual success on the regional stage.
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