Illini Dominate Season Opener with Trio of Event Victories

Complete Results

MUNCIE, Ind. – The Illinois Women’s Gymnastics program concluded their inaugural meet of the 2025 season at the Ball State Quad on Sunday. Seven gymnasts made their Illini introductions on the team’s path to a second-place finish. 

The Orange and Blue commenced the day on bars, where senior Makayla Green made her comeback to competition after being sidelined last season due to injury. The Mays Landing, N.J., native equaled her career-best score (9.800), which not only led the Illini but the entire group. Three additional Illini, Kennedy Brown (9.725), Chloe Cho (9.450), and Mareli Muller (8.475), also made their collegiate debuts on the apparatus.

During the second rotation, Cho showed great recovery from her wobbly start with a score of 9.775 on balance beam, while freshman Eden King and Emmalise Nock scored 9.225 and 9.600, respectively, in their first outing for the team. Captain Amelia Knight dazzled, earning a score of 9.850 to secure the event title.

Trailing behind No. 14 Ball State, Tali Joelson and Muller both delivered impressive routines, with each scoring 9.775 to narrow the gap to just 0.075 before the final rotation.

The team’s debut competitors excelled on vault, with Cho taking the lead with a score of 9.850, earning first place. Muller closely followed with a score of 9.800 in her debut.

While Illinois narrowly missed out on the team title, the duo of Cho and Muller proved to be successful in the all-around competition. Cho’s score of 38.700 placed her in a tie for third position, while Muller’s 37.825 closely trailed in fifth.

“Although the final outcome is not what we desired, this opening meet provides valuable learning experiences for the team,” stated head coach Nadalie Walsh. “Among all the routines competed, only four were returners in the lineup, meaning 20 routines featured brand-new student-athletes. I see immense potential in this team, and I believe they are on the right track to capitalize on that potential against Nebraska at home in Huff Hall next week.”

The Illini will take on Nebraska on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. CT for their home opener.

Team Results

1. No. 14 Ball State – 194.450
2. Illinois – 194.175
3. SEMO – 189.750
4. UW-Eau Claire – 181.500

Event Winners

Chloe Cho – Vault (9.850)

Makayla Green – Uneven Bars (9.800)

Amelia Knight – Balance Beam (9.850)

Career Highs

Makayla Green – Uneven Bars (9.800)