Six Big Ten Programs Earn 2025 WCGA Regional Awards

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference had six programs named as recipients of the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) 2025 Regional Awards, recognizing the achievements and leadership in coaching, athletic performance and administration across the sport.

Michigan State head coach Mike Rowe and assistant coaches Nicole Jones and Devin Wright were honored as Central Region Coach of the Year and Assistant Coaches of the Year, respectively. It was the third nod in the last four seasons for Rowe. Jones picked up her third honor, while Wright earned her second. Senior Gabrielle Stephen was named Central Region Gymnast of the Year, the first in Spartan history to receive the recognition.

For the first time in her 11 seasons at Minnesota, head coach Jenny Hansen was tabbed as the North Central Region Coach of the Year. The Iowa trio of Craig Ballard, Kyle Grable and Breanna Brooks were selected as the North Central Assistant Coaches of the Year, the first Hawkeyes since 2016 to win the award.

Rutgers acting head coach Anastasia Candia was voted the Northeast Region Coach of the Year, while Danielle DeMarco and Michael Rosso were named the regional Assistant Coaches of the Year. Michigan’s Carly Bauman was the region’s Gymnast of the Year. Bauman is the 10th Wolverine to take home the honor as a Michigan gymnast has won the award for the last nine seasons dating back to 2017. UCLA Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Administrative Officer/SWA Dr. Christina Munger-Rivera was recognized as the West Region Co-Administrator of the Year.

Below is a full list of honorees from the Big Ten Conference:

2025 WCGA Regional Awards
Region 1 (Central)
Head Coach of the Year
Mike Rowe, Michigan State

Assistant Coaches of the Year
Nicole Jones & Devin Wright, Michigan State

Gymnast of the Year
Gabrielle Stephen, Michigan State

Region 2 (North Central)
Head Coach of the Year
Jenny Hansen, Minnesota

Assistant Coaches of the Year
Craig Ballard, Kyle Grable & Brenna Brooks, Iowa

Region 3 (Northeast)
Head Coach of the Year
Anastasia Candia, Rutgers

Assistant Coaches of the Year
Danielle DeMarco & Michael Rosso, Rutgers

Gymnast of the Year
Carly Bauman, Michigan

Region 6 (West)
Co-Administrator of the Year
Dr. Christina Munger-Rivera, UCLA