GEC Announces 2026 Women’s Gymnastics End-of-Year Awards

March 21st, 2026

The Gymnastics East Conference is proud to announce its 2026 Women’s Gymnastics End-of-Year Award winners, recognizing the top performers, coaches, and student-athletes across the conference for their outstanding achievements throughout the season.

Gymnast of the Year

Jordan Barrow – Penn Junior | Jackson, Tenn.

Junior Jordan Barrow (Jackson, Tenn.) delivered a breakout season for the Quakers, establishing herself as one of the premier gymnasts in the conference. Barrow finished first in the GEC on vault (9.830 NQS) and ranked second on both bars (9.800) and beam (9.810).

Her impact extended well beyond rankings, as she recorded 12 first-place finishes and 20 top-five finishes throughout the season. Barrow opened the year with three event titles and added another first-place finish on beam at the Pink Invitational. She also etched her name into the Penn record books with a 9.900 on beam at the Ivy Classic, the third-highest score in program history, helping lead the Quakers to their third consecutive Ivy Classic title.

Barrow also produced Penn’s top three vault scores of the season (9.850) and played a key role in the program’s record-setting 23-win regular season. A two-time GEC Gymnast of the Week, Barrow’s consistency and ability to deliver in key moments make her a deserving recipient of this year’s top honor.

Specialist of the Year

Nova Staruk – Bridgeport West Boylston, Mass.

Nova Staruk (West Boylston, Mass.) proved to be one of the most reliable specialists in the conference, particularly on vault. Competing in all 10 regular-season meets, Staruk scored 9.750 or higher in nine performances and 9.800 or higher six times, highlighted by a season-high 9.825 with her 10.0 start value Kasamatsu layout full.

On floor, Staruk continued to provide consistency, showcasing dynamic tumbling and earning a career-high 9.825, which she matched later in the season. Her performances helped Bridgeport reach its highest floor total since 2019 (49.100). Known for her reliability, work ethic, and positive attitude, Staruk has been a cornerstone of the Purple Knights’ lineups.

Newcomer of the Year

Annie Bilbe – Yale First Year | Covington, La.

First-year Annie Bilbe (Covington, La.) made an immediate and lasting impact for Yale, excelling on both vault and floor. A consistent presence in key lineup positions, Bilbe scored above 9.800 in eight of nine floor routines, reaching a career-high 9.900, which ranks as the third-highest score in program history. She finished the regular season ranked fourth in the GEC on floor (9.830 NQS).

On vault, Bilbe contributed Yale’s only 10.0 start value vault, posting a season-high 9.825, tied for the fourth-highest score in program history, and ranking 11th in the conference. She played a significant role in Yale breaking its program vault record three times, culminating in a high of 48.900.

A six-time GEC Newcomer of the Week, Bilbe’s consistency, energy, and team-first mindset have made her an invaluable addition to the Bulldogs, while her performance level has already established her as one of the conference’s top competitors.

Performance of the Year

Lindsey Yang – Brown Junior | Hillsborough, Calif.

Lindsey Yang delivered a standout performance on balance beam in Brown’s dual meet against Yale, matching the program record with a 9.925, a mark that had stood since 2001. Her routine was defined by precision, confidence, and composure from start to finish, resulting in one of the top scores in the conference this season.

The routine drew attention across the gymnastics community, including recognition from Olympic medalist and NCAA commentator Kathy Johnson Clarke. By equaling a long-standing program record, Yang produced one of the most memorable performances of the 2026 season.

Woman of the Year

Victoria McMillan – Cornell Junior (Graduating Early) | San Jose, Calif.

Victoria McMillan has exemplified excellence, resilience, and leadership throughout her collegiate experience. After sustaining a severe injury early in her career that ultimately ended her ability to compete, McMillan transitioned into a student coach role while remaining an integral part of the team.

Excelling academically, she will graduate in just three years with a 4.045 GPA, pursuing three majors along with a concentration in social justice. She has also served as a team service chair, tutor, and mental health advocate within the Cornell community.

Her experiences have inspired her to pursue a career in sports law focused on advocacy and equity for female athletes. McMillan’s journey reflects perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond athletics.

Assistant Coach of the Year

Isabelle Fox – Yale

In her third year on staff, Isabelle Fox has made a significant impact on Yale’s program through her leadership on beam and floor. Under her guidance, Yale’s floor lineup has emerged as one of the best in the conference, ranking first in the GEC with a season-high 49.150, tied for the eighth-highest score in program history.

Fox has also helped elevate Yale’s beam performance, contributing to a season-high 49.000 and a strong 48.438 NQS. Beyond technical coaching, her emphasis on confidence, preparation, and athlete development has been instrumental in the team’s success, including six Newcomer of the Week honors and multiple program milestones.

Her impact has played a key role in Yale achieving the highest team score in program history (195.525) and a significant rise in national rankings.

Head Coach of the Year

Kirsten Becker – Penn

For the second consecutive year, Kirsten Becker has been named GEC Head Coach of the Year. In her fifth season leading Penn, Becker guided the Quakers to the best regular season in program history (23 wins), along with their third straight Ivy Classic title and fifth consecutive GEC regular season championship.

Penn also set a program record with a 196.000 home score, highlighted by a 49.375 beam rotation, the best in program history. Becker has now amassed 81 career victories at Penn and continues to elevate the program to new heights.

The GEC congratulates all of this year’s award winners for their outstanding accomplishments in 2026.