March 22nd, 2025
The Gymnastics East Conference (GEC) is proud to announce its 2025 end-of-year awards, recognizing the achievements of outstanding athletes and coaches. University of Pennsylvania junior Skyelar Kerico has been named the 2025 GEC Gymnast of the Year, Brown University senior Maya Davis has earned the title of GEC Specialist of the Year, and Yale University first-year Hailey Kriz has been honored as the GEC Newcomer of the Year. Skyelar Kerico and EmmaGrace Kelly have been recognized with the GEC Co-Performances of the Year, while Cornell University's Anthea Spirko has been named the GEC Woman of the Year. Additionally, SCSU's Bella Antonangeli has earned the title of GEC Assistant Coach of the Year, and Penn's Kirsten Becker has been honored as the GEC Head Coach of the Year.
GEC Gymnast of the Year: Skyelar Kerico (Penn)Â
Kerico dominated the conference with top rankings in multiple events. She led all GEC gymnasts in National Qualifying Score (NQS) on vault (9.825), bars (9.875), and the all-around (39.045), while also ranking fifth on floor (9.830) and sixth on beam (9.775). Her impressive scores placed her 55th nationally on uneven bars. Her season was highlighted by record-breaking performances, including the highest vault score in GEC history (9.925) and a new Penn program record against West Virginia. She also tied her own GEC and school all-around record (39.325) at Towson. Additionally, she posted the highest bars (9.950) and beam (9.925) scores among all GEC gymnasts this season. A four-time GEC Gymnast of the Week honoree, Kerico consistently delivered Penn’s top score in all four events and the all-around. To be eligible for the Gymnast of the Year award, athletes must regularly compete in at least three events, and Kerico’s steady presence across all four exemplifies her exceptional contributions to the team and the conference.
GEC Specialist of the Year: Maya Davis (Brown)Â
A key contributor on bars and floor, Davis played a crucial role in Brown’s success. Her poise and consistency made her a reliable anchor in both events, earning her an NQS of 9.765 on bars and 9.855 on floor. She matched her career-best scores this season with a 9.85 on bars and an exceptional 9.9 on floor, solidifying her reputation as a top performer. Beyond her gymnastics, Davis is known for her leadership and uplifting presence in the gym. Her attention to detail and ability to inspire her teammates have been invaluable to Brown’s program. A two-time GEC Specialist of the Week honoree, she demonstrated excellence week after week, captivating audiences with her grace and precision.
GEC Newcomer of the Year: Hailey Kriz (Yale)Â
Kriz has made an immediate impact in her first year at Yale, excelling on vault, bars, and beam. Competing in key positions later in the lineup, she has been especially strong on beam, where she twice scored a 9.875—tying for the third-highest score in Yale program history and ranking tied for eighth in the GEC. She has also delivered standout performances on vault and bars, earning season highs of 9.775 and 9.825, respectively. Her 9.825 on bars ties for the sixth-highest score in Yale history and ranks eighth in the GEC. With an NQS of 9.7 on vault, 9.735 on bars, and 9.77 on beam, Kriz has consistently contributed to Yale’s success. Kriz has been recognized with two GEC Newcomer of the Week honors this season. Beyond her scores, Kriz has been a leader by example, working tirelessly to support her team and fill critical lineup spots.
GEC Co-Performances of the Year: Skyelar Kerico (Penn) & EmmaGrace Kelly (WCU)
Skye Kerico delivered a historic performance on vault against West Virginia on March 14, executing a stuck Yurchenko 1.5. A new skill for her this season, she dedicated months of training to perfecting the vault, which holds the only 10.0 start value in Penn’s lineup. Her exceptional execution and power made this performance one of the most memorable of the season.
EmmaGrace Kelly of West Chester University wowed audiences with her exquisite beam routine, featuring a highly difficult side aerial + side aerial series. Her performances throughout the season demonstrated near-perfection, with impeccable presentation and unwavering consistency. Her routine stood out as one of the finest in the conference, earning her recognition as one of the GEC’s top beam competitors.
GEC Woman of the Year: Anthea Spirko (Cornell)Â
Spirko’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and dedication. After sustaining a severe concussion during her sophomore year, she made the difficult decision to medically retire from gymnastics. Rather than leaving the sport behind, she embraced a new role as a coach and mentor for her teammates, offering guidance and support from the sidelines. Beyond the gym, Spirko’s passion for assistive technology led her to impactful work with GoBabyGo, where she designs and builds custom electric cars for children with mobility impairments. Her experience in the Neuromuscular Rehabilitation lab, combined with her academic excellence (4.06 GPA for Fall '24, 3.97 cumulative GPA), has fueled her aspiration to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Spirko’s ability to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth exemplifies her strength of character and commitment to making a difference.
GEC Assistant Coach of the Year: Bella Antonangeli (SCSU)Â
Antonangeli's dedication and commitment to the SCSU gymnastics program have been instrumental in maintaining stability and unity through a tumultuous period. Serving as an assistant coach for five years after competing as an athlete for four, Bella stepped up following a coaching transition. Throughout the summer, she worked tirelessly, handling most of the team's administrative responsibilities and prioritizing the athletes' well-being and education. Her steadfast presence and ability to connect with the gymnasts made her the crucial point person for the athletes during the transition. Bella's resilience and commitment helped save the 2025 season for over 30 athletes and solidify the future of a program in need of guidance. Her selflessness and dedication have left an indelible mark on SCSU gymnastics.
GEC Head Coach of the Year: Kirsten Becker (Penn)Â
Kirsten Becker's leadership guided Penn to their fourth consecutive GEC regular season championship, achieving an NQS of 195.345—the second highest in program history. Her direction led to a conference-best 10 gymnasts earning 21 All-GEC selections. The Quakers claimed back-to-back Ivy Classic titles for the first time since 2012, with Becker coaching the first consecutive Ivy Classic individual champions since 2012.
This season, Penn gymnasts under Becker recorded historic scores, including the best all-around (Kerico - 39.325 at Towson), best vault (Kerico - 9.925 vs. West Virginia), second-best beam (Fletcher and Kerico - 9.925 at Towson), and second-best bars (Kerico - 9.950 at Temple) in program history. The team earned representation in the GEC weekly awards in 9 of 10 weeks.
Becker’s Quakers set a new program record for the highest score in a season opener (194.725 at #21 Penn State) and achieved the fourth-highest all-around score in school history (196.200 at Towson). They also posted the fourth (48.975 at #23 North Carolina) and fifth-best vault scores, along with the second (49.275 at Towson) and fifth-best bars scores (49.075 at Temple) in program history, and the fourth-best beam score (49.225).
Congratulations to all the award winners on their remarkable accomplishments during the 2025 season!