CMU gymnastics remains undefeated
The Chippewas move to 4–0 with Saturday evening win over Illinois State
Central Michigan University sophomore Zoë Zimmerman does the splits in the air during her floor routine during a gymnastics meet against Illinois State University in McGuirk Arena on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (CM-Life | Claire Vachon)
Standout performances from junior Samantha Shannon and senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid led the Central Michigan gymnastics team to a 194.900–193.625 victory over Illinois State.
The Chippewas continued their undefeated season on Saturday night, battling through some uncharacteristic mistakes to improve to 4–0. Despite the challenges of the night, including inclement weather and a slow-moving meet, CMU made the best out of the situation.
“I don’t think it added extra anxiety to them,” CMU head coach Christine MacDonald said on her team’s preparation for the meet. “It’s something we know we prepared for.”
CMU led the way in the first rotation on vault as the Redbirds were on the uneven bars. Lia Kmieciak, a graduate senior, steadied her team with a 9.825 performance, helping them to an early lead at 48.470-48.475.
On uneven bars in the second rotation, Shannon and Alvarado-Reid stunned with 9.875 performances, tying for first place in the event. Shannon's performance matched her career high and helped her score a season best of 39.125 in all-around.
In the next rotation is where troubles struck for the Chippewas.Unexpected falls on beam, especially one by Alvarado-Reid, put an uneasiness on Chippewa fans around the arena.
Despite her stumble, Alvarado-Reid did not show any apprehension as she sparkled on the floor in the final rotation.
Placing first with a 9.850, Alvarado-Reid propelled CMU to another home victory.
“I thought that shows great leadership, great maturity," MacDonald said on Alvarado-Reid’s performance. “When you can not dwell on something that maybe didn’t go your way and really come in strong and be there for the team in the next event.”
CMU is on the road again next week, traveling to Athens, Georgia to compete in a quad meet with No. 5 Georgia, Temple and Fisk.
“I think the message is to continue to get one-tenth better per person and as a team collectively as well,” MacDonald said.
