As the 2025 gymnastics season approaches, the Falcons prepare for a fresh start under a brand-new coaching staff.
Last season, the Falcons finished with a record of 4-13, going 0-5 in conference meets.
This season, the Falcons search for redemption, led by head coach Brittney Emmons, along with assistant coaches Ciera Martin and Hannah Hartung.
EVERYTHING EMMONS:
Emmons joins the Orange and Brown after spending the last five years as an assistant at William & Mary, where she was named the 2020 ECAC Assistant Coach of the Year.
In 2024, William & Mary’s gymnastics program set a school record-breaking National Qualifying Score of 193.920, also earning scores that ranked in the all-time top 10 in vault, bars, and beam.
Emmons also volunteer coached at Utah State from 2013-2016 and was the assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State from 2016-2018.
“It’s been great to explore and be a part of all these experiences,” said Emmons. “I think it has truly helped me develop, not only as a coach but also as a person from being able to work with a variety of people.”
A Ball State gymnastics alumni herself, Emmons is familiar with the Mid-American Conference (MAC). She graduated from Ball State in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a pre-dental emphasis, going on to earn a master’s degree in physical education and sport the following year.
“One of the things I learned in school is that when you show up at MAC championships and it’s all seven teams, you don’t know who’s going to walk away a winner that season,” said Emmons. “If we can be consistent and know our gymnastics, stay on the equipment, and control what we can control, that will build us up.”
Following the results of last season, Emmons recognizes the importance of mindset heading into the 2025 season.
“What I want them to recognize is that they’re part of the one percent of the population that can do this sport at this level and make sure that they’re proud of what they’re doing,” Emmons shared. “First and foremost, doing it for themselves, and then being able to come together collectively as a team.”
HIGHLIGHTED GYMNASTS:
Junior Megan Bingham will be returning for her third season with the Falcons. Last season, Bingham appeared on vault, bars, and beam in all 13 of BGSU’s meets.
She equaled a PR on vault twice (9.775), as well as twice on bars (9.825). The gymnast from Louisville, Kentucky scored a 9.800 or higher on beam seven times and notched a 9.925 at Western Michigan, tying for No. 5 in program history.
Throughout the 2024 season, Bingham earned one first-place finish, two second-place finishes, and four third-place finishes. She also occupies positions in Bowling Green’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the team’s leadership council.
Bingham noted that the results from last season lowered the team’s morale.
“Coming back from that, we were all disappointed in ourselves because we knew that we were better,” she said. “Coming into this season, it’s like wanting to prove others wrong and prove ourselves wrong and to do better than we did last year.”
Bingham discussed how the change in coaching staff has affected their confidence.
“I think it has gotten significantly better, and that’s been something that we’ve focused on a lot this year. We just had an intrasquad last week and the whole thing was to be confident and to get up and know that you’re going to hit,” shared Bingham.
Sophomore Megan Dzialo competed in six of the team’s 13 meets during her freshman season, making her collegiate debut against Long Island University.
Dzialo earned a score of 9.700 on bars at LIU, later earning a season-best of 9.800 at Kent State.
“She is crushing it in the gym,” stated Emmons on Dzialo. “I’m so excited to be able to see where she continues to progress from what she was able to give to the team last year.”
Senior Emily Castiglia prepares for her final season with the Orange and Brown. Last spring, Castiglia appeared in 12 of their 13 meets, competing 12 times on beam and twice on floor.
The two-time WCGA Scholastic All-America honoree had seven beam routines score 9.700 or better, with four scoring 9.800 or better. She also set her bar personal record (PR) of 9.850 last season.
Bingham described Castiglia as someone with calm confidence, emphasizing her strength on both floor and beam.
NEWCOMERS:
Freshman Kayla Shaw joins the Falcons from Brampton, Ontario, a graduate of Silverthorn Collegiate. Shaw competed in club gymnastics with All-Star Sports Centre and was a five-time Team Ontario member.
Shaw was also named as the National Canadian Vault Champion in 2023 and 2024.
“Kayla is someone that has that power, has that piece where she can bring that personality and flair,” said Emmons about Shaw.
Freshman Emily Gianfrancesco arrives at Bowling Green from Mount Prospect, Illinois as a graduate of Prospect High School. Gianfrancesco participated in club gymnastics with Lakeshore Academy of Mount Prospect.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Falcons head into MAC competition on January 12, facing Eastern Michigan. They will take on Central Michigan later that week, before hosting the Bowling Green Tri-Meet on January 26.
“This year, I feel like we’re going into it with a much better attitude,” believes Bingham. “It’s going to be exciting to get out there and show everyone what we’ve been working on.”
