Leese, Dildy Named Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch
Dec 16 | Women's Gymnastics
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Graduate student Emily Leese and senior Gabrielle Dildy were both named Big Ten Gymnasts to watch by the conference on Tuesday.
Dildy is named a Gymnast to Watch for the second straight season and is coming off a 2025 campaign that saw her qualify as an individual on beam for the 2025 NCAA Regional Championships. Dildy's 9.850 on beam at Big Ten Championships helped RU qualify for NCAA Regionals for the first time in 11 seasons. In addition to her beam score, Dildy led the team with a 9.850 on floor and 9.800 on vault at the conference meet. At the conclusion of the season, Dildy was named Most Valuable Gymnast for the Scarlet Knights for the second straight season. She also earned the Pom Pom Award, Stick Queen, the 9.9 Award and the 100% award at the team banquet. A senior from Virginia Beach, Va., Dildy has posted career highs of 9.900 on vault, beam and floor.
Leese is set to return to competition after missing the 2025 season rehabbing from injury. A 2024 All-Big Ten Second Team honoree, Leese has put together a decorated career so far as a Scarlet Knight. Leese owns the program record in vault with a 9.925, accomplished in both 2023 and 2024, qualifying for 2023 NCAA Regionals on vault. She also owns a 9.925 career high on floor and a 9.850 on beam. Leese was selected as a team captain for the second straight season, is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, three-time Big Ten Distinguished scholar and a WCGA Scholastic All-American.
Rutgers opens the 2026 season in just over two weeks, beginning competition with the Rutgers Tri on Jan. 4 at Jersey Mike's Arena against Temple and Brockport.
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Dildy is named a Gymnast to Watch for the second straight season and is coming off a 2025 campaign that saw her qualify as an individual on beam for the 2025 NCAA Regional Championships. Dildy's 9.850 on beam at Big Ten Championships helped RU qualify for NCAA Regionals for the first time in 11 seasons. In addition to her beam score, Dildy led the team with a 9.850 on floor and 9.800 on vault at the conference meet. At the conclusion of the season, Dildy was named Most Valuable Gymnast for the Scarlet Knights for the second straight season. She also earned the Pom Pom Award, Stick Queen, the 9.9 Award and the 100% award at the team banquet. A senior from Virginia Beach, Va., Dildy has posted career highs of 9.900 on vault, beam and floor.
Leese is set to return to competition after missing the 2025 season rehabbing from injury. A 2024 All-Big Ten Second Team honoree, Leese has put together a decorated career so far as a Scarlet Knight. Leese owns the program record in vault with a 9.925, accomplished in both 2023 and 2024, qualifying for 2023 NCAA Regionals on vault. She also owns a 9.925 career high on floor and a 9.850 on beam. Leese was selected as a team captain for the second straight season, is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, three-time Big Ten Distinguished scholar and a WCGA Scholastic All-American.
Rutgers opens the 2026 season in just over two weeks, beginning competition with the Rutgers Tri on Jan. 4 at Jersey Mike's Arena against Temple and Brockport.
Follow Rutgers Gymnastics on Social Media
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
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