The Michigan Wolverines welcome in two freshmen this season, Olivia Karas and Emma McLean. The Wolverines just missed out on Super Six last season and are looking to get back there in 2016. Michigan will have a small but deep team his year with 13 gymnasts. 

Gymnastike recently caught up with Bev Plocki 
We are thrilled to have both Olivia and Emma joining our team this season. They both have been a positive presence and addition to our team. I couldn’t ask for more out of them. Both young ladies are very mature and level headed and that is a great attitude to have. 

Olivia Karas
Olivia Karas is a freshman from Chicago, Illinois where she trained at IK Gymnastics. Olivia comes into Michigan with great success at level 10. Karas is a three-time J.O. National Championships qualifier (2011, 2014-15). In 2015 she placed 1st on vault and 4th all-around. In 2014 she placed 1st on vault, bars and all-around. Karas competed at the 2015 Nastia Liukin Cup where she took 3rd in the all-around, tied for 2nd on vault and claimed 2nd on floor exercise. Karas comes into Michigan with powerful tumbling including an Arabian double front on floor. Look for her to have an impact for the Wolverines in the all-around this season.  

Bev Plocki on Olivia Karas
“Olivia is going to be a great collegiate athlete. She can very easily fill the all-around spot that opened up from Sachi graduating. She is a powerful gymnast who shows great personality. She is taking advantage of all of the resources here and it is great to see her off to such a positive start.” 

Emma McLean
Emma McLean is a freshman from Clarkston, Michigan where she trained at Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Academy. McLean was a four-time J.O. National Championships qualifier (2012-15). In 2015 she took 3rd all-around, 2nd on floor and 4th on vault. McLean placed 6th on floor at the 2015 Nastia Liukin Cup. McLean will be a boost to Michigan on vault and floor where she is a strong gymnast. Her yurchenko 1 ½ will be beneficial to the lineup with the full now devalued.

Bev Plocki on Emma McLean
“Emma has the potential to be great on all four events. She shines on vault and floor where we are excited to see her great yurchenko 1 ½ this year. She is a talented gymnast who is working hard on her consistency. Emma always has a beaming smile and finds the good in any situation.” 

Which gymnast are you looking forward to seeing compete this year for Michigan? Let us know if the comments below.

Stay tuned to hear about the incoming freshman from your favorite team! 

Related:
Incoming Freshmen: Utah
Incoming Freshmen: Georgia
Incoming Freshmen: Oklahoma