Nicole Ahsinger doesn’t have a lot on her list of pre-competition rituals. She doesn’t meditate. She doesn’t have a breathing technique. She doesn’t do any visualization.

The NCAA Championship was an exciting event this year, not the least because it was a comeback season after the 2020 season was canceled. This year’s competition field was incredibly tight, and to add on to the historic nature of this year’s competition, it aired on ESPN live for the first time. Additionally, the winner of this year capped off the historic year, with Michigan winning its first title in school history.

Every year American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) presents the distinguished AAI Award to the most outstanding senior female gymnast in the country. 

Just three months into 2020 and the world seemed to be shutting down. Schools closed, and classes were moved online. Gyms had to temporarily close. Competitions and meets were canceled. The gymnastics season was suddenly over for club and NCAA. Everyone’s lives were suddenly changing. There were new adjustments to be made all around.