CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new era for the Fighting Illini Women’s Gymnastics program begins as Josh Nilson steps in as head coach, guiding Illinois into the Border Battle to open the 2026 season in Iowa City. The Illini will square off with Iowa, Iowa State, and Illinois State in nilson’s first competition at the helm.
EYES ON THE ILLINI
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- Freshman Summer Clancy and sophomore Chloe Cho received spots on the Big Ten’s Gymnasts to Watch list during the preseason.
- Clancy hails from Columbia, Illinois, and closed her high school career as the 2025 Missouri all-around state champion; she qualified for nationals in 2023 and 2025.
- Cho enjoyed a standout first year with the Illini, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors four times, collecting sixteen event titles, and earning the 2025 Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. She was named to the All-Big Ten First Team and the Big ten All-American Team.
NEW FACES AT THE HELM
- Josh Nilson steps into the head-coaching role after two seasons as associate head coach, helping Illinois reach back-to-back NCAA Regional Round 2 appearances and contributing to four Illini earning All-Big Ten honors.
- Rachel Inniss joins Illinois as an assistant coach this season, reuniting with Nilson after their time at Temple and bringing five seasons of experience as an assistant at Penn State.
- Abby Mueller arrives as an assistant coach.A former Illini student-athlete (2021–24),she earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in multiple years and competed for Missouri in 2025,helping the Tigers post their best beam score in program history.
head Coach: Josh Nilson
Record At Illinois: 0-0 (1st year)
Complete Illinois Meet Notes (PDF)
KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
| Event | Border Battle 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Iowa city, Iowa |
| Opponent Teams | Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois State |
| Illinois Leader | Josh Nilson (Head Coach) |
| Notable Freshmen | Summer clancy, Chloe Cho |
| New Assistants | Rachel Inniss, Abby Mueller |
LOOKING AHEAD
Illinois’ coaching staff emphasizes building on recent NCAA Regional appearances while integrating a dynamic pair of standout freshmen with seasoned veterans. the Border Battle will set the tone for a program aiming to climb back into the national conversation this season.
what are you most excited to see from Illinois’s new era? Which Illini gymnast do you think could emerge as a breakout performer in 2026?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation as Illinois opens the 2026 season.
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