Illinois State Boosts Gymnastics Program with Well-Rounded Class of National Qualifiers

NORMAL, Ill. -Illinois State gymnastics head coach Cassandra Ringer offered a look into the future of the program Thursday, adding five standout gymnasts for the 2026–27 season. Ringer welcomed Lyla Briggs, Carmen Derriso, Sophia Mapstone, Lily Price and Paige Reitan — a group she believes will elevate the program across all four events.

Olathe, Kansas, native Lyla Briggs will arrive as a two-time Level 10 national qualifier and proven floor competitor, capturing a regional championship in the event with a score of 9.55 before placing third nationally with a 9.725.

Ringer praised Briggs’ determination and charisma, saying, “Her unwavering determination and resilience will make an immediate impact on Redbird gymnastics,” adding that “our fans will enjoy her charismatic personality and exciting flair she brings to her gymnastics and everyday life.”

Carmen Derriso, of Sylvania, Georgia, will join the Redbirds with an impressive track record headlined by her Georgia state bars championship and qualification for the 2025 Level 10 nationals, among other accolades.

Ringer shared high praise for Derriso, highlighting the difficulty of her bar combinations, calling them some of “the most difficult uneven bars combinations in the NCAA.” Like Briggs, Ringer also praised Derriso’s character and athleticism, which “will be invaluable to the continued development of Redbird gymnastics.”

Minnesota native Sophia Mapstone comes to the Redbirds with a history of both personal and team success. As a 2024 Level 10 national qualifier, Mapstone helped lead her team to a Level 10 state championship. She continued that momentum in 2025, qualifying for Level 10 nationals again and helping her team secure a second-place finish at the state meet.

“Sophie brings a true poised confidence with her to ISU,” Ringer said. “Her clean gymnastics and pristine technique will continue to raise the standard of excellence for Redbird gymnastics.”

Lily Price, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, enters ISU as yet another gymnast with a strong résumé. Price earned her spot as a 2025 Level 10 national qualifier, posting a season-high all-around score of 36.8 — a feat she first accomplished during the 2023–24 season with a 36.175. Price is also a two-time state and regional qualifier in 2024 and 2025.

Ringer pointed to Price’s dynamic ability across all four events and her energy on the competition floor, traits that “will help drive our program to new levels.”

Rounding out the class is Paige Reitan of Miller Place, New York. Like her incoming teammates, Reitan is a 2025 Level 10 national qualifier, helping her team to a fourth-place finish at the state meet. Team success is familiar territory for Reitan, who helped lead her program to a New York state championship in 2024. A vault specialist, Reitan posted a standout 9.725 at the 2025 state meet.

Ringer is confident that Reitan’s “extreme power and high-flying skills will turn heads from day one,” while also noting her “tenacity and persistence,” qualities that “will continue to build on our strong foundation and help elevate Redbird gymnastics.”

More than standout gymnasts, these additions bring personality, leadership and a shared drive to push the program forward. Together, their talent and character position Illinois State to continue climbing toward the regional and national levels.

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