IRVING, Texas – Junior Reese Grolla and senior Kimberly Smith from Sun Devil Gymnastics were recognized on the Big 12 Preseason Team, Smith earning a spot on the all-around and floor teams and Grolla being on the bars and beam squads.
There are six gymnasts for each event on the preseason team, as voted on by the head coaches in the conference. For the complete list, head to the Big 12 website.
Smith is entering her senior campaign after her best season yet in 2025 when she emerged as an all-arounder. She was named to the 2025 All-Big 12 Team in the all-around. She was in the all-around in all but one meet and had one all-around title (as well as a bars title). Her most consistent event was bars, where she scored a 9.800 or better all but once and a career-high 9.925. She had two other 9.900s this season as well, both coming on floor.
Grolla is a transfer for the Gym Devils, coming to Tempe after spending her first two seasons at Illinois State. In 2025, she was All-MIC First Team on bars. Her career high on beam is a 9.925 and on beam is a 9.875. In her career, she has scored a 9.8 or better 18 times, as well as eight times on beam.
The season begins on Jan. 11 at home. Prior to that, the first chance for fans to see the 2026 squad is at the Maroon and Gold Showcase on Jan. 4.