Ringer Rounds Out Redbird Gymnastics Coaching Staff

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State gymnastics head coach Cassandra Ringer has completed her inaugural coaching staff with the program, following the announcement of the retention of assistant coach Kendra Combs and the hiring of new assistant coach Adeline Kenlin on Tuesday.

Combs joined the Redbird Gymnastics program as an assistant coach in the fall of 2023 and is entering third second season as a member of the staff. Combs has worked as the primary vault coach and choreographer for the Redbirds and assists with coaching bars. 

"Kendra has played an integral role in the successful trajectory of Redbird gymnastics over the past several years," Ringer stated. "Her attention to detail, precise planning, and student-athlete focus will lend itself well to the continued development of the program. As we enter this next chapter of Redbird gymnastics, I couldn't be more excited to have her by my side."

Last season, the Redbirds posted the fourth-highest team score in program history (196.150) and posted two of the top four bars event scores in the history of the program, including a 49.175 which ranks second overall. The Redbirds won their second MIC Championship in three seasons and sent three student-athletes to the NCAA Regional in Washington. In 2024, The Redbirds' vault team scored 49+ six times, including a season high of a 49.325. Combs helped coach two individuals, Jaye Mack and Angelica Labat, to qualify for the NCAA Ann Arbor Regional Championships and in total, 18 Redbirds earned All-MIC honors, including 5 on vault. 

Kenlin joins the Illinois State coaching staff, following a stellar gymnastics career at Iowa. A two-time All-American and one of just four multi-time All-Americans in Hawkeyes' history, Kenlin was the NCAA runner-up on beam in 2022 and tied the school record on beam with a 9.975 in 2021 on way to being named the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year. She also has the second-best score on beam in school history at 9.950.

"We are thrilled to welcome Adeline to the Redbird gymnastics staff," Ringer said. "Her accolades both personally and professionally are impressive; however, it is her passion for the sport and growth mindset that set her apart. Adeline is committed to promoting an atmosphere in which our student-athletes feel comfortable to learn and develop holistically, which are qualities essential to sustained success."

The Redbirds will look to defend their Midwest Independent Conference Championship when their season begins in January 2026, hoping to secure the program's third title in four seasons.

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