PISCATAWAY, N.J. –  Head coach Umme Salim-Beasley welcomes back Makenzey Shank to Rutgers gymnastics as part of the coaching staff. Shank, a four-year letterwinner and NCAA qualifier, will return to the program as a volunteer assistant coach.
 
"We are thrilled to have Micki back at Rutgers!," said Salim-Beasley.  "She was a standout gymnast in our program.  Her love of the sport made her want to return and help guide the team to the next level of competitiveness.  Micki's energy level and positive attitude will encourage our team to want to achieve more. 
 
"Micki will get to assist on every event this year, but where she will contribute the most is with her talents in choreography and music selection.  In my opinion, she is one of the best choreographers in the country.  Her routines are unique to every gymnast.  Her expertise will definitely help our team put on a show this season.  We can't wait to get her started!"
 
Shank competed in 39 meets as a Scarlet Knight from 2015-2018, finishing her career with a total of 37 marks of 9.800 or better across bars, beam and floor exercise. The Phoenix, Arizona, native claimed the team's 9.9 award every year of her career, recording career bests of 9.900 on bars and 9.925 on beam.
 
Following a rookie season that saw her named Most Improved Gymnast for the team, Shank concluded her junior campaign by placing tied for first with a 9.850 balance beam routine in the opening session of Big Ten Championships to earn a spot on the All-Championships Team.
 
As a senior, Shank's inclusion on the 2018 Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch list was a precursor to a standout year. Shank matched the then-school record score of 9.925 on beam, earning Big Ten Specialist of the Week as her mark helped guide RU to a quad meet victory at the RAC. She closed out her career with an NCAA Regionals appearance, qualifying for beam with a team-high 9.855 RQS in the event.
 
Shank's success carried over into the classroom, being named a two-time Academic-All Big Ten and two-time NACGC/W Scholastic All-America honoree. She graduated with a journalism and media studies degree in 2018.
 
Since graduating, Shank worked with NJ.com her first year out of college as a sports writer.  She has continued to stay current in the sport of gymnastics by coaching at Magma Gymnastics in New Jersey.
 
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