Carly Bauman Shines as CSC Academic All-America First Team Honoree
The University of Michigan women’s gymnastics program just hit another milestone. Graduate student Carly Bauman earned First Team College Sports Communicators Academic All-America honors.
This recognition highlights not only an exceptional competitive season but also a steady commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Bauman’s achievement really shows what the modern student-athlete can be—excelling at NCAA gymnastics while tackling rigorous scientific studies and making an impact beyond the arena.
Academic All-America Recognition Caps a Landmark Season
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Being named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America First Team is one of the highest distinctions for college athletes. The award celebrates those who balance elite athletic performance with top-notch academics, and Bauman now stands among the nation’s most accomplished student-athletes.
This is Bauman’s first Academic All-America award, building on her earlier CSC Academic All-District selection. The announcement came out of Austin, Texas, and really put Michigan gymnastics in the national spotlight as a program that develops leaders both in competition and in the classroom.
You can find more details in the official University of Michigan release here: Michigan Athletics coverage of Bauman’s Academic All-America recognition.
What the CSC Honor Represents
The College Sports Communicators Academic All-America program looks at a range of criteria—grade-point average, academic standing, and athletic contributions. For gymnasts, that means excelling in a sport that demands year-round precision and focus while managing a heavy class load.
Bauman’s selection reflects years of hard work, not just a single standout moment. It also shows how college athletics now values well-rounded development, not just performance in the arena.
Dominance on the Bars and Beyond in 2025
The 2025 season was one of Bauman’s best yet. In her fifth year with the Wolverines, she kept delivering big scores and stepped up as a leader during postseason meets.
Her biggest moment came at the NCAA Regional Championships, where she finished as co-champion on uneven bars with a near-perfect 9.950. That routine really cemented her as one of the nation’s top specialists and helped Michigan make a deep postseason run.
Statistical Highlights from an Elite Campaign
Bauman’s season stood out for both quality and quantity. She ranked among the Big Ten’s best all year.
- 14 individual event titles across three apparatus
- 19 routines scored 9.900 or higher
- Three-time Big Ten Specialist of the Week
- First Team All-Big Ten honoree for the second straight year
These numbers show not just technical skill, but also the mental toughness needed to deliver under pressure every week.
Regional and Conference Recognition
Bauman’s impact reached well beyond the Big Ten. She earned Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association Northeast Regional Gymnast of the Year, an honor reserved for athletes with exceptional season-long performance.
This regional award placed her among the nation’s elite and reinforced Michigan’s status as an NCAA powerhouse. Competing in a region packed with talent, Bauman stood out through her consistency and execution.
A Leader Within the Big Ten
The Big Ten is one of the toughest gymnastics conferences out there. Bauman’s repeat selection as a first team All-Big Ten athlete shows she can stand out in a field full of Olympic-level competitors.
Her three Specialist of the Week awards highlight just how often she delivered clutch routines, giving the Wolverines a boost when it mattered most.
Academic Excellence in the Sciences
While Bauman’s athletic accolades get plenty of attention, her academic record is just as impressive. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology, health and science and is now working toward a Master of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.
This field demands intensive lab work and advanced research skills. Balancing graduate-level science with Division I gymnastics takes serious time management and a real drive to learn.
A Record of Scholastic Achievement
Bauman’s Academic All-America honor fits into a bigger picture of classroom success. She’s picked up multiple academic distinctions over her college career.
- Three-time WCGA Scholastic All-American
- Four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree
- Big Ten Distinguished Scholar
These honors put her among the top academic performers not just in gymnastics, but across all Big Ten sports.
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Service, Research, and Life Beyond the Gym
Bauman’s influence goes way beyond just meets and classes. She’s active in community service and professional development, especially in healthcare and science.
She’s part of a student group that visits kids at Mott’s Children’s Hospital, spending time with patients and their families. Through MATCH (Michigan Athletes Towards Careers in Healthcare), she’s also exploring future paths in medicine or biomedical research.
Preparing for a Career After Gymnastics
Bauman is hands-on in campus research labs, applying what she learns in the classroom to real projects. This experience sets her up for future opportunities in healthcare, research, or grad school—whatever comes next.
Her journey shows how today’s college athletes are more than competitors. They’re building skills and relationships that will last long after the final routine.
A Model Student-Athlete for Michigan Gymnastics
Carly Bauman’s First Team CSC Academic All-America honor means more than just a personal win. It highlights the University of Michigan women’s gymnastics program and its drive for excellence in every part of student life.
She’s delivered elite performances on the uneven bars. In competitions, Bauman leads with consistency and grit.
She doesn’t just focus on athletics—her academic dedication stands out. Bauman also finds time for real community involvement, which is honestly impressive.
Her story makes you wonder if maybe, just maybe, balancing top-level sports and serious academics isn’t impossible after all. For future Wolverines, she’s raised the bar in more ways than one.