Carly Bauman Shines with First Team CSC Academic All-America Honors
The University of Michigan’s women’s gymnastics program keeps shining—on the mat, and honestly, in the classroom too. Graduate student Carly Bauman just picked up one of collegiate athletics’ most prestigious academic honors. Recently, she was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America First Team. Bauman’s achievement really shows her knack for balancing athletic excellence with academic drive.
Her 2025 season? It was all about consistency, leadership, and that relentless dedication—traits that have made her one of the most respected athletes in the Big Ten. Let’s take a closer look at Bauman’s journey and what her recognition means for Michigan gymnastics.
The Rise of a Michigan Gymnastics Star
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From her first routines as a Wolverine to her graduate research in molecular biology, Carly Bauman lives the student-athlete life to the fullest. She’s from West Des Moines, Iowa, and came to Michigan with a solid background in both school and sport.
Over time, she’s become one of the team’s most dependable gymnasts. The uneven bars? That’s where she really shines—precision, artistry, and a bit of flair that gets the crowd going.
Her growth in the program has gone hand-in-hand with Michigan’s continued dominance in women’s gymnastics. The team keeps chasing Big Ten titles and national attention, and Bauman’s routines often steal the spotlight.
She helps anchor lineups and motivates younger teammates. You can see the culture head coach Bev Plocki has built in Ann Arbor—one that values more than just winning. Personal growth and academics matter, too.
Dominating the 2025 Season
The 2025 season really was a standout for Bauman. She finished as the NCAA Regional co-champion on the uneven bars with a 9.950—an elite-level score.
Her consistency all year was unreal. She posted 19 scores of 9.900 or higher and grabbed 14 individual event titles across three events. These accomplishments helped her earn Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) Northeast Regional Gymnast of the Year.
Bauman also picked up her second straight First Team All-Big Ten honor. She won three Big Ten Specialist of the Week awards too, which says a lot about her reliability.
When the pressure was on, she delivered. Her performances not only boosted Michigan’s team scores but also set her apart as one of the conference’s most dependable gymnasts.
Academic Excellence Beyond the Gym
Bauman’s gymnastics résumé is impressive, but her academic record is what really makes her stand out. She’s a graduate student working toward a Master of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She brings the same discipline to her studies that she does to her sport.
Before grad school, she earned her undergraduate degree in Biology, Health, and Science. She kept her grades high throughout her college career.
Her selection to the CSC Academic All-America First Team is a first for her, after already making CSC Academic All-District. This award puts her among the top student-athletes in the country—people who excel in sports, academics, and even community involvement.
She’s also a three-time WCGA Scholastic All-American, a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. Not bad, right?
Balancing Research, Service, and Athletics
Alongside her classes and gymnastics, Bauman spends time in a campus research lab. She’s working on projects that connect with her love for science and healthcare.
She’s also involved with MATCH (Michigan Athletes Towards Careers in Healthcare), exploring where athletics and medicine overlap. Maybe that’ll lead her into medical or scientific research down the line.
Bauman joins outreach efforts, like visiting kids at Mott’s Children’s Hospital. She and other athletes bring some encouragement and smiles to young patients.
Giving back seems just as important to her as nailing a routine. It’s part of what Michigan Athletics is all about—building leaders who make a difference off the mat, too.
Leadership and Legacy at Michigan
As a fifth-year senior, Bauman’s impact goes way beyond her scores. She’s a mentor for younger gymnasts, showing them how to juggle the demands of college sports and academics.
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Her leadership has played a big role in keeping Michigan at the top of the Big Ten and in the national conversation. Teammates look to her for advice—on routines and on balancing the whole student-athlete life.
Bauman’s style? Careful prep, steady focus, and real enthusiasm. She’s helped shape the culture of Michigan gymnastics.
Her story? It’s a reminder that college athletics aren’t just about medals. They’re about building character and a lifelong love of learning.
Michigan Gymnastics: A Tradition of Excellence
Bauman’s recognition adds another chapter to Michigan’s tradition of Academic All-Americans. The Wolverines have a reputation for student-athletes who really do it all.
Coach Plocki’s program values more than just scores. Integrity, teamwork, and curiosity matter as much as athletic achievement.
Her achievement also highlights how Michigan supports both academics and athletics. The university’s resources—world-class research labs, strong academic support—give student-athletes like Bauman a real shot at reaching their potential.
Her story might just inspire future Wolverines to aim high, both in the gym and in the classroom.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Carly Bauman
Now that her college gymnastics career is done, Bauman’s future seems wide open. Maybe she’ll stick with research, head deeper into healthcare, or stay connected to athletics somehow.
Her foundation—discipline, balance, and a real love for sport and study—will guide her wherever she goes. For Michigan fans, her legacy will stick around.
She’s set a bar that future gymnasts will try to reach: athletic artistry, curiosity, and giving back. As she moves on to whatever’s next, she leaves Michigan gymnastics stronger—and her story will inspire Wolverines for years to come.
Celebrating the Complete Student-Athlete
These days, college athletics often zeroes in on competition and results. But Bauman’s story nudges us to remember there’s more to it than just winning games.
College sports should develop leaders who grow on the field, in class, and as people. Bauman’s CSC Academic All-America First Team honor isn’t just another trophy—it’s proof of her grit and ability to juggle it all.
The University of Michigan keeps turning out remarkable student-athletes, and Carly Bauman’s name will stick in people’s minds. She really shows what can happen when talent and determination collide.