Michigan Gymnastics: Retooling The Wolverines

Michigan’s New Era: Building on the Kanewa-Hermelyn Foundation

Following the legendary 36-year career of Bev Plocki, Maile'ana Kanewa-Hermelyn just wrapped up her first season at the helm in Ann Arbor. Finishing ranked 13th nationally and making a regional final for the first time since 2023 shows that the program is not only staying steady but actively climbing under her leadership.

University of Michigan Athletics

Kanewa-Hermelyn has been very intentional about her vision: she isn't trying to be "Plocki 2.0." She wants to honor the Michigan legacy while building something that feels entirely new. That balance between tradition and innovation is already paying dividends, with the staff earning recognition for their work in 2026.

A Modern Coaching Staff

Her staff is built to support this modern approach, blending institutional knowledge with fresh technical expertise:

• Scott Sherman (Associate Head Coach): A long-time veteran of the program, Sherman provides the consistency and technical depth that helps keep the Wolverines in the national conversation. He, along with the rest of the staff, was recently named a WCGA Northeast Regional Coach of the Year.

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• Quest Hayden (Assistant Coach): A key hire who brings elite technical expertise in routine development and recruiting, earning regional recognition for his impact in his first seasons.

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• Cali Hager (Assistant Coach): A vital part of the staff, Hager has been instrumental in the team’s growth and the "culture of belief" that Kanewa-Hermelyn is fostering, also earning regional coaching honors in 2026.

The Power of Connection

What I find most interesting as a coach is how Kanewa-Hermelyn is using this "blank canvas" of a first year to empower her athletes. She’s focused on athlete connection—when the team genuinely wants to spend time together outside of the gym, that’s when you see the results on the floor.

The Wolverines are in a classic "retooling" phase, but all the pieces are there to return to the Final Four. With a staff that emphasizes belief and technical detail, they aren't just relying on their past reputation—they are actively writing the next chapter of Michigan gymnastics.

Michigan is a program that prides itself on being at the top, and this new staff is successfully blending the legacy of the past with a fresh, modern perspective on training. They are fast, focused, and—most importantly—they are playing their own game. Keep a close eye on the Crisler Center; this team is gaining momentum every single day.