In the context of Big Ten women's gymnastics, Michigan is a powerhouse. Winning five consecutive conference championships and 11 of the last 12, the Wolverines have created a dynasty.

Much of Michigan's success can be attributed to recruiting.

When Penn State women's gymnastics assistant coach and former captain Jessica Bastardi competed against Michigan in the mid-80s, Michigan fielded a lackluster and feeble team.

That began to change in 1990, when head coach Beverly Plocki took control of the Michigan women's gymnastics team.

After two seasons at the helm, Plocki had led Michigan to the forefront of the Big Ten conference.

Michigan became recognized and respected on a national level when Beth Wymer began her collegiate career in 1992, Bastardi said.

"Wymer was amazing, and she was an All-American all four years of her collegiate career," Bastardi said. "Michigan was really able to capitalize on her success and improve its recruiting."

With Wymer becoming a three-time NCAA uneven bars champion from 1993-1995, a slew of All-Americans followed, including Heather Kabnick, Wendy Marshall, Nikki Peters, Sarah Cain, and Janessa Greico and Elise Ray, among others.

Michigan also finished the 1995 and 1999 seasons ranked No. 2 in the nation, a testament to the team's solidity.

This season, Michigan devastated the rest of Big Ten competition by scoring a 197.450 at the Big Ten Championships on March 29.

Michigan's success as of late can be largely attributed to recruiting, said Penn State women's gymnastics coach Steve Shephard.

"For one, they recruited Jenny Deiley," Shephard said, referring to the Big Ten freshman of the year and member of the All-Big Ten first team. "She was phenomenal."

Plocki said that her team currently has its hopes set on moving on to nationals and qualifying for the Super Six competition.

"We're hosting regionals, so we're hoping to make the top two and move on to nationals," Plocki said.

"We deserve to go far, but it's a stretch to say that we're going to win the championship."

After having much success recently, Michigan will most likely continue to nab the top high school talent, said Bastardi.

"In gymnastics recruiting, the rich get richer," she said.