"Rebecca and Nicole have been working together very well this fall," Fagan, now in her ninth season at Ohio State, said. "It has become clear in the past several weeks that we had several leaders emerging on the team. Each of them will bring a unique aspect of leadership to the team. Rebecca brings a calm confidence that her teammates admire, and she is always cool under pressure. Krauter's strength is bringing the team together and creating a positive synergy among the team members. The leadership of the team is especially important this season, as we have over half the roster competing as first-time Buckeyes this season."

Best, a native of Williamstown, N.J., is a three-time All-Big Ten selection that finished the 2010 season as one of the Buckeyes' best all-around performers. The 2009 All-American tied for fifth in the all-around at the 2010 Big Ten Championships en route to her third All-Big Ten honor of her career. 

"Rebecca is a remarkable competitor, she rises to every occasion and she is on track to lead the team again this season," Fagan said. "She has a new bar routine that will position her to be one of our leading scorers on that event. She also has new floor routine that highlights her artistry and power."

Krauter, from Carmel, Ind., was named Academic All-Big Ten and an NACG/W academic award winner last season. She posted a season-best 9.825 score for a third-place finish on beam Jan. 16 against No. 5 Oregon State and came back a week later to tie for first on beam with a score of 9.750 in a win at Pittsburgh.

"Nicole is a beautiful gymnast and is a great performer that will likely see action in the all-around this season," Fagan said. "She has upgraded her bar routine and made some great improvements on floor. She has been a staple in our beam lineup and will be a contender to win that event numerous times this season."

The Buckeyes open the season against Minnesota at 4 p.m. Jan. 8 at St. John Arena.