International Gymnast - November 2010

Head Coach: Kristen Smyth (10th year) Assistants: Chris Swircek (Assoc. Head Coach), Tabitha Yim

Lost: Carly Janiga, Blair Ryland, Tenaya West, Stephanie Carter

Got: Lauren Caldemeyer (DeVeau’s), Lucy Meyer (Twin City Twisters), Shona Morgan (Waverley Advanced, Australia), Amanda Spinner (Bay Aerials), Kristina Vaculik (Gemini, Canada)

Leaders: Shelley Alexander, Allyse Ishino Desired qualities in a recruit: I look for kids who are committed to working hard together to achieve their collective goals, and are passionate about their sport and love what they do. I look for student-athletes that strive for excellence and are excited about taking advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities that exist at Stanford. I also l look for leaders who are confident in who they are and in their ability to lead. Finally, I look for student-athletes that want to be a part of the SWG family; specifically, I look for enthusiastic, selfless team players. What builds or harms team chemistry? A close-knit, unified team that cares about each other is what makes the entire pursuit worthwhile. From day one we promote a true feeling of family, with a foundation built on trust, respect and unconditional love.

STANFORD

CARDINAL

Head Coach: Bev Plocki (22nd year) Assistants: Scott Sherman, Shannon Welker Lost: Kelsey Knutson, Jaclyn Kramer, Maureen Moody

Got: Joanna Sampson (Ricochet), Stephanie Colbert (Phenom), Shelby Gies (Will Moor), Reema Zakharia (Universal), Teresa Arthur (Krafft), Tori Kane (Will-Moor), Kristin Nagle (Farmington)

Leaders: Sarah Curtis, Jordan Sexton, Trish Wilson, Kylee Botterman

Desired qualities in a recruit: Passion for the sport, team spirit, good relationships with coaches and teammates.

What builds or harms team chemistry? Common goal to win and teamwork can build. Individual mentality and poor communication with team and coaches [can harm].

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Head Coach: Rhonda Faehn (9th year) Assistants: Adrian Burde, Robert Ladanyi

Lost: Rebekah Zaiser, Courtney Gladys, Amanda Castillo, Ashley Kerr

Got: Kytra Hunter (Hill’s), Alaina Johnson (Texas East), Mackenzie Caquatto (Legacy Elite), Brittney Noble (Orlando Metro), Maranda Smith (sixth year)

Leaders: Maranda Smith, Alicia Goodwin Desired qualities in a recruit: Someone who is always reaching for the next level of excellence. True passion for gymnastics and being a team player. Someone that will help keep the great team chemistry that we already have.

What builds or harms team chemistry? Build: open communication with coaches and teammates; positive team leadership; team building outside of gym. Harm: negativity; complaining; focused on individual instead of team.

FLORIDA

GATORS

Florida sophomore Marissa King

Head Coaches: Mark & René Cook (10th year) Assistant: Don Houlton

Lost: Casey Jo Magee, Sarah Nagashima, Amy Defilippo

Got: Katherine Grable (Oshkosh), Shelby Salmon (Sharp’s), Bailee Zumwalde (Twin City Twisters), Scarlett Williams (Elite), Jordan Salsberg (Lanier’s)

Leaders: Michelle Stout (5th-year athlete recovered from Achilles’ tendon tear), Jaime Pisani

Desired qualities in a recruit: Character—one who strives to be the best at everything they do. Coachability, hard-working, team player! What builds or harms team chemistry? Build: caring about others, positive, competitive attitude. Harm: negative, complacent, apathetic.

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

“The quality of leadership within the team is the single most important intangible when it comes to success.”

UTAH

Head Coaches: Greg Marsden (36th year), Megan Marsden (25th year)

Assistant: Tom Farden

Lost: Daria Bijak, Jamie Deetscreek, Annie DiLuzio, Megan Whitney

Got: Nansy Damianova (Gymnix, Canada), Lia Del Priore (Parkettes), Alyssa Gale (Monarchs), Hailee Hansen (USA Gym World), Mary Beth Lofgren (Olympus), Corrie Lothrop (Hill’s), Victoria Shanley (Colorado Aerials)

Leaders: Our leadership council consists of Jacquelyn Johnson, Corrie Lothrop, Stephanie McAllister and Kyndal Robarts.

Desired qualities in a recruit: A passion for life and any challenge they take on, determination and the will to succeed, intelligence and leadership.

What builds or harms team chemistry? The quality of leadership within the team is the single most important intangible when it comes to success. It’s important the leadership comes not from the coaches but from individual athletes who help set a higher standard than the team would have otherwise set for itself. It is the ability to make those around you better. The willingness to put aside your own needs for the needs of the team.

UTES

Head Coach: Rob Drass (12th year)

Assistants: John Figueroa, Amy Smith

Lost: Brooke Boehmer, Danielle Guider, Becky Scholle, Sarah Shire

Got: Cathryn Aliceaacosta (Cypress), Mackenzie McGill (Conoco Phillips), Taylor Medrea (MEGA), Brittani Price (United), Alex Skinner (Kurt Thomas), Katelyn Trevino (Trevino’s) Leaders: We will rely on our upper class to lead by example. We have a great core group returning that should be able to help our newcomers feel comfortable right away.

Desired qualities in a recruit: Other than physical talent, we look for athletes that have great character values, as well as a strong academic commitment. We look to match their family values with the values of our team. What builds or harms team chemistry? We believe that the best part of college gymnastics centers around the concept of team. We make all our decisions based on what is best for the team. So consistency in treating team members plays a crucial role as well as open, honest communication.