CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Head coach Kim Landrus and the Fighting Illini women's gymnastics staff announced the addition of Rachael Donovan for the fall of 2015. Donovan rounds out the class of 2015 joining Haylee Roe, Lizzy LeDuc, Brielle Nguyen and Julia Hutcherson.
Notes:
2015 - Junior Olympic National QualifierÂ
2015 - Level 10 Regionals: 3rd AA, 1st Beam, 5th BarsÂ
2015 - Level 10 PA State: 3rd AA, 1st Bars
2014 - Level 10 Regional Beam & Floor Medalist
2013 - Junior Olympic National Qualifier
2013 - Level 10 Regionals: 2nd AA, 3rd Beam, 4th Bars
2012 - Junior Olympic National Alternate/ NIT Qualifier
2012 - Level 10 Regionals: 8th AA, 7th Vault & Beam
2012 - Level 10 PA State: 4th AA, 2nd Beam, 3rd Floor
Coach Landrus says:
"Our coaching staff is very excited about Rachael joining our Illini family because she has many of the qualities that we were looking for to complete our 2015 class. We anticipate that she will make an immediate impact her freshman year. She has the difficulty level and consistency that will help the program continue to build upon past years. When Rachael visited, it was evident that this was the place for her. We are excited about her joining our family and can't wait for her to arrive."
Why Donovan chose Illinois:
"I chose Illinois because of its strong academics, high level of gymnastics, beautiful campus and its family feel. I also chose Illinois because of how coherent the girls and the coaches are. Everyone seemed to be happy and positive and I want to surround myself with people who are like that."
What Donovan enjoyed most on her visit to Illinois:
"What I enjoyed the most about Illinois was how welcomed I felt on my visit. The coaches and the gymnasts made me feel like I was already part of the family. I also enjoyed watching the girls train and envisioning what it would be like to be a Fighting Illini!"
