Nov. 13, 2003
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- University of Illinois women's gymnastics coach Bob Starkell has announced the signing of Michelle McGrady and Krystal Melcarek to national letters of intent for the 2004-2005 season.
McGrady is a native of Buffalo Grove, Ill. where she helped lead Stevenson High School to the 2002 and 2003 Illinois State gymnastics titles while placing second individually on the uneven bars and floor exercise. She is a four-time Level 10 regional qualifier and was an alternate for the Junior Olympic National Region 5 team in 2002.
Melcarek, who hails from Mukwonago, Wis., was the 2002 Wisconsin state all-around champion and was a Junior Olympic National qualifier in 2002 and 2003. She is in her fourth year as captain of the Salto Gymnastics Club and is a four-year honor roll student.
"This recruiting class is strong and both young ladies seem to have general love for the sport of gymnastics," said Starkell of the new Fighting Illini. "Krystal and Michelle will definitely make an impact as freshman and will continue to excel at the collegiate level."
MICHELLE MCGRADY
Buffalo Grove, Ill.
High School: Stevenson
Club: American Academy
Notes: Four-time Level 10 Regional qualifier...Junior Olympic National Region 5 Alternate in 2002...Lead Stevenson HS to back-to-back ISHA State Championships in 2002 and 2003...Finished second on the uneven bars and floor exercise at the 2003 State Championships and was third on the vault at the 2002 state meet.
Coach Starkell on McGrady: "Michelle is one of the more dynamic gymnasts in the IHSA and should be a key athlete on our squad next year. She will have a very large impact in our vault line-up, while also contributing as an all-arounder. The best part is that she has the potential to be even better in the years to come. Our staff is excited to have Michelle as new member of our squad for next year."
KRYSTAL MELCAREK
Mukwonago, Wisconsin
High School: Mukwonago
Club: Salto Gymnastics
Notes: Member of the Region 4 Junior Olympic Team in 2002 and 2003...Wisconsin State All-Around Champion in 2002...Salto Gymnastics team captain, 2000-present...Four year honor roll student.
Coach Starkell on Melcarek: "We are extremely excited to have Krystal join our Illini family. She is a strong competitor and will make an immediate contribution when she steps into our gym. She is clean and consistent on bars, which caught my attention when I saw her compete, but she'll also contribute as an all-arounder at Illinois. Krystal trains in one of the best gyms in Wisconsin and the coaching there is top notch. I am confident that she will be very successful in the Big Ten Conference."
