CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Head coach Kim Landrus and the Fighting Illini women's gymnastics staff announced the addition of Julia Hutcherson and Brielle Nguyen for the fall of 2015.
 

Julia Hutcherson 

Hometown: Canton, GA
Club Team: The Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta  

Notes: 
Five time Regional qualifier 
2015 Level 10 5th place all-around state meet
Graduated with distinction and honors (2015)
 

Coach Landrus says: 
"I am thrilled that Julia will be joining our Illini family this fall. She is excited about college gymnastics and looks forward to doing it at one of the top academic institutions in the country. I am confident that she has the potential to compete in our line-up and continue to increase her level of gymnastics at Illinois."

Why Hutcherson chose Illinois: 
"I chose Illinois because it is one of the top academic schools in the U.S., and I wanted to continue my gymnastics career in college."

What Hutcherson enjoyed most on her visit to Illinois: 
"I enjoyed meeting the team and coaches. Everyone was welcoming and friendly."

Brielle Nguyen

Hometown: Orange County, CA
Club Team: Gymmax Gymnastics   

Notes: 
2015 - Level 10 Regionals Fifth Place Beam 
2015 - Level 10 State Sixth Place Beam 
2014 - Level 10 Regionals Seventh Beam 
2014 - Level 10 State Beam Champion

Coach Landrus says:
"One of the things that excites me about Brielle is her future growth on several events, as begins her journey as a collegiate athlete. Although beam is her specialty event, I anticipate her to contend for line-up spots in the other events as well. From the time she visited Illinois, she knew this was the place for her and we could not be happier to add her to our family!"

Why Nguyen chose Illinois:
"Coach Kim, Coach Chad and Coach Jacob made me feel like I was at home and I were meant to join the Illini family. I felt that the team had a sisterly bond and sensed their positive energy towards each other. After meeting the coaches and teammates, I am very confident that Illinois is the right choice for me. Last but not least, the University of Illinois Champaign has one of the best science departments in the nation. Not only am I surrounded by happy people, but also I'm surrounded in a gorgeous campus!"

What Nguyen enjoyed most on her visit to Illinois:
"I enjoyed watching the co-ed meet the most when I visited Illinois! The interaction between the crowd and the gymnasts made it so fun to watch!"