CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illini newcomer Torie Stotz is an in-state product joining the orange and blue from Illinois Gymnastics Institute (IGI) based in the Chicagoland area. A Junior Olympic National qualifier, Stotz placed eighth on vault at the 2016 JO Nationals. Stotz also impressed on the state and regional level, placing in the top-three on vault for the past two years and becoming state floor champion at the 2016 Level 10 Illinois State Meet. In her last season as a club gymnast, the Western Springs, Ill. native placed third on vault and sixth on floor at the 2018 Level 10 Illinois State Meet. Stotz joins Mallory Mizuki (Shelby Township, Mich.), Shaylah Scott (Plano, Texas) and Erin Weisel (Carlsbad, Calif.) to form a strong group of freshmen on the Illini 2019 roster…

Why you chose Illinois?

The great balance between academics and athletics, along with the great team/family here at Illinois.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Major: Architecture

What are you looking forward to most about college gymnastics?

Being able to compete as a team and build a new family.

What is the top item on your bucket list?

Scuba dive and go in a cage with sharks

What is your hidden talent?

Making a four-leaf clover with my tongue

What is your dream job?

Architect or interior/exterior designer

What is your favorite movie?

Too many to list. I like blockbuster/franchise movies.

What is your favorite TV show?

Stranger Things

What is your favorite quote?

"Everything happens for a reason."

What is your favorite sports team?

Chicago Blackhawks

What is your favorite gymnastics event?

Vault

What is your favorite gymnastics memory?

Going to Nationals

What is your pre-meet superstitions/rituals?

I always knock on wood

What is your favorite athlete?

Alicia Sacramone Quinn

If you had the chance to pick the brain of any coach in any sport, who would it be?

Chicago Cubs coach

If you could be on any game and/or competition show which would you choose?

Wipeout

What is your favorite activity outside of gymnastics?

Relaxing with friends

What person would you like to spend the day with?

Joe Keery

What is your favorite social media platform?

Snapchat

What do you like most about your hometown?

It is so small that everyone is friends with each other.

What person has most influenced your athletic career?

My mom

What is the last movie you watched that you liked?

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

If I could live anywhere in the world, where would choose?

Italy or Bali

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