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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A lot has been happening with the Fighting Illini women's gymnastics program since they finished third at NCAA Regionals in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

The team finished the 2018 season ranked No. 19 nationally, marking their highest finish since 2015. Over the summer, head coach Nadalie Walsh bolstered her staff with new hires, Jessie DeZiel (assistant coach) and Kaitlyn Betts (volunteer assistant coach). Walsh also welcomed her first signing class to campus as freshmen Mallory Mizuki, Shaylah Scott, Torie Stotz, and Erin Weisel look to make an immediate impact for the Illini this season. With a roster of 18 gymnasts, Maryland transfer Morgan Bixler brings a wealth of competitive experience and depth to the Illini vault and bars lineups.

After months of preparation that has included retreats and practice intrasquads, the Fighting Illini completed a special practice on Thursday known as #BREAKITDOWN bars practice. Six athletes worked together on a bars assignment to accomplish a new skill or work on consistency with their current skills on the event.

A wall created out of pit blocks symbolized the road blocks that are mentally built up in the heads of the athletes. As the girls accomplished their goals and skills, pit blocks were knocked down to show that they can breakthrough their barriers if they have the right mindset and attitude.  

The gymnasts chosen to participate in this activity were senior Rachael Donovan, juniors Rae Balthazor and Brittany Jones, sophomore Kylie Noonan, and freshmen Torie Stotz and Erin Weisel.

"I think today was very monumental for our athletes," said Walsh. "Ultimately, each girl having their individual victories inside the gym will lead to a more unified team and show we are able conquer anything this season."

Performing skills, half-routines, and dismounts, each girl accomplished their goals and broke through their mental road blocks. Junior Jones and sophomore Noonan impressed the most as both have not been practicing on bars in over a year. Noonan seamlessly made the transition from the pit bar to the double rails to make her Tkatchev.

 "It felt really good to get back on the bars, train my old skills, and be able to move from the pit bar to the bar set," said Noonan. "Today helped my confidence not only on bars, but on the other events. It showed that if I really want to do something, I can do it."

After various attempts, Jones broke through to make her Pike Jaegar.

 "The last time I actually did a Jaegar was my freshman year," noted Jones. "It felt amazing to catch it for the first time today. My team running towards me afterwards was the icing on the cake."

Donovan showed an impressive high to low transition with her Piked Jaegar to Bail. Known for her power, newcomer Stotz also impressed with her Tkatchev to Pak Salto combination. All-American and NCAA Championship all-around qualifier, Balthazor, showed why she is among the best nationally on the event, with her high-flying releases and clean form.

"The energy level was awesome today and bringing that every day will be key in preparing for the competitive season," said Balthazor.

The Orange and Blue also worked on perfecting their dismounts and landings. Whether on soft or hard landings, members of the team held each participate accountable to perfect their college salute. Freshman Weisel broke out of her shell and had one of the best finishes of the night, ending with a beautiful double layout dismount.

With the 2019 season only two months out, the Illini are flying high as they look to swing into the new competitive season.

"Today was a huge breakthrough," noted Walsh. "I am very proud of the girls and cannot wait to see them carry this energy throughout the season."

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