CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Junior transfer Morgan Bixler has been added to the Illinois women's gymnastics roster for the upcoming 2019 campaign, head coach Nadalie Walsh announced Wednesday morning.

Bixler's collegiate experience adds depth to a talented freshman class that includes Mallory Mizuki, Shaylah Scott, Torie Stotz, and Erin Weisel.

"I am really excited about getting the opportunity to add Morgan Bixler to our Fighting Illini Gymnastics family," said Walsh. "Morgan's gymnastics will immediately make a positive impact on our vault and bars lineups, making us stronger, deeper, and more even more experienced than last season."

The Hanover native comes to Illinois following two seasons with Big Ten opponent, Maryland, where she competed for the Terrapins as a vault specialist. As a freshman, she scored a career-high 9.900 on vault at the George Washington Pink Meet on February 17, 2017. She also posted a 9.750 or higher in seven meets, including four 9.800s or higher.

"Morgan has a very focused and determined personality which will be a lot of fun to work with," noted Walsh. "Her prior experience as a Big ten competitor at Maryland, as well as her excellence in the classroom make her the perfect fit for my program."

Bixler spent her club career at Frederick Gymnastics Club in Frederick, Md. A JO NIT qualifier, she had an impressive senior year by capturing the Region 7 vault title and finishing second on vault at the 2015 Maryland Level 10 State Championships. In the classroom, Bixler finished in the top 10% of her high school class and was named to the distinguished honor roll. She was also a member of the student council, National Honors Society, and National Art Honors Society.

The Illini now have a record-breaking 19 student-athletes on their roster for the impending 2019 season.

Follow the Illini

Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest information on Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics. Follow the Orange and Blue on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for complete coverage.