CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illini newcomer Mallory Mizuki joins the team from Olympia Gymnastics Academy in Michigan, the same gym as fellow Illini Karen Howell. A Junior Olympic national qualifier, Mizuki's second-place finish on floor at the 2015 Junior Olympic nationals helped the Region 5 Junior B squad earn the team title in their age group. That same year, the Shelby Township native earned a spot on the 2015 Region 5 All-Star Team that traveled to Glasgow, Scotland. Mizuki also had a top-three all-around finish at the 2015 Region 5 Level 10 Championships and wrapped up her club career at the Level 10 Michigan State meet, earning three state titles (AA, BB, FX) and placing second on vault. The Illini newcomer figures to make an immediate impact for the squad in 2019...

Why you chose Illinois?

The comradery and passion of the team is what drew me to the University of Illinois. I am excited to represent a school with a great academic and athletic reputation. I love the feeling I get every time I am on campus and I cannot wait to be an Illini.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Major: Chemical Engineering

What are you looking forward to most about college gymnastics?

Putting all my effort towards the team and all focusing on the same goal.

What is the top item on your bucket list?

Travel the world

What is your hidden talent?

I can play the French horn

What is your dream job?

Work for the CIA

What is your favorite movie?

The Proposal

What is your favorite TV show?

How I Met your Mother

What is your favorite quote?

"The time is now."

What is your favorite song?

"Don't Stop Believing" by Journey

What is your favorite sports team?

Detroit Tigers

What is your favorite gymnastics event?

Vault

What is your favorite gymnastics memory?

Competing at Junior Olympic Nationals

What are your pre-meet superstitions/rituals?

I watch "Stick It" the night before and wear the same two clips every meet.

What is your favorite athlete?

Maggie Nichols

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

Deanna Sigler

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

American Ninja Warrior

What is your favorite activity outside of gymnastics?

Kayaking

What person would you like to spend the day with?

My Uncle Tom

What is your favorite social media platform?

Snapchat

What do you like most about your hometown?

It is very suburban but surrounded by nature.

What person has most influenced your athletic career?

My parents

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?

Japan

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