CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois women's gymnastics head coach Nadalie Walsh has added Mareli Muller to the 2023 signing class on Thursday. Muller joins Olivia Coppola and Madison Vitolo who signed in November.
| 2022 Signees |
| Olivia Coppola |
Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy |
| Madison Vitolo |
North Stars Gymnastics Academy |
| Mareli Muller |
Frederick Gymnastic Club |
Mareli Muller | All-Around | Ashburn, V.A
Muller trained at the Frederick Gymnastic Club under Heather Galpin where she was a 2019 Level 9 Virginia State All-Around Champion as well as tying for first on uneven bars at the 2022 Maryland State Championships and was the 2019 Level 9 Virginia All-Around State Champion.
She also qualified for the 2021 and 2022 Development Program Nationals and the 2018 and 2019 Eastern Nationals. Muller placed first in uneven bars in the 2019 Level 9 Region 7 Regional Championships and second in all-around in the 2022 Maryland State Championships.
She chose Illinois because, "of the incredible positive atmosphere and well-balanced lifestyle that it offers. Every person on the gymnastics team, including coaches, are uplifting and make the team feel like a family. Additionally, Illinois has excellent academics and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities for students. I believe that this school will allow me to excel in all aspects of my life, with the help of the amazing people there."
Olivia Coppola | All-Around | Union, K.Y
Coppola trained at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy, the same as current Illini Amelia Knight, and was coached by Rachael Gardner.
Coppola earned the Level 9 2022 Eastern National Bars Champion and is the two-time National Floor Champion as well as the 2022 Region 5 All Star member and DP National team member. She also won first place at the Regional Floor Champion as well as the all-around champions at State.
In 2021, Coppola became a national qualifier and a Top 20 state vault and floor champion.
She chose Illinois because, "the team atmosphere, coaching staff, and campus. It felt like home to me!"
Madison Vitolo | All-Around | Basking Ridge, N.J
Vitolo trained at North Stars Gymnastics Academy under Ashley Umberger.
Vitolo qualified for level 10 DP Nationals 3 times in 2022, 2021, 2019. At the Region 7 competitions, she placed third in all-around both in 2022 and 2021.
In the 2022 New Jersey State Championships, Vitolo placed first in all-around, vault, bars, beam and floor and in the 2021 New Jersey State Championships, she placed first in bars and beam.
She chose Illinois because, "I immediately loved the coaching staff and how much they care for their athletes. The team overall has such a great vibe and I could easily see myself training and competing with them. Illinois has both the academic and athletic opportunities that are important to me and I am beyond excited to join the team."
