CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois men's gymnastics head coach Daniel Ribeiro added Garret Schooley and Dylan Shepard to the 2023 signing class. The four other signees, Brandon Dang, Preston Ngai, Vahe Petrosyan and Alex Tapanes all signed on Nov. 9. 

"We are extremely excited to announce the addition of Garrett and Dylan to our 2023 recruiting class," Ribeiro said. "Garrett is one of the top all-around gymnasts in the 2023 class. He brings depth on all 6 events and has world class potential on floor and vault. Dylan is also an all-around gymnast with exceptional talent on parallel bars and high bar. Both of these additions bring an incredible amount of experience and talent to our roster. With the addition of these two talented athletes to the four we have already signed; we have locked in the #1 recruiting class in the nation." 

Garrett Schooley | All-Around | Sarasota, Fla.

Schooley trained at Evo Gymnastics and has qualified for the Elite Team Cup all four years of high school – placing in second in the all-around, and first on floor and pommel horse 2022. 

He also has qualified for the national championships and has made nationals eight times in his career. At nationals, he placed sixth in 2022, 12th in 2021 and fourth in 2019 each in the all-around event. 

Chose Illinois because,"the strength of their athletic and academic program as well as the team atmosphere in the gym."

Dylan Shepard | All-Around | Orlando, Fla. 

Shepard was a part of Gymnastics USA and qualified for the US Championships twice. Additionally, he qualified for nationals five times and medaled in all five appearances. 

Shepard has also qualified to state numerous times and captured the all-around champion title five times, as well as being the regional all-around champion four times.

He ultimately decided to be an Illini because, "I felt deeply connected with the coaches and athletes on the team, and I loved the school and everything it has to offer."