CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois men's gymnastics head coach Daniel Ribeiro announced the signings of Jax Washburn and Nathan Whitaker to his 2024 signing class on Monday.
"We are so excited to announce the addition of Jax Washburn and Nathan Whitaker to an already star-studded class of incoming freshmen," Ribeiro said. "Both of these athletes bring passion and a positive attitude that will fit into the outstanding culture we have established."
Jax Washburn
A four-time state all-around champion, Washburn comes from Oregon Metropolitan Elite Gymnastics Academy (OMEGA) in Portland, Ore. He is also the 2023 Junior Elite National high bar champion and a two-time Elite Team Cup qualifier.
Academically, Washburn is a 2023 AP Scholar and a four-time USAG Academic All-American
He chose Illinois because "it felt like family, and I wanted to be a part of something special."
"Jax is a well-rounded all-arounder," Ribeiro said. "He should be fighting for lineup spots on nearly every single event. He is gritty, disciplined, and ruthless with his approach to new skills and upgrades."
Nathan Whitaker
Whitaker hails from Legacy Gymnastics. A seven-time state all-around champion, Whitaker placed second on floor at the 2023 Junior Elite Nationals. In 2021, he placed fifth on floor at the Junior Nationals.
The Lexington, Ky., native is a 2023-2024 Region 5 Elite Team Member, 2024 Elite Team Cup athlete and a four-time national qualifier.
He chose Illinois because "it felt like home with an unmatched team culture and motivated coaches."
"Nathan is a tough, fearless competitor," Ribeiro said. "We are bringing him in to replace Illini great Connor McCool on the floor, but we will not be sleeping on him on a few other events. His work ethic and fearless approach will surely find himself earning lineup spots on other events throughout his freshman campaign."
The Illini are set to compete in the NCAA Qualifiers on Friday, April 19, at 12 p.m. CT at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio.
