CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Four all-around gymnasts are slated to join the Illinois women's gymnastics squad next fall after signing with the program on Wednesday: Julia Funaro, Judy Abdalla, Neela Nicholson, and Sirine Abouelhoda.
JULIA FUNARO | CHESHIRE, CONN. | JOHN'S ACADEMY OF GYMNASTICS
Julia Funaro, a native of Cheshire, Conn., has chosen to represent the Orange and Blue. She has won three Connecticut state championships and is a three-time national qualifier for the U.S. developmental program.
Funaro chose Illinois because "the team and coaches were immediately supportive and welcoming."
Head Coach Josh Nilson describes her as "a hard worker with a ton of power. She is a fierce competitor who will bring all-around experience to this team."
JUDY ABDALLA | CAIRO, EGYPT | ZOHOUR CLUB
One of two international competitors for the Illini, Judy Abdalla is an Egyptian Senior Elite National Team member from Cairo, Egypt. Abdalla is an International Competition finalist, and recently earned a bronze medal at the 2025 Cairo World Cup.
Abdalla describes herself as "a hardworking and passionate athlete who always gives 100% effort in everything I do."
NEELA NICHOLSON | FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. | PARK AVENUE GYMNASTICS
The Illini welcome Neela Nicholson, a third all-arounder, who is a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native and intends to major in kinesiology while at Illinois.
"She impressed us from the beginning of the recruiting process," Nilson said. "She is a team player, a great student, and an incredible gymnast."
The future squad member chose Illinois because "the school has great academics and opportunities. The team truly felt like family. This is an environment where I could really see myself growing as an athlete and a person."
SIRINE ABOUELHODA | CAIRO, EGYPT | GYMNASTICS OLMYPICA USA
Sirine Abouelhoda is the second 2026 Illini who hails from Cairo, Egypt. She was part of the 2024 Team Egypt sqaud that won gold at the African World Championships, and she competed at the 2023 World Junior Championships.
Abouelhoda currently trains at Gymnastics Olympica USA in Santa Clarita, Calif.
"We are very excited to welcome these girls to the famILLy and be part of their gymnastics journey," Nilson said.
