January 12, 1999

As Bob Nelligan enters his 20th season with the Maryland Terrapins, he approaches it with enthusiasm and optimism. With six freshmen joining the program and only two seniors on the roster, Nelligan expects this season to feature a high-energy level that, combined with the experience provided by 10 returning gymnasts, will propel Maryland to the top of the collegiate gymnastics circuit.

"A mix of experience and high energy sums up our combination for success for the 1999 season," Nelligan acknowledged. "This particular team has put the excitement and intensity back in our approach to competition and has the ability to break into the elite ranks of collegiate gymnastics."

Every Maryland gymnast will be vying for a spot in the all-around competition this season, but expect junior co-captains Rachel Dolbin and Christine Holcombe to lead the Terps.

Since beginning their careers at Maryland, Dolbin and Holcombe have shown consistent improvement in every event.

Dolbin, the 1997 East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) Outstanding Rookie Gymnast, holds the Maryland all-time record in the all-around with a 39.150 and looks to further that mark this season. "Rachel is so very unique in that she keeps her fears to herself, but shares her courage with the rest of the team," said Nelligan. "She is one of the physically strongest Terps and has the ability to inspire teammates with her hard work, dedication and attitude." Holcombe had her best season as a Terrapin in 1998 as she set personal bests on beam (9.700), floor (9.800) and in the all-around (38.925). She will be the vocal leader of the Terps this season and will provide the main spark that the Terps need to stay at top form. Nelligan says, "Enthusiasm is Christine's greatest asset. She uses it to generate excitement among her team and, ultimately, pick up the performance level of each gymnast." Holcombe tied for fifth on floor at the EAGL Championships and placed 14th on vault at the Southeast Region Championships with scores of 9.750.

Two other gymnasts that are expected to be extremely strong for the Terps in the all-around are freshmen Laura Moon and Gillian Cote. Even though they are in just their first year with Maryland, there are already high expectations surrounding the two athletes, but not just in terms of what they bring to the team in competitions. "Laughter has been Laura's gift to this team. She has enabled all of the girls to not get as high-strung as they might and that is of great benefit," Nelligan commented. On Cote, Nelligan said, "She is getting a little better all of the time. With Gillian, the more time and effort she puts in, the more she will get out of it."

On bars, the Terps will utilize the trio of a senior and twin freshmen to achieve the best results. In her last year as a Terp, Denise Driscoll has struggled through injuries for the past several seasons, but expects to see increased competition time this year. "Denise's return after her injuries is successful because of a series of daily victories," said Nelligan. On the opposite end of the class spectrum, freshmen twin sisters Alyssa and Lisa Mealey will also increase Maryland's threat on bars. When speaking of how the sisters will fare this year, Nelligan stated, "Alyssa's success as a gymnast will come from her consistency of purpose, while Lisa's greatest strength is her resolution to succeed."

On beam, Maryland has a wide variety of gymnasts to lead the way in competition. Heading up the field is sophomore Karyn Fein. Fein was named to the All-EAGL first team last year on beam and recorded a season-high of 9.925 at the EAGL Championships, earning her a tie for 10th place and putting her fourth on Maryland's all-time list. Fein has the potential to be a superb gymnast as Coach Nelligan freely admits. "Karyn has the desire for excellence and the attention to detail that separates good gymnasts from great ones," he said. Junior Elize Burke will also be a main focal point for the Terps on beam. Despite competing in just one meet last year, Burke recorded a career high 9.750 and is expected to score in the same range this season.

"Elize is someone who has grown slowly in gymnastics and she should never be afraid of that. She should only be afraid if she stays where she is now and makes no further development," Nelligan said. Fellow junior Shannon Buckley also looks to make an impact on beam this season after not being able to compete for the past two seasons due to an injury. This, however, also adds to her character and strength, says Nelligan. "Shannon has fallen many times, but always stands up. This determination is the key to building a great team and being successful," he says.

On the floor exercise, senior Jenny Engel will be the standout Terrapin this season. Engel was named to the 1998 All-EAGL second team for floor after consistently recording scores of 9.7 or better throughout the season. She epitomizes the type of gymnasts that Maryland has and is thought of highly by all of her teammates and her coach. "Jenny is incredibly talented. If she thinks that she can accomplish something and truly believes in herself, then there is nothing that she cannot do in this sport," said Nelligan.

Another Terrapin who should be a huge asset on floor is sophomore Jenna Murphy. She showed consistent improvement throughout the season and is one of the physically strongest Terrapins and will be a force to be reckoned with.

"Jenna is someone who believes in creating her own opportunities and she has done this through hard work and by keeping a positive outlook on all aspects of life," said Nelligan.

Also on floor, freshman Chrissy Samwell will be expected to provide a spark this season. A local gymnast, there is much anticipation regarding Samwell, and Nelligan offers this advice to her, "Keep adding to your repertoire, keeping running, keep pressing, and keep learning. Don't stop doing these things and never turn back." On vault, Maryland again will rely on a mix of experience and youth. Junior Shelly Hernandez will look to improve from last year and re-establish herself as one of the top vaulters in the EAGL. Hernandez, an All-EAGL second team vaulter in 1997, recorded a season-high vault score of 9.750 last season and as Nelligan puts it, "Her only limitations are the doubts that she has about her abilities and she is constantly learning to cast those aside."

Sophomore Jodi Morgan will also be a top competitor for Maryland on vault. Morgan finished in a tie for 16th place at the 1998 EAGL Championships and placed in the top five on vault in every meet. On Morgan, Nelligan commented, "When she says that she will do something with conviction, her true greatness as a gymnast shines." Freshman Kit Johnson is also looking to showcase her talent this year on floor just as she has done throughout her career. "The fall has provided Kit with time to think and opportunity to grow. However, the time for action is now and she is beginning to answer the call and show her true potential," remarked Nelligan.

This year's team is the most well-rounded that the Terrapins have had in several years. They have the attitude of winners and will accept nothing but greatness, both in and out of the gymnastics arena. Their courage, determination, pride, ability, and talent is endless, and after all, isn't that what embodies a Maryland gymnast.