Nov. 13, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland gymnastics team achieved new heights and set new records last season, bolstered by an influx of talented youth. This was due in no small part to the recruiting efforts of head coach Bob Nelligan and assistant coach Wendy Marshall, which resulted in six newcomers that were quick to make their mark on the team.

This year, with four new recruits waiting to make their first appearances as Terps, the coaching staff is already paving the way for next season with the signing of Gretchen Kittelberger to the 2004-2005 team.

Kittelberger hails from Webster, N.Y., and attends Webster Schroeder High School. For the past two years, she has competed level 10 at Penev's gymnastics in Rochester, N.Y., under Marian and Youlia Penev. Recent accomplishments include placing 15th on vault at the 2002 Level 10 Nationals in senior class A and taking second place on vault and fourth place all-around at the 2002 Regional Championships.

Kittelberger was also the 2001 level 9 Eastern National Champion, taking first in floor, vault and all-around, and captured the vault and all-around titles at the 2001 level 9 regionals. Kittelberger dominated the competition at the 2001 New York State Championships, winning titles in the all-around, vault and bars, and taking second place on beam and floor.

Excelling in both athletics and academics, Kittelberger is on pace to be class valedictorian upon graduation in 2004 in a class of more than 300 students and hopes to major in law or psychology upon entering the University of Maryland next year. Her attention to academics will complement the rest of the Terp squad, which won the President's Cup for academic excellence last season.