Dec. 9, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The 2004 preseason women's gymnastics Coaches Poll features several very familiar names for the Terps-names which also appear on the squad's schedule card this year. In all, the Terp gymnasts will take on six preseason Top-25 teams and four teams receiving votes.

The Terps are currently receiving votes in this year's poll, putting them at 29th overall. The 2004 squad, marked by solid veterans and promising newcomers, will look to climb higher into the national rankings by knocking off some very tough opponents.

The Maryland gymnasts will have to be on the top of their game right from the start, as the Terps will compete in three away meets against top-25 teams to start the season. First on the docket will be a Jan. 10 meeting with No. 23 Ohio State, followed by visits to No. 18 Denver and No. 20 North Carolina, all in three consecutive weeks. George Washington, receiving votes in the poll, will meet the Terps Feb. 11.

The Terps then battle another top squad on Feb. 14, when they take on 12th-ranked Iowa at the Comcast Center. The next weekend, Maryland goes back on the road to compete against No. 5 Michigan and West Virginia, with the Mountaineers currently receiving votes. After another meeting with George Washington, the Terps will tousle with perennial power Stanford, currently ranked sixth.

The Terps' final home meet on March 12 will feature NC State and Pittsburgh-both teams that are receiving votes in the preseason poll. This will gear the team up for the EAGL Championships, where it will look to again upset higher-ranked squads and earn a national championships berth for the first time.

Before all that can happen, however, the team must first continue to practice hard and prepare. But with an intrasquad scrimmage already under their belts, the Terps appear ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

Click here for the 2004 preseason women's gymnastics coaches poll