Sept. 11, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Transferring from the University of Michigan and beginning as a walk-on, Rachel Colon will join the 2003-2004 Maryland gymnastics team, complementing a dedicated and gifted squad. The Terps will benefit from Colon's experience with national competition as she was the 2001 Junior Olympic National Champion in all-around, balance beam and floor exercise.

"Rachel is a welcome addition to an already talented team," said Terps' head coach Bob Nelligan. "She brings to this team a competitiveness equal to any top recruit in the nation."

Colon, a Brightwaters, N.Y., native, previously competed for Infinity/Gold Medal Gymnastics Center--the same club gym as teammates Sarah Hoenig and Rachel Martinez, as well as former Terp All-American Jill Fisher.

"Rachel's work ethic is the best. She's one of the hardest workers I've ever trained," said Tammy Marshall, Colon's coach for 10 years at Infinity/Gold Medal. "I think this is a very positive move for her, and she will be a total asset to the Maryland gymnastics program."

While under Marshall's tutelage in 2001, Colon showed strong performances in several prestigious meets, including fourth all-around at the Junior Olympic Regional Championships, first all-around at the Bahama Breeze Invitational and New York State Championships and second all-around at the Gym Dog and Capital Cup invitationals. Her hard work culminated in a win at the Junior Olympic National Championships that year.

Moving on to collegiate gymnastics, Colon spent a year with the Wolverines, alongside 2000 U.S. Olympic team captain Elise Ray. Turning down full scholarship offers from Nebraska, Arizona State and Florida, she hopes to find a home with the Terps this year and achieve scholarship status by fall 2004.

"Rachel is now in an environment where her success in the classroom and in the gym will be appreciated and allow her to grow as an individual and a team player," said Maryland assistant coach Wendy Marshall. "Rachel will help the Terp gymnastics team as we look to make our mark as national contenders this year."