April 24, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland Gymnastics program inked its final top-ranked gymnast for the 2006-07 incoming freshmen class. The Terps signed Brandi George, a level 10 Regional competitor from Orlando, Florida to a National Letter of Intent, head coach Bob Nelligan announced on Monday. With the signing of George, the Terps complete one of its best recruiting classes in program history.

George is a member of the Orlando Metro where she is a teammate of Margaux Meeks who will also be attending Maryland in the fall of 2006. She is a Junior Olympic National Beam Champion (2004) and also placed fourth in the all-around, sixth on floor and eighth on vault at the 2004 Junior Olympic Level 10 Nationals.

Although sidelined by an injury in 2005, George returned to action in 2006. She placed second on balance beam and all-around, third on floor, fourth on bars and seventh on vault at the 2006 J.O. Level 10 Regionals. She ranks at the top of her class at Boone High School and maintains a 3.87 GPA.

"Brandi is the complete package; first in her class academically and a top recruit with balance beam being her best event, said coach Nelligan. She brings a toughness and elegance that will absolutely take our program to the next level. Part of the Super Six recruiting class of 2007, Brandi joins five J.O. National qualifiers, two National Team Members and one former elite gymnast who set a Virginia High School record with the most perfect 10's on Balance Beam."

2006-07 Maryland Gymnastics Signees:

Allison Dama (Gedderts' Twistars USA, Lansing, Mich.)

Candice King (World Olympic Gymnastics Academy, Plano, Texas)

Talia Tossone (Excalibur Gymnastics, Virginia Beach, Va.)

Michele Brenner (Galaxy Gymnastics, New City, N.Y.)

Marqaux Meeks (Orlando Metro, Winter Garden, Fla.)

Brandi George (Orlando Metro, Orlando, Fla.)