June 3, 2008

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Two members of the University of Maryland's incoming gymnastics freshman class, Kyra Phillips and Becca Pang, competed in the 2008 Junior Olympic National Championships last weekend at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park.

Phillips competed in the Senior B age group and represented Region 1, while Pang competed in the Senior D age group representing Region 2.

Phillips placed 15th in the all-around and sixth on vault with a 9.65 score. "We're very excited to have Kyra on board for the 2008-2009 season," says Maryland Head Coach Bob Nelligan. "She is clearly the type of student-athlete we need to make the jump to the next level. She will have an immediate impact on our vault lineup and is one of the most complete athletes we've recruited in the last few years."

Pang placed 18th in the all-around and 11th on bars. She also placed eighth on beam with a score of 9.5. "We were very fortunate to have recruited Becca, initially as a walk-on, however after such an impressive showing at J.O. Nationals, she moved right into a scholarship position," says Nelligan. "Being leadoff on balance beam and hitting cold puts her in a solid position to help us on beam in the upcoming season. Stylish and elegant, Becca will have an impact on our team scores in 2008-09."

As Kyra finishes up her J.O. career she is excited about becoming part of the Terp family. "Being given the opportunity to come be a gymnast for the Maryland gymnastics team is one of the biggest honors I have ever received, and I am so excited to embark on this new journey with amazing coaches and teammates," say Phillips. "I have no doubt in my mind that being apart of this team is going to be the greatest four years of my life."

Pang isn't quite finished competing for her home club of the Hawaiian Twister,s as she will be traveling to Tokyo this summer to compete as a member of the Region 2 All-Star Team. "I am very excited about competing in Japan as well as getting to explore another culture," says Pang. This competition takes place July 3rd through the 14th.