Nov. 17, 2011

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland gymnastics head coach Brett Nelligan announced the signing of Haley Jones and Kathy Tang Thursday to attend the University of Maryland and compete for the Terps in the 2012-13 season.

"Kathy and Haley exemplify everything we look for in a Terp student-athlete -- incredible gymnastics ability and outstanding academics," said Nelligan. "They are a perfect fit for the program."

Tang is from Agawam, Mass., and trains at Daggett's Gold Medal Gymnastics. At the 2011 U.S. Junior Olympic National Championships, Tang won the silver medal in the all-around competition to earn a spot on the U.S. Junior Olympic National Team. Tang also earned top-10 finishes on the beam and floor exercise.

The Junior Olympics National Championships boasts approximately 450 of this country's best level-10 gymnasts. These athletes compete at the highest level in the Junior Olympic Gymnastics program, just under the elite level.

Earlier this year, Tang won the regional championship in the all-around, and won the Massachusetts state championship on the bars.

In 2010, Tang won the all-around at the U.S. Junior Olympic National Invitational, and placed first on the beam and floor exercise at the state championships. As a student, Tang has a 3.72 GPA and is ranked 71st out of 304 students in her senior class.

"Kathy is a complete athlete, one of the top all-arounders in the nation," said Nelligan. "Her top finish at J.O.'s last year shows us she's ready for collegiate competition."

Jones, the 2011 U.S. Junior Olympic National Invitational beam gold medalist, trains at First State Gymnastics in Newark, Del. In addition, Jones placed third in the floor competition and finished fourth in the all-around at the JO NIT.

The West Chester, Pa., native won gold medals on the vault, beam and all-around at the Pennsylvania state championships, and took top floor honors at regionals along with a second-place finish on the beam. Jones is an honor roll student and a member of the National Art Honor Society.

"Haley is a finesse athlete," said Nelligan. "She's incredible on all four events, but her beam and floor may be among the best in the country."

The Terps begin their season with the Red & Black Intrasquad meet on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.