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Brett Nelligan Maryland Gymnastics competes in the Big Ten Championships at Jenison Field House in East Lansing, MI on Saturday, Mar. 23, 2024. Brieanna Andrews/Maryland Terrapins
Brieanna Andrews/Maryland Terrapins

Gymnastics

Nelligan Adds Six Gymnasts to 2025 Recruiting Class

COLLEGE PARK, MD — On Wednesday's National Signing Day, the University of Maryland gymnastics team signed six members of the 2025 signing class, as head coach Brett Nelligan brought three-star commit Emily Defrees, three-star commit Olivia Lang, three-star commit Sydney Mullen, three-star commit Charlotte Ritchey, three-star commit Kit Shackelford and top competitor Maddie Gershuny into the fold for next year's squad. All six gymnasts have excelled at the high school and club level, winning several competitions throughout their careers.
Emily DeFrees

Emily Defrees

Hometown: New London, PA
High School: Avon Grove High School
Club Team: AJS Pancott National Training Center

Before Maryland: Emily Defrees joins the Maryland gymnastics roster as a three-star recruit who has been a standout at both the high school and club level in her home state of Pennsylvania. Defrees excelled as a part of the USA Gymnastics Development Program, qualifying for both 2023 and 2024 Nationals. At the 2024 Nationals, Defrees notched a tenth-place all-around finish while earning the same finish on bars. 

At 2024 Regional competition, Defrees placed 2nd on beam, while also placing 2nd on floor and 3rd on bars at the 2024 States competition. 

As a student, Defrees ranks in the top ten percent of her class, earning distinguished honors. Defrees, an AP scholar, holds many more titles such as President of the Humanitarian Club, Secretary of the Student Council, and the AJS Youth Board Fundraising Leader. 
Emily Defrees: "I chose Maryland for so many reasons, but mostly for all the incredible people! The combination of strong academics, athletics, resources, and the most supportive community all make Maryland the perfect place to call home for the next four years! Go Terps! "
Head coach Brett Nelligan: "Emily brings a relentless work ethic and pursues perfection with every turn. Emily will be a staple in the lineup on all 4 events." 
Maddie Gershuny

Maddie Gershuny

Hometown: Milton, Georgia
High School: Milton High School
Club Team: Bio Gymnastics

Before Maryland: Maddie Gershuny travels from the southern state of Georgia to join Maryland Gymnastics as a established recruit who has thrived on the competition floor. She was a 2024 Development Nationals qualifier, placing 5th for all-around and vault at the 2023 Regional competition. At the 2023 State competition, Gershuny secured herself as the vault champion.

Outside of the gym, Gershuny takes active park in the Military and First Responders club, as well as being an HOSA member. Outside of the classroom, she volunteers at the American Legion for Veterans. 
Maddie Gershuny: "I chose the University of Maryland because it has always been my dream school. Not only does Maryland have a great gymnastics program that checked all my boxes, but the amazing academics will ensure that I will get a great education. I felt right at home the second I walked onto the campus. I am very excited for these next four years and Go Terps!"
Head coach Brett Nelligan: "Maddie brings incredible difficulty on uneven bars with high flying releases and dismount. She has ample power and floor and vault and solid beam as well."
Olivia Lang

Olivia Lang

Hometown: Mason, Ohio
High School: Mount Notre Dame
Club Team: Cincinnati Gymnastics

Before Maryland: Coming in from Mason, Ohio, Olivia Lang has thrived as one of the best high school gymnasts in the state. She is three-time Development Program National Competitor, placing 5th for floor in 2021. She also etched herself into 7th place for beam in 2023. Lang holds the title of being the 2022 and 2023 Regional Floor Champion, a dazzling a three-star recruit. 

At school, Lang is a First Honors student, as well as a member of MND's Rho Kappa Honors Society. Lang also devotes her time to participating in the council of MND's Youth Philanthropy and is an active volunteer at Crossroads Church.
Olivia Lang: "Maryland was my first call, first offer, first visit, and never moved from the #1 spot in my heart. Maryland checks every box for me, especially as a top 25 program in both gymnastics and academics, specifically engineering. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than College Park for the next 4 years. Go Terps."
Head coach Brett Nelligan: "Olivia is a solid all-arounder that brings high level gymnastics and difficulty on all 4 events. She is a ferocious competitor and we can wait to have her on the competition floor next season." 
Sydney Mullen

Sydney Mullen

Hometown: Louisa, Virginia
High School: Louisa County High School
Club Team: VIGS

Before Maryland: Coming in from Louisa, Virginia, Sydney Mullen is a three-star recruit who has thrived as one of the best high school gymnasts in the state. She is an three-time Virginia state champion, holding the title for all-around and bars in 2022, and for beam in 2023. Mullen is a three-time Development Nationals qualfier, placing fourth on beam in 2024. 

At school, Mullen is a distingushed member of the National Honors society, also taking part in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In her free time, Mullen has completed over forty hours of volunteer work.
Sydney Mullen: "I choose Maryland not only because of the great academics and athletics, but also because of the atmosphere of the team! I love the environment, the people, and the positivity that is brought!"
Head coach Brett Nelligan: "From our first meeting we knew Sydney was a perfect fit for our GymTerp family. Sydney is an incredible gymnast on all 4 events and could challenge for the back of the lineup on floor right away, even as a freshman."
Charlotte Ritchey

Charlotte Ritchey

Hometown: Annapolis, MD
High School: Broadneck High School
Club Team: Docksiders Gymnastics

Before Maryland: A local talent, Charlotte Ritchey is a strong competitior in multiple facets. A 2023 Development Nationals qualifier, she placed sixth for floor and fourteenth on all-around. At the regional competition, she reached second place on beam. 
Charlotte Ritchey: "I chose Maryland because as soon as I stepped on campus I felt an immediate sense of belonging. When I watched practice, the joy in the air was contagious. UMD has a great coaching staff where athletes can thrive both personally and competitively. With its strong academic programs students can peruse their passions and achieve their career goals. I can't wait to be a terp!"
Head coach Brett Nelligan: "Charlotte brings power and grace to balance beam and floor exercise. Charlotte's bars and vault are on the rise and her potential is limitless."
Kit Shackelford

Kit Shackelford

Hometown: Springboro, Ohio
High School: Springboro High School
Club Team: Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy

Before Maryland: A Springboro, Ohio native, Kit Shackleford is a decorated gymnast at the high school and club level. Shackelford is a three-time Development Nationals qualifier, placing seventh on floor and eigth on all-around in 2023. At the regional level, Shackelford is a two-time Region Five All-Star Team member, etching her name as the 2023 Regional Uneven Bars Champion. 

In the classroom, Shackelford is a consitent High Honor Roll student.
Kit Shackelford: "I chose Maryland because of the great academics and athletics, the family-like atmosphere of the team, and the beautiful campus that felt like home!"
Head coach Brett Nelligan: "Another solid 4-event star, Kit has dynamic gymnastics that fans will love to see. Kit competes with a passion and excitement that is contagious." 
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