Nov. 21, 2001
Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri women's gymnastics team adds four incoming freshman to the 2002-03 roster in Kelley Andersen, Jodie Heinicka, Katie Roets and Lauren Schwartzman.
Andersen joins the Tiger squad from Omaha, Neb., where she competed for Cahoy's Gymnastics. Andersen was the 2000 Omaha Metro and Nebraska High School champion. She placed 14th in the Junior Olympic Nationals Championship in 1999 and was a national team member in 1995, 1997, 1998 and 1999.
"I look for Kelley to make an instant impact on the bars, beam and floor exercise as a freshman," Drass said. "She is a solid all-around gymnast that will add loads of competitive talent. She has the ability to help our program immensely."
A Level 10 gymnast from LaFleur's Largo Gymnastics in Largo, Fla., Heinicka finished sixth in the 2000 nationals in Lansing, Mich., with a score of 37.125. She also placed in the top 10 on the vault and uneven bars.
"Jodie is a tremendous gymnast that will be an influential force on the vault, bars and floor exercise. She has great lines and a wonderful personality. She will add a great element to our team dynamic," Drass said.
Roets comes to MU from Austin, Texas, where she competed at Capital-Austin Gymnastics Club.
"Katie is a former Elite gymnast that was injured last year. She comes from a great club with a history of success and quality training. She potentially could contribute in all four events and could prove to be one of our strongest all-arounders," predicts Drass.
A nine-year veteran from South Texas Gymnastics Academy, Schwartzman joins the Tiger program from San Antonio, Texas. Schwartzman was the USAIGC national floor and all-around champion in 1999 and was also the USAG Texas state floor (2000) and beam champion (1997).
"The state of Texas is filled with talent and that we were able to sign two national qualifiers is a huge positive for Missouri," Drass said. "Lauren is a tremendous and powerful athlete. Her caliber will only enhance our program."
Missouri's signees bring both talent and competitive experience to an already seasoned line-up. The newcomers will join the ranks of NCAA Regional III qualifiers Alina Hamm, Leah Gremaud and Lindsay Davis, as well as 2001 U.S. National Tumbling Champion Alisha Robinson.
"I would say that this is the best class MU has signed in the history of the program," MU Head Coach Rob Drass said. "I look for this class to elevate our program into the top-10 and take us to the NCAA Championships. This class, combined with the amazing athletes we already have, fill our immediate needs. I look to the next season as a start to our competitive drive that will propel us to dominance in the future."