COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri gymnastics has added a third member to its 2018 freshmen recruiting class in Chelsey Christensen (Rapid City, South Dakota), as announced by Head Coach Shannon Welker on Thursday. Christensen joins Gabrielle Gotulla and Paige Kovnesky as future Tigers expected to join the program this summer.

"Chelsey represents all the qualities of a student-athlete that excels at Missouri," Welker said. "She has a great work ethic, beautiful gymnastics and is exceptional academically. We are so excited to have her joining next year!"

Christensen, who hails from Rapid City, South Dakota, is a two-time Junior Olympic National qualifier and placed fourth in the all-around and on beam and floor at the 2015 J.O. National Invitational Tournament. A seven-time South Dakota state high school champion, she won the 2015 all-around title, claimed the bars titles in 2012, 2014 and 2015 and the floor crowns in 2012, 2013 and 2015.

She competes for Spearfish Gymnastics Academy and is a four-time Level 10 state and regional qualifier. Additionally, Christensen holds the South Dakota floor record and holds Rapid City High School marks in the all-around and on floor.

"I chose Mizzou because from the first time I visited campus, I was amazed and fell in love. I visited other schools but nothing could compare to MU's campus or nationally-ranked team and coaches."