NU Signs Gymnastics Recruit

Lincoln -- University of Nebraska Women's Gymnastics Coach Dan Kendig announced the signing of Carrie Gloudemans (Neenah, Wis.) to a National Letter-of-Intent Thursday.

A Level 10 gymnast who trains under Coaches Greg LaFleur and Tammy Donahue at LeFleur's Gymnastics, Gloudemans placed fifth in the all-around and seventh on uneven bars at the Junior Olympic National Championships in Lansing, Mich., last May. At the Wisconsin State Level 10 Championships, she won three events (vault, bars and beam) en route to placing first in the all-around. Gloudemans, who was also the regional champion on the uneven bars as a junior, attends Our Lady of the Rosery High School where has been a member of the honor roll throughout her high school career.

"Even though she placed seventh at JO Nationals, Carrie is kind of an unknown at the national level, but we think she has a lot of potential and can step right into the lineup next season," Kendig said. "With only one scholarship available, we were looking for someone who could not only immediately impact our lineup, but could also evolve into a top gymnast by the end of her career. Carrie is someone who has a lot of natural ability and loves being in the gym, and that is something we look for in recruits. We are excited about her signing with the University of Nebraska."

The daughter of Ron and Helen Gloudemans, Carrie selected Nebraska over Illinois, Alabama, Arizona State and Iowa State.

Last year, the Nebraska gymnastics team finished with a 25-5 record, won its first regional title since 1983 and placed fourth at the NCAA Championships, equaling the best finish in the program's 25-year history. The Huskers, who have advanced to the NCAA Super Six Finals in three of the past four seasons, begin the 2001 season on Jan. 5 at the Maui Invitational against defending NCAA champion UCLA and Arizona State.