Huskers Sign Talented Young Gymnasts

Lincoln, Neb.- Head Coach Dan Kendig and the Nebraska women's gymnastics team announced the signing of five gymnasts to join Nebraska's roster next fall.

National letters of intent were signed on Wednesday, November 10 by Jessie DeZiel, Kailyn Hawkins, Amanda Lauer, Jennifer Lauer and Desiré Stephens.

Jessie DeZiel
DeZiel is from Rogers, Minn. and trains at Twin City Twisters in Champlin, Minn. under coaches Mine Hunger and Sami Wozney. DeZiel is a four-time Junior Olympic National qualifier and recently earned the all-around crown at the 2010 Women's U.S. Junior Olympic National Championships in Dallas. She finished first in the all-around with a 38.10, and also took top honors in the uneven bars at 9.500. She was named the 2010 Region IV Co-Gymnast of the year and the 2010 Minnesota Athlete of the Year.

In 2009, DeZiel finished fourth on vault at the 2009 JO National Championship. In addition, she took first on floor, beam, vault and in the all-around at the Region IV meet. DeZiel has placed first on floor in the Region IV meet three years in a row. She was the Minnesota all-around champion at the state meet in 2009 and also took first on floor at the event.

Why Nebraska?
"I chose Nebraska because of its rich tradition and high academic standards, and I really enjoyed the team and coaches."

DeZiel, the daughter of Craig and Jean DeZiel, will graduate from Spectrum High School in May 2011, where she has earned a place on the honor roll.

Video Highlights- Nationals bar routine  
Northern Lights- Floor finals
Northern Lights- Beam finals
Northern Lights- Vault finals

Kailyn Hawkins
Hawkins joins Nebraska from Charlotte, NC where she trained at Southeastern Gymnastics under the guidance of coaches Ludmilla Shobe, Galina Meliakina and Nikolai Cherchen. A four-time Junior Olympic National Qualifier, Hawkins recently placed fourth on floor at the 2010 JO National Championships.

In 2009, she placed third on vault, ninth on floor and 19th in the all-around at the JO National Championships. She took sixth in the all-around in 2008.

Why Nebraska?
"I chose Nebraska for many reasons. First of all, when I made my unofficial visit I was impressed with the coaching staff. Not only are they amazing coaches, they were friendly and I liked the way they interacted with the team. Secondly, I liked the way the team interacted among themselves. They really seemed like a family. I love the campus and the student-athlete facilities. I was also very impressed with the academic history there. Overall, Nebraska is the perfect fit for me."

Hawkins will graduate from Providence High School in the spring of 2011. The daughter of Jim and Leslie Hawkins, she was a member of French club and was on the honor roll, posting a 4.0 GPA through her first three years.

Video Highlights: Kailyn Hawkins  

Amanda Lauer
Lauer hails from Sioux City, Iowa and trains under Mike Durante and Stephanie Kelly at Premier Gymnastics in Omaha, Neb. with her sister and fellow NU signee, Jennifer Lauer. She has been a Junior Olympic National Qualifier for two consecutive years and placed sixth on beam in 2010.

Lauer was the 2010 Regional beam champion and placed second in the all-around. In addition, she was named the 2010 Nebraska beam champion at the state meet.

Why Nebraska?
"I like the coaches, the girls and the team program. I know being at Nebraska will push me in the classroom and the gym."

Lauer will graduate from Sioux City East High school in the spring. The daughter of Dan and Kim Lauer, she was involved in various clubs and organizations such as National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Student Coucnil, National Council on Youth Leadership and the Mayor's Youth Council. In addition, Lauer earned a spot on the Straight "A" Honor Roll. She was also involved with the Raiderette dance squad.

Video Highlights: Amanda and Jennifer Lauer- 2010 JO Nationals  

Jennifer Lauer
Lauer will join the Husker squad with her twin sister, Amanda. A native of Sioux City, Iowa, she also trains at Premier Gymnastics in Omaha, Neb., under the direction of Mike Durante and Stephanie Kelly. She is a three-time Junior Olympic National Qualifer and was the 2010 Nebraska bars, floor and all-around state champion.

At the 2010 JO National Championships, Lauer placed fifth on bars and took 21st on beam. At the 2010 Regionals she took fourth in the all-around. In 2009, she notched a first place finish in the all-around and on bars at the Regional Championships.

Why Nebraska?
Nebraska has a great gymnastics program, the coaches and the girls are friendly. I am excited to grow academically and to improve athletically while attending the University of Nebraska."

Lauer will graduate from Sioux City East High School in the spring and is the daughter of Dan and Kim Lauer. She was involved in numerous clubs in high school, including National Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish Honor Society, National Council on Youth Leadership and the Mayor's Youth Council. In addition, she was also named to the Straight "A" Honor Roll.

Video Highlights: Amanda and Jennifer Lauer- 2010 JO Nationals  

Desiré Stephens
Stephens, a native of Omaha, Neb., will join the Huskers from Nebraska Gold Gymnastics in Omaha, under the coaching of Barb Bottieri, Andi Molina and Don Houlton. Stephens took third on vault at the Regionals in 2009, while also placing 10th on bars, third on beam, seventh on floor and in the all-around. In addition, Stephens competed on all events in the 2009 JO National Championships.

Why Nebraska?
I have been going to Husker meets and camps since I was about nine years old and being a Husker was always my dream. When we did our unofficial visit last year I got to see what the athletes at UNL were offered and how awesome all of the facilities were. I was sold before, but that made me want it even more. I am so excited and grateful that my dream is coming true."

Stephens is the daughter of Cory and Jeri Wiedel and will graduate from Millard West High School in May 2011. She was involved with the Spanish Club and on the senior class board in high school, in addition to playing on the JV soccer and tennis teams. Stephens was also involved in Nebraska dance, focusing on jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and ballet.

Video Highlights: Desiré Stephens