DeZiel Picked to Represent U.S. at Pan American Games

Lincoln--- True freshman Jessie DeZiel was one of six gymnasts selected to represent the United States at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico in October. DeZiel becomes the first women gymnasts in Nebraska history to represent America at the Pan American games, and will be joined on the team by three former Olympians and World Champions.

"We've been so excited about having Jessie as a part of our program," Nebraska Head Coach Dan Kendig said. "We're so excited and proud to have an athlete representing the United States. She has worked really, really hard for this. This is a pretty special group of athletes that will be down there representing the United States. I feel like she is going to get a lot of experience from this whole thing and we're excited for her."

DeZiel is a former Junior Olympic Champion after capturing the all-around title at the Junior Olympic Championships in May with a score of 38.825. In July, DeZiel finished in 13th at the CoverGirl Classic in Chicago, before a 17th place all-around finish at the Visa Championship in August after a score of 79.20 in the four day competition. DeZiel was chosen to the team after participating in two training camps at Karolyi Ranch, a U.S. Olympic Committee Training Site, in Huntsville, Texas.

"It is a big accomplishment for me," DeZiel said. "I feel really honored to be with all those talented gymnasts. It's really cool to be with them and watch them, because I've always looked up to them as inspiration."

Husker Assistant Coach Dan Miller, who has traveled and coached DeZiel on her journey, said he is excited for DeZiel to compete alongside so many talented gymnasts.

"The company she is keeping is nothing short of amazing," Miller said. "The way the Pan Am Games are described is they are a mini Olympics. There's going to be close to 6,000 athletes from all over the world. It's going to have the flavor of a full-blown Olympics to it."

The Pan American games will begin on Oct. 14, while the gymnastics competition will run from Oct. 24-29, in Guadalajara. DeZiel will compete in three events, the floor, beam and vault. Other US gymnasts include Bridgette Caquatto, Brandie Jay, Shawn Johnson, Chellsie Memmel and Bridget Sloan.