Women's Gymnastics

Roster | Schedule | Statistics | Archives

Nov. 11, 2009

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois women's gymnastics coach Bob Starkell announced the addition of three gymnasts to his squad for the 2010-11 season. Sarah Fiedler (Lake Zurich, Ill./ Lake Zurich HS), Elizabeth McNabb (Fortville, Ind./Cathedral HS) and Amber See (Minnetonka, Minn./Hopkins HS) each signed a national letter of intent with the Fighting Illini.

Starkell and the rest of the coaching staff are excited about the prospects of the incoming class both in and out of the gym. Each of the recruits qualified for the USAG Junior Olympic National Championships in multiple years and excelled in the classroom throughout high school.

"We are extremely excited for the addition of these three excellent young ladies," Starkell said. "Each one has the strengths and characteristics that we constantly look for in recruits. They are the full package when it comes to academics, athletics and personality. The trio will not only bring a tremendous amount of gymnastics ability into the gym but will also provide the Illini with so much more. There is no question we feel very fortunate to sign a class like this."

Profiles on the Newest Illini

Sarah Fiedler

Sarah Fiedler
Hometown: Lake Zurich, Ill.
High School: Lake Zurich High School
Club: Libertyville Gymnastics Academy

Notes: Five-time JO Level 10 National Qualifier ... Two-time Region 5 All-Star team member ... Placed fourth on beam, fifth on uneven bars and sixth in the all-around at the 2009 JO National Championships ... Took eighth on uneven bars and 10th in the all-around at the 2008 JO National Championships ... Finished third on beam at the 2006 JO National Championships ... Member of the 2000 TOPS National team ... Was on the high honor roll every semester in high school and is among the top 10 percent of her class ... Club coaches are Dave and Angi Rawles.

Coach Starkell on Fiedler:
"Sarah was the catalyst of this class as she committed to the Illini at an early stage. She excels on beam and floor and does not have many weaknesses. She is a tenacious athlete who strives for success every day. Sarah is a true all-arounder who will continue to improve. Her coaches have done a phenomenal job with her throughout these past few years, and we are excited to build upon that foundation at Illinois. We look forward to working with her in the near future as she is a delightful person to be around."

Fiedler on becoming an Illini:
"Academically, it is an awesome school, but it is also has a fantastic gymnastics team, so I get the best of both worlds. On my visit, I loved seeing the campus and attending the volleyball and football games, but more importantly, I absolutely loved hanging out and bonding with the team."

Elizabeth McNabb

Elizabeth McNabb
Hometown: Fortville, Ind.
High School: Cathedral High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Club: DeVeau's School of Gymnastics (Fishers, Ind.)

Notes: Two-time JO Level 10 National Qualifier ... Three-time Regional Qualifier ... Two-time Region 5 All-Star team member ... Placed second on the uneven bars and 13th all-around at the 2009 JO National Championships ... Took fourth on vault, third on uneven bars, sixth on beam and sixth in the all-around at the 2005 JO National Championships ... Qualified International Elite in 2005 ... Finished 18th in the all-around at the 2005 U.S. VISA Championships and 14th at U.S. Classics, respectively ... Member of the National Honor Society, High Honor Roll and Math League in high school ... Volunteered over 200 hours during high school ... Club coaches are Tom Strange, Amy Scales and Don Gibson.

Coach Starkell on McNabb:
"I saw Elizabeth compete many years ago and knew that she would make a great Illini. That thought is now a reality. She is a true student athlete who has had much success in the sport. In addition to excelling on all four events, Elizabeth has a unique finesse that will make her stand out amongst her competitors. Her work ethic and experience will allow for a stellar career in Orange and Blue. We are extremely excited for this young lady's potential and her opportunity to be an ambassador to this fine university."

McNabb on becoming an Illini: "I chose Illinois because I thought it was a great place to be a student athlete. Combining a first class education with an awesome gymnastics program was what I was looking for in my college choice. On my visit, I loved the culture of the campus and really enjoyed the closeness of the gymnastics team. The coaches were very welcoming and I felt like they would be a good fit with my gymnastics training."

Amber See

Amber See
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minn.
High School: Hopkins High School
Club: TAGS South

Notes: Five-time JO Level 10 National Qualifier ... Four-time Level 10 Regional champion in the all-around ... Placed second on vault and uneven bars, seventh on floor and ninth in the all-around at the 2009 JO National Championships ... 2009 Minnesota Junior Olympic Athlete of the Year ... Took sixth on beam at the 2005 JO National Championships ... Club coaches are Bryon Hough and Mindy Kiff.

Coach Starkell on See:
"Amber has the capability to catch every spectator's eye in the gym. Her gymnastics is quick and powerful, which allows her to be unique in her skill selection. She has really come on strong the last couple of years, but has the physical ability to achieve even more. We really look forward to Amber becoming an Illini as she has the characteristics to do great things."

See on becoming an Illini:
"I chose Illinois because of the positive team atmosphere. The girls at U of I seem very close and supportive to one another and this reminded me of my club team. Also, the coaching staff is very caring and understanding. They appear to truly want what is best for their athletes. I liked the opportunity to stay in the dorms and the apartments during my visit. The apartments were very relaxing and homey. I also enjoyed visiting the apple orchard with the team and getting to know them better."