Dec. 18, 2007

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. ­- The Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team will head into the 2008 season ranked 23rd in the GymInfo Preseason Coaches Poll, marking the highest preseason ranking in Illinois history. It marks the second time that the Illini have been in the nation's top-25 heading into a season, the last being in 1999 when the Illini were ranked 25th to start the season.

"Last year we saw a lot of progress as far a team success goes," Head Coach Bob Starkell said. "With our top-20 finish, I believe we have made a mark to the point where our peers have taken notice. It's a nice recognition, but we'll have to prove once again that we belong there. With our core group back and the added freshmen, we have the potential to do great things."

Illinois is coming off a very successful year that saw them finish the season ranked 20th in the final GymInfo Poll and place third at the Big Ten Championships and fourth at the NCAA South Central Regional Championships.

This year, the Orange and Blue have even higher hopes as 22 of 24 routines from a year ago return and four talented freshmen join the mix. Of those returning, sophomore Nicole Cowart is expected to lead the way after finished fourth in the all-around at the Big Ten Championships and garnering first team All-Big Ten honors in her freshman season. In addition, junior Julie Crall, a second team All-Big Ten honoree who had last season cut short due to an Achilles tendon tear, is back and should anchor a strong beam line-up.

Three time defending national champion, Georgia, was voted at the No. 1 team in the nation. The rest of the top-5 included No. 2 Florida, No. 3 Utah, No. 4 UCLA and No. 5 Stanford. Four other Big Ten schools appeared in the top-25, led by Michigan at No. 9 and followed by Penn State (No. 13), Ohio State (No. 20) and Michigan State (No. 21). Minnesota and Iowa both received votes in the poll.

The women kick the season off on Friday, Jan. 11 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., against No. 6 Alabama at 7:30 p.m. The home season opens with a co-ed meet on Saturday, Jan. 19 where the women will take on No. 20 Ohio State at 7 p.m. at Huff Hall.

Complete 2008 GymInfo Preseason Coaches Poll