Nov. 15, 2007
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois women's gymnastics coach Bob Starkell announced the addition of two gymnasts to his squad for the 2008-09 season. Kelsey Joannides (Frederick HS, Frederick, Md.) and Hannah Welker (Knoch HS, Butler, Pa.) each signed a national letter of intent with the Fighting Illini.
Starkell and the rest of the Illini coaching staff are thrilled about the character and talent that this class brings to the Illini program.
"There is great enthusiasm in signing these two young ladies," Starkell said. "Both gymnasts have great characteristics as student-athletes and will be an integral part of our program. Each one has shown a strong desire to be a Fighting Illini. We look forward to their arrival next fall and expect them to have an immediate impact."
Kelsey Joannides Profile
Hometown: Frederick, Md.
High School: Frederick High School
Club: Frederick Gymnastics Club
Notes: 2007 JO Nationals First Alternate...Five-time Level 10 Regional Qualifier...Placed fourth on vault and bars and seventh on floor at the 2007 Level 10 Regionals...2007 Level 10 state all-around and vault champion and runner-up on beam and floor...Honor student all throughout high school...Distinguished Maryland Scholar Honorable Mention...Club coach isLarisa Firestone.
Coach Starkell on Joannides
"Kelsey is a gymnast that we feel very fortunate to have join our program. A true all-arounder with no weak events, Kelsey will be a staple in several line-ups for the Orange and Blue. The combination of power, beauty, flexibility, and cleanliness will make her a great NCAA gymnast. Her work ethic will be a true asset both in and out of the gym, while her academic and athletic success will make her a model student-athlete on our team. She has continually progressed over the years and we are excited for her to begin her gymnastics career at Illinois."
Joannides on becoming an Illini
"I chose Illinois because it felt like a home away from home. The entire team makes me feel so welcome as a part of their gymnastics family, and I could tell right away that they were a very tight knit group. Being undecided about a major, I have endless academic opportunities at the university. I was also driven to become an Illini because the women's gymnastics team is very up-and-coming, and I was honored to be offered a place on the team! I enjoyed absolutely everything about my visit to Illinois, but my favorite part was watching the team practice in the gym. I loved the atmosphere. It was so obvious how much the girls support one another, and it made me excited to be a part of it all."
Hannah Welker Profile
Hometown: Butler, Pa.
High School: Knoch High School
Club: Butler Gymnastics Club
Notes: Four-time Level 10 Regional Qualifier...Placed 14th in all-around at the 2006 Level 10 Regionals ...Three-time TOP's National Qualifier...Honor Student all throughout high school...Club coach is Steve Heasley.
Coach Starkell on Welker
"Our coaching staff is very excited about Hannah joining our Illini family because she is a beautiful gymnast with great lines that will make an immediate impact her freshmen year. Her high skill level on bars, beam and floor will help this program continue to build upon past years. Hannah's enthusiasm for gymnastics and for Illinois was evident the first time we met her. She has more energy than most, and always wears a smile. We are confident that Hannah will be an asset by not only the great potential we see in her, but also by the attitude that she will bring to the gym everyday."
Welker on becoming an Illini
"I chose Illinois because I loved the team. All of the girls are so close and the coaches also make the team feel like one big family. The academics are outstanding and the campus is beautiful. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew Illinois was right for me. During my visit, I really enjoyed meeting all of the girls and talking to them about their Illinois experiences. Everyone was so friendly and really made me feel welcome."
