University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Sign Three Standout Gymnasts for 2009-10
November 18, 2008 | Women's Gymnastics
Nov. 18, 2008
The University of North Carolina gymnastics program announced Tuesday it has signed Meredith Magjuka of Greenwood, Ind., Michelle Ikoma of Naperville, Ill., and Elizabeth Durkac of Yorktown, Va. to national letters of intent. They will join the team for the 2009-10 academic year.
"We are thrilled that these three outstanding student-athletes have chosen to attend Carolina," said head coach Derek Galvin. "These young ladies are all exceptional students. Their athletic talents and accomplishments are also very impressive, and they each possess an absolutely delightful personality. These three young ladies will be a wonderful addition to our gymnastics program and our campus community."
Durkac, an excellent student as well as a top gymnast, attends Tabb High School in Yorktown, Va. Durkac trains at World Class Gymnastics in Newport News, Va., where she is coached by Tami Harrison and Jon Angle. A USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Nationals competitor, Durkac placed sixth on balance beam and 14th in the all-around at the 2008 Level 10 National Championships. A former club teammate with current UNC gymnast Kara Wright, Durkac will be an exciting competitor to watch.
Ikoma trains with Dan & Beth Miller at Arena Gymnastics in Joliet, Ill. Also an exceptional student, Ikoma attends Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Ill. A 2007 and 2008 USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Nationals qualifier, she was the 2007 Region 5 All-around, balance beam and uneven bars champion. At the 2007 Junior Olympic National Championships Ikoma placed seventh on uneven bars and 14th in the all-around. This past May at the 2008 USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Level 10 Nationals, Ikoma placed fourth on uneven bars, sixth on vault and sixth in the all-around.
"Her level of achievement both academically and in gymnastics is a testament to her incredible focus and self-discipline," said Galvin.
Magjuka, a top student at Center Grove High School, trains under the guidance of Michelle Hart and Casey Wright at Wright's Gymnastics Academy in Greenwood, Ind. A three-time USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Champion, Magjuka also possesses an ability to exercise incredible focus and self-discipline. In 2007, while performing at the top of her class academically, she achieved the ultimate as a Level 10 gymnast competitively at the Junior Olympic National Championships when she won the floor exercise title. She repeated that achievement, and even went a step further, in 2008 when she was crowned as the floor exercise and all-around champion at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Championships.
"I am extremely pleased that Meredith, Michelle, Elizabeth, and their families, recognized the balance found in the quality of academic and athletic opportunities available to student athletes at Carolina," said Galvin. "Penny, Diane, and I are eagerly looking forward to sharing in their college experiences and serving as their college gymnastics coaches.
"These three young ladies possess the very best qualities we look for in our student athletes. They are academically motivated, they are intense competitors, and they are eager to join our community and make a positive impact on the people around them. During my coaching career I have had the privilege to work with a number of exceptional young people here at Carolina. Elizabeth, Michelle and Meredith comprise one of the most dynamic classes we have ever recruited. I see a very bright future ahead for them as individuals and as teammates. Combined with the wonderful group of young ladies we already have on our team, the addition of Elizabeth, Michelle and Meredith bodes well for the future of Carolina Gymnastics."
Players Mentioned
