University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Sign Three Gymnasts For 2012-13 Season
November 14, 2011 | Women's Gymnastics
Nov. 14, 2011
North Carolina gymnastics head coach Derek Galvin announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent, including Alexis (Lexi) Cappalli of Kildeer, Ill., Josselyn Mackey of Lee's Summit, Mo., and Sarah Peterson, of Huntington, N.Y. They will join the team for the 2012-13 academic year.
Cappalli is an excellent student as well as a strong Level 10 gymnast. She attends Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Ill., and trains at Illinois Gymnastics Institute under the direction of head coach Todd Gardiner. A USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Nationals qualifier, Cappalli placed second on vault and fifth in the all-around at the 2010 Region V Championships.
"Lexi is a solid all-around performer and she is particularly impressive on floor exercise and vault," said Galvin. "She exudes an energy and enthusiasm that will enhance the experience of our entire team. She is going to be an outstanding collegiate student athlete."
Mackey trains under the guidance of Alisha Robinson at Xtreme Gymnastics in Missouri. Also an outstanding student, Mackey attends Lee's Summit North High School. A four-time USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Nationals qualifier, she placed sixth on balance beam at the 2011 National Championships after placing 10th on balance beam and 12th in the all-around at the 2010 National Championships.
"Josselyn is another steady all-around performer who will continue to expand her skill set as a college competitor," said Galvin. "She is a gifted athlete who possesses all the qualities to excel as both a student and an athlete in college."
Peterson attends Elwood/John Glenn High School in Elwood, N.Y. A solid student as well as a talented athlete, Peterson trains with Travol Williams at Mid Island Gymnastics on Long Island, N.Y. A USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Nationals qualifier in 2010, Sarah was also a two-time Eastern Nationals qualifier where she placed eighth in the all-around in 2009. A foot injury late in the competitive season in 2011 prevented her from completing her strongest year yet.
"Sarah's athletic talent combined with her unrelenting commitment to regain the momentum she had built before the injury should lead to an exciting college career as a Tar Heel," said Galvin.
"Coach Penny Jernigan and I are pleased that Lexi, Josselyn, and Sarah have decided to join us at Carolina", said Galvin. "It was quickly evident during the recruiting process that each of these young ladies was seeking a college experience that provided a balance of exceptional academic resources and an outstanding athletic program. The commitment and self discipline that they all have displayed in their academic and gymnastics pursuits thus far will serve them well as collegiate student athletes.
"They each come from very supportive and enthusiastic families, and it's going to be a fun adventure sharing in their college experiences. I believe they will each be a wonderful addition to our campus community, as well as to our gymnastics program."
