University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Open Gymnastics Season Jan. 10
January 5, 2016 | Women's Gymnastics
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The North Carolina gymnastics team opens the season on Sunday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. against William & Mary at Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels return seven letterwinners from last season's squad that finished 14-7 overall and are led by seniors Lexi Cappalli, Josselyn Mackey and Sarah Peterson.
"We are eager to start competing after an offseason that saw our student-athletes put in a tremendous amount of training," said head coach Derek Galvin, who enters his 34th season in Chapel Hill. "We have new choreography and music this year on floor, which should be pleasing to the crowd. We looking forward to getting off to a strong start and we hope to have a great crowd that will have a lot of fun cheering on the Heels."
Cappalli and sophomore Morgan Lane are the team's most accomplished returning gymnasts. Lane was a four-time East Atlantic Gymnastics League Rookie of the Week honoree in 2015 and earned first-team All-EAGL honors on the balance beam, floor exercise and all-around. Cappalli was a second-team all-conference performer on the uneven bars, floor exercise and all-around. UNC also returns All-EAGL performers Kaitlynn Hedelund (bars) and Peterson (vault).
The William & Mary meet is the first of five home meets for UNC, which also has home competitions on Jan. 30 (George Washington), Feb. 6 (Bowling Green, Pittsburgh, NC State), Feb. 12 (NC State, William & Mary) and Feb. 26 (Rutgers).
In the offseason, Carolina teamed with local elementary schools on a reading challenge and will offer VIP seats to those kids that completed the challenge. In addition, it will be Carolina Kids Club Day against William & Mary, with Papa John's pizza and special Carolina giveaways for all members in attendance. Check-in will begin at noon in the main lobby of Carmichael Arena. For more information on joining the Kids Club, click HERE.
"It's always been important for our student-athletes to be involved in the community and we are looking for ways to help young people and raise new Tar Heel fans," said Galvin.
Players Mentioned
