Nov. 10, 2010
SEATTLE - Four talented athletes - McKenzie Fechter, Brittany Kinal, Jaclyn McCartin, and Madison Podlucky - signed a National Letter of Intent to attend school and compete in gymnastics at the University of Washington beginning in the 2011-2012 season. "These four recruits are definitely the strongest class we have signed to UW," said head coach Joanne Bowers. "All of them wanted to join a program that is moving to the National level and want to help us achieve this goal. We already have a strong commitment in this program but this class will help with the depth of quality routines we have needed." Fechter, of Mequon, Wis., trains at M&M's Gymnastics and is a former junior international elite gymnast and a two-time U.S. Classic qualifier. At the 2009 Kansas State meet, she placed second on bars and fourth on beam, floor, and all-around. In 2008, at the Region 3 regional meet, she placed sixth on bars and eight on vault. She also excels in the classroom at Cedarburg High School with a 3.5 GPA. "Mack is an amazing young woman who we are very excited about joining our program," said Bowers. "She has competed at the highest level of our sport, went through a few minor injuries, moved a couple of times with her family, and has ended up back at home in Wisconsin at a great gym and a renewed passion for the sport. We are getting her at the best time in her career." On why she chose UW, Fechter said "I had an immediate connection with both the coaches and the team. I knew right away that the University of Washington was the school for me." Kinal of Chandler, Ariz., trains at Carter's Gymnastics and has several athletic accomplishments including a four year JO National qualifier and four year TOP's team member. In 2009, she was the Arizona State bar champion and second in the all-around. She placed sixth the all-round at regionals and was a National qualifier. In 2007, she was the State Champion, ninth in the all-around JO Nationals and sixth in bars. Academically, she is part of the National Junior Honors Society, a Math Club member and Math Student of the Month at Highland High School. About Kinal, Coach Bowers said "We offered Brittany very early in the process because we see great potential as a college gymnast. She has beautiful lines and works on the little things that make her routines so special. She has all the personal qualities we are looking for also - a good student, good person, all around great get!" Kinal said she chose UW because "I absolutely loved everything about UW. The city was beautiful, the coaches and gymnasts were awesome, and everyone was so friendly. When I came on my recruiting trip, I knew it was where I was supposed to be!" McCartin of West Covina, Calif., trained at Gliders for her entire career until this Fall when she started training at West Coast Elite. In the 2010 Elite Season, she placed sixth in the all-around in the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup. She was an Elite Qualifier, placing first on bars, first on beam and first in the all-around while placing 12th in the all-around at the Visa Championships. In the 2009 Level 10 Season, she was the JO National Champion, finishing first in the all-around and on the bars and beam while placing second on the floor. At San Dimas High School, she has achieved the elite honor of the San Dimas High Gold Star Award every semester from 9th-12th grade. This award is given to students who carry a 3.5 GPA or higher after each semester and have two school involvements. "Besides being a great student and a great person, Jack is the most decorated gymnast we have ever recruited to UW. She will help raise the level of difficulty and performance quality on our team. We are extremely pleased to get someone of her caliber here," Coach Bowers said of McCartin. About her decision to attend UW, McCartin explained "I chose UW because I loved the campus, coaches and team. They were so supportive of me through this whole year and they really helped me realize that this was going to be my new home." Podlucky of Redmond, Wash., who trains at Auburn Gymnastics Center, was the 2010 Washington State Champion while placing second in the all-around at regionals and being a JO Nationals qualifier. In 2009, she was a JO National Qualifier as a first year level 10. Academically, at Inglemoor High School, she was a DECA member in 2009 and participated in the DECA State competition. She has taken two IB classes - DECA in 2009 and Spanish 300 in 2010. About Podlucky, Coach Bowers commented, "We are so excited to get a local gymnast! Madison has shown great improvement by adding more difficulty to her routines. She did a nice job competing at JO Nationals last year and we just expect her to keep getting better. When she attended our camp last summer, we were all so impressed with her work ethic and attitude, as well as her skills. We knew she would be a good fit here." Podlucky echoed the other three girls in telling her reasons for coming to UW saying, "I chose the University of Washington for three reasons; first, the UW is one of the best academic schools in the country and I feel very lucky to get the opportunity to get such a great education. Second, I think the UW has the most amazing coaching staff. They've already made me feel like I'm part of the family, and they want me to reach my full potential as a gymnast. And third, the UW gymnastics program is on the verge of becoming one of the top Division I programs in the country, and I am very excited to be a part of such an awesome program! GO DAWGS!" |
