Cheryl Berezan, Amanda Candler, and Kara Strnad are the newest additions to the 2004-05 Illinois State Gymnastics team as the three signed on to continue their athletic careers as Redbird student-athletes.
Head coach Kristin Montero announced the signing of the three to the gymnastics program after the trio had signed national letters of intent to perform with the Birds.
Berezan, a gymnast from Surrey, B.C., has been pursuing the sport for ten years and is currently involved with the Flicka Gymnastics Club, under the direction of club coach Flaviu Toma. Berezan will contribute in various events for Illinois State, with her strongest event being the uneven bars. Awarded numerous titles in her years as a gymnast, she has earned choreography, sportsmanship, and attitude awards from her club teammates.
Toma expects Berezan to have an immediate impact on the Illinois State gymnastics squad.
Cheryl has been a great asset to our gym, said Toma. Besides being a great person to coach, she has added to the club by coaching and leading the younger gymnasts with her exceptional attitude and talent for choreography.
Berezan will continue her education at Illinois State, seeking a bachelors of science degree.
Candler is a Level 10 gymnast from Virginia Beach, Va. An accomplished performer, she was the 2001 state floor champion. Candler also placed third at the 2002 regionals as an all-around competitor and qualified for 2002 Nationals.
Candlers club coach, Dena Walker, from Excalibur Gymnastics Club, is excited about the gymnasts future at Illinois State.
Amanda is a great athlete, Walker said. She is a good team player, who had a tremendous amount of style and presentation. She will make a mark at Illinois State, as she always gives 100%.
Candler plans to study Communications during her collegiate career as a Redbird.
Rounding out the signees for the 2004-05 season is Kara Strnad, a younger sister of current Redbird gymnast, Lauren Strnad. Kara Strnad, a Washington, Mo. native, has been active in competitive gymnastics for eleven years and is currently performing with GymQuarters Gymnastics Club. Scott Cusimano, Strnads club coach, has positive things to say about her athletic potential at the collegiate level.
A beautiful gymnast, Kara is a hard worker who leads a team by example, said Cusimano. She is a striking dancer with a complete floor routine. She will be a great asset to the Illinois State program.
Strnad, who is been named to her high schools honor roll on numerous occasions, will study biology at Illinois State. Her future plans include continuing her education in pre-med.
Illinois States head coach Kristin Montero is excited about the versatility and depth that the three recruits add to the Redbird program.
These three ladies are excellent additions to our gymnastics family, said Montero. All are hard workers with a real passion for the sport, and a strong hunger to continue their gymnastic careers. I expect them all to come in and have an immediate impact on the team.
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