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Women's Gymnastics
Gymnastics Announces 2008 Recruiting Class
KINGSTON, R.I. - University of Rhode Island gymnastics head coach Chelle Kassabian has announced that Genny Salvatore, Stephanie Kuska, and Alexandra Woods have signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) and will enroll at the University of Rhode Island next fall and compete for the gymnastics team.
"The incoming freshman class for 2008 is one that we're looking at to help take our program to the next level," said Kassabian, who is entering her 16th year at Rhode Island and seventh as head coach. "With all three of these young women coming from different regions of the country, this truly is a national class. Steph, Alex and Genny are three student-athletes that will mesh well with our current team and add to the program as a whole. We're very excited about all of them coming to Kingston." Kuska (Mohnton, Pa.) is a member of Silvia's Gymnastics who is a 2006 USAG Level 10 regional qualifier in the all-around. She also earned fourth-place in the 2006 USAG Level 10 (Pa.) all-around. "Steph has a lot of big skills and power that will add to the difficulty of our lineup," said Kassabian. "(Assistant coach) Craig (Ballard) had the opportunity to work with her at camp over the summer, and he was sold on her from then on. She's a great kid and we're looking forward to her being a Ram." Salvatore (Lawrence, Kan.) competes for the KGDC Twisters and is a four-time USAG qualifier (2003-06) who is a 2004 Kansas level 10 state champion the all around. In 2005, she was runner-up in the all-around and captured third-place in 2006. "Adding Genny to the class really gives us another character athlete who can perform at a high level," said Kassabian. "She loves the sport and is passionate about maximizing her potential as a gymnast. She has all the tools to be a successful member of our team and contribute on all four events." Woods (Bethpage, N.Y.) is a member of Mid-Island Gymnastics and a three-time USAG National Qualifier. She placed 55th in the all-around at the 2006 Level 10 Nationals after finishing 30th in 2005 and 34th in 2004. "Alex is a kid whose energy and excitement about being at URI is something that we hope will lead to great things in her career," said Kassabian. "In addition to her excitement, her experience as a competitor at J.O. Nationals will help us take our team to the next level." The Rams open the 2008 season on Jan. 11 when they travel to Durham, N.H. to face New Hampshire.
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