Gymnastics Adds Four
11/23/2014 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama gymnastics team has added Abby Armbrecht, Jenna Bresette, Amanda Huang and Avery Rickett to its 2015-16 roster head coach Dana Duckworth announced this week.
"We're very excited to have these ladies join the Alabama gymnastics family," Duckworth said. "We have watched them grow and mature as both gymnasts and people and we can't wait to have them on campus and in the gym so they can start the next phase of their careers."
A two-time USA Junior Olympic National Team Member and 2013 J.O National Balance Beam Champion, Abby Armbrecht trains at Planet Gymnastics where she is coached by Vladimir and Joanne Novikov.
A two-time Region 8 All-Star as well as a 2014 Regional All-Around Champion, Armbrecht placed third and fifth in the all-around at the 2013 and 2014 J.O. National Championships, respectively. A senior at UMS-Wright Preparatory School, Armbrecht is part of the National Honor Society and carries a 4.29 GPA. A native of Mobile, Ala., she is the daughter of Dena and Alec Armbrecht.
"I chose Alabama for its rich traditions and successes in both academics and athletics," Armbrecht said. "I love the family atmosphere and camaraderie of the team, and the coaches bring out the unique talents of every athlete. From the first time I stepped on campus, Alabama felt like home."
A 2010 member of the USA Junior Olympic National Team and a 2011 Junior International Elite qualifier, Jenna Bresette trains at Fuzion Gymnastics where she is coached by Mike and Jackie Heredia.
Bresette competed in the all-around at the national championships three times, taking second in 2010. A native of Kansas City, Mo., and daughter of Stacey and Paul Bresette, she is a senior at St. Pius X where she is on the honor roll.
"I love the atmosphere and I immediately felt like I was part of a family, Bresette said. "I really enjoy the coaches and the team and it was just exactly what I was looking for."
A 2011 J.O National Bar Champion and 2012 Visa U.S Championships competitor, Abby Huang competes for Brandy Johnson's Global Gymnastics and is coached by Kelly Pitzen and Brandy Johnson.
A member of the 2011 Region 8 All-Star Team, Huang placed second on the uneven bars at the 2014 J.O Nationals. The daughter of Laura and Howard Huang, the native of Roswell, Ga. is a senior at Montverde Academy where she is part of the Spanish National Honor Society and is Summa Cum Laude.
"When I visited The University of Alabama, I saw how enthusiastic and positive the coaches are with the gymnasts," Huang said. "I really like how the gymnasts encourage each other during training and the campus is absolutely beautiful!"
The 2014 Buckeye Classic balance beam champion, Avery Rickett trains at World Champions Centre where she is coached by Terry and Tamara Walker.
Rickett took silver in the all-around at the 2014 Houston National Invitational and qualified for the 2014 USA Junior Olympic National Championships. A native of Tomball, Texas and the daughter of Sara and Mike Rickett, she is a senior at Tomball High School where she is a National Charity League officer and Spectrum Award winner.
"Alabama just feels like home, Rickett said. "The spirit, the awesome team and the excellent coaching staff! Academically it is a good fit for me and I'm excited for the opportunity to contribute to the tradition of Alabama gymnastics!
Get all the latest information on the team by following BamaGymnastics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.
