The University of Kentucky gymnastics team welcomes five incoming freshmen for the 2005 season. Amanda Coates, an East Lansing, Mich., native, Crissy Cannon from Lenior City, Tenn., Kristen Kaufman of San Antonio, Texas, Kristen O?Shields from Cartersville, Ga., and Jessica Utz, a Louisville native, all join the Wildcats for head coach Mo Muhammad?s second season.

?With the addition of our new freshmen along with the talented group of sophomores, we are well on our way to having an impact in the conference and the region,? Muhammad said.

The coaching staff is excited about the make-up of the team. The freshmen bring national competition experience to the GymKats and a host of talent will come from those returning. Returning for their sophomore seasons are Krystle Cook, Rachel Riley, Alison Sarucci and Sarai Sevier.

The team is eager to take this program to new heights. Team captains, senior Michelle Gales and junior Staci O?Keefe, are ready to show the strong leadership that every successful team possesses. Joining them on the path to success are returnees Lucy Burgin, Lindsay Cameron, Kara and Krista Prestigiacomo and Bethany Strauch.

?My coaching staff strives hard to instill the proper work ethic and attitude that our student athletes need to succeed.? Muhammad said. ?The athletes that we have on our team understand the task that is before them.?

The team as a whole has a new attitude with a new mission this season. As the team set goals ranging from team academics to team performance the GymKats began working on those goals this summer to improve on their finish at the SEC Championships.

?I feel that the work ethic of this team is carrying over from the summer where most of the athletes remained on campus for summer school and worked out with our strength coaches,? Muhammad said.

The team opens up competition with a Blue-White meet at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Memorial Coliseum.

-UK-