In a reversal of fortune for the University of Kentucky gymnastics team, Jennifer Simmons has decided to return to the team and compete as a fifth-year senior in 2003. She missed the 2002 season with torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in her left knee.

“I am excited about Jennifer’s decision to continue her career,” Coach Leah Little said. “She lost two years due to injuries and has not had a chance to really experience the fullness of collegiate gymnastics. She is a great competitor who will add to our team’s depth.”

Simmons also missed her sophomore year in 2000 with a broken ankle suffered in practice after just two meets. The Pasadena, Texas, native originally decided not to return, but her overwhelming desire to replace one of the two missed seasons and help the GymKats reach the NCAA Championships changed her mind.

Jennifer Simmons will compete on the vault and balance beam for the GymKats in 2003

“I took a long time to commit to redshirting and competing next year,” Simmons said, “because I wanted to make sure that it was the right thing for me. This season I wanted to be more a part of the team’s great year, and I hated not being able to contribute. Now I hope I will be able to come back and help them out next year. I am really excited about it, and I can’t wait.”

Although Simmons has competed in the all-around in the past, she will compete on the balance beam and the vault in 2003.

As a freshman in 1999, Simmons competed in all 12 meets, leading the team on the uneven bars. She also recorded her first 10.0 from a judge en route to a career-high 9.975 vault score at Auburn. Simmons went on to win the vault title at the NCAA Southeast Regional.

In 2001, Simmons returned from her ankle injury to compete in the all-around in seven of the GymKats’ 12 meets. She led the team on vault, scoring a season-high 9.900 at Arizona State. Simmons also placed fifth on the vault at the NCAA Central Region Championships.