LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kristen O?Shields, a Level 10 gymnast from Cartersville, Ga., signed a national letter of intent to compete for the University of Kentucky, coach ?Mo? Muhammad announced on Friday. O?Shields is a member of the Cartersville Twisters Club and a graduate of Woodland High School.

?We are very excited to have Kristen joining our program,? Muhammad said. ?She is a wonderful gymnast who will have the opportunity to compete for us right away.?

The Georgia product is a two-time Junior Olympic National Championship qualifier and she is the reigning Level 10 Georgia State Champion on balance beam. In 2003, O?Shields claimed the Region 8 balance beam and floor championships. She also won the Georgia State All-Around, uneven bars and beam championships in the same year.

?Kristen has accomplished so much in her career as a gymnast,? Muhammad said. ?She is a wonderful person to be around and we believe she will play an integral role in the success of our team next season.?