Gymnastics Signs Three For 2017
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas gymnastics head coach Mark Cook has completed his 2017 signing class with a trio of gymnasts in Kailey Gillings, Sydney Laird and Sophia Carter. All three gymnasts boast Level 10 experience, competing at the state, regional, and Junior Olympic national levels.
At the Junior Olympic national level, Gillings finished as high as sixth in the all-around and third on bars, while Carter has finished as high as fifth in the all-around, tied for first in floor exercise and tied for third on beam. In addition to her Level 10 experience, Laird has also competed at the international level as a member of the Canada National Junior Team.
“The class of 2017 will be one of our strongest classes since starting the program,” head coach Mark Cook said. “We look forward to building momentum going into the near future and regaining our position at the top of the national standings. These young ladies will be a part of that.”
Laird, who was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will be the first Canadian and first foreign-born gymnast in program history, and Carter will be the first gymnast from the state of Missouri.
The current team is in the middle of fall training, in preparation for the 2017 season, which will be highlighted by five regular-season home meets and an NCAA Regional in Barnhill Arena. The Gymbacks will open the season at UCLA on Jan. 6. The home opener is Jan. 13 against Missouri.
2017 Signing Class (Hometown/Club Gym)
- Sophia Carter (Blue Springs, Mo./Great American Gymnastic Express Center)
- Kailey Gillings (Beach City, Texas/Stars Gymnastics)
- Sydney Laird (Kings Mountain, N.C./First in Flight Gymnastics)
