CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois women's gymnastics head coach Nadalie Walsh announced the addition of four student-athletes on Wednesday. Alea Byrne, Tali Joelson, Emma White and Arielle Ward are set to join the Illini this upcoming season.
"We are really looking forward to the arrival of our incoming class, said Walsh. "Each of these young women will make an immediate impact. While recruiting the 2022 class was a bit of a slower process, I am truly pleased with the new members of our Illini family."
Alea Bryne | Frisco, Texas
- National Floor Champion 2021 and 2022
- Regional Floor Champion 2021
- State Floor Champion 2021
Why Byrne chose Illinois: "The high ranked academic program along with the amazing gymnastics program and staff!"
Walsh on Byrne: "Alea is going to be one of the most outstanding floor workers Illinois has had. Her excellent technique and high level of difficulty will lead our floor team from the start. She has a humble spirit partnered with relentless drive which I appreciate greatly."
Arielle Ward | Frisco, Texas
- Two-time J.O. national qualifier
- 2022 Level 10 Texas State Championships : 1st Vault, 2nd Bars, Floor, and All Around
- 2021 Level 10 Texas State Championships : 1st Vault, Bars, Floor, and All Around
- 2021 Level 10 Region 3 Championships : 2nd Bars, 3rd Floor, 2nd All Around
- Two-time Westerns qualifier
- 2017 Level 9 Texas State Champion
Why Ward chose Illinois: "When I went on my visit here at the university, it instantly felt like home and I knew I belonged here. The great academic opportunity as well as the amazing coaches, their philosophies, and the famILLy bond of the team were exactly what I was looking for in a college."
Walsh on Ward: "I am excited to welcome Arielle Ward to the program. She is strong on every event and had a stellar senior year. I believe her experience and desire to win will help to keep pushing the program forward."
Tali Joelson | Seattle, Washington
- 2022 National qualifier
- Placed fifth on vault at 2022 Nationals
- 2022 Regional Vault Champion
- Two-time National qualifier
Why Joelson chose Illinois: "From the amazing academics and campus to the gymnastics team and staff, it has the best of everything!"
Emma White | Franklin, Massachusetts
- Two-time National Qualifier ('21 and '22)
- Seven-time State Champion
- Named Boston All-Scholastic
- Scored a perfect 10 in the 2021 Hockomock Championships
Why White chose Illinois: "It was really important for me to find a great team environment and feel celebrated not tolerated. I loved the coaches, campus, community, and the resources available. The Illini environment is built for success!"
Walsh on Joelson and White: "Tali and Emma will both bring power and consistency to the team. They have incredible personalities filled with joy, gratitude, and a champion mindset."
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June 06, 2022 at 02:00PM
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Walsh and Staff Complete 2022 Class - University of Illinois Athletics - Fighting Illini
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