University of Minnesota Athletics
GOPHER WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS INK PAIR TO NATIONAL LETTER
12/18/2001 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Recognized as one of the strongest all around competitors in the National Junior Olympic Program, Laura Johnson was sought after by many of the top gymnastics schools in the country. As the New Mexico state champion on every event except balance beam where she placed second in 2001, Johnson's greatest asset is her ability as a vaulter. She has been the Western Regional level ten vault champion three of the last four years.
"There are few high school gymnasts who could come to Minnesota and begin to fill the shoes of the stellar graduating class that will move on following this season, Laura is one of those few," said Jim and Meg Stephenson. "Such an addition to the team is a potent shot in the arm for the squad. Her involvement will have a long term positive effect on Minnesota women's gymnastics."
The road to the University of Minnesota for Maria Opsahl was forged by her older sister Alicia, who is now in her second year competing for the Golden Gophers. In 2001, Maria tied for second place in the Minnesota State Championships, but more impressively she has qualified for and participated in the Junior Olympic Level 10 Nationals for the last four years.
"Maria has a long history of success, a beautiful look to her gymnastics and we see her as one of the top young women to ever come out of Minnesota's club program," said the Stephenson's. "That opinion is not based only on what Maria can do now, but what she can become. Maria has been developing at a steady, consistent pace. As good as she is at this point in her gymnastics, she is an athlete whose greatest potential lies ahead of her in college."
Johnson and Opsahl will join the Minnesota gymnastics team for the 2002 fall season.
