Gymnastics Signs Two to NLIs
Nov 19 | Women's Gymnastics
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers gymnastics and head coach Louis Levine have announced the signing of two gymnasts to National Letters of Intent starting in the 2016-17 academic year. The Scarlet Knights officially welcome both Chloe DeVries (Venice, Fla.) and Polina Poliakova (Norwich, Great Britain) to the program.
"I am very excited to add these two young ladies to our program," Levine said. "They are a perfect fit academically and athletically for what we are looking for in our student-athletes. They will both arrive on campus and instantly be able to battle for spots in the lineup."
Chloe DeVries
Venice, Fla./Venice High School
Notes: Expected to compete all-around at the collegiate level … a member of the Tampa Bay Turners for the last six years … a three-time Level 10 regional qualifier … also had three appearances at Level 9 Eastern national event … daughter of Marcia Williams and Jon DeVries … older sister, Naomi DeVries, recently graduated from North Carolina State and competed in gymnastics … has a younger sister, Gabi.
Levine on DeVries: "Chloe is an outstanding gymnast who has only begun to reach her potential. Her originality and power will be a welcomed addition to our team. We expect her to be someone who will contribute to our team score on several events."
Polina Poliakova
Norwich, Norfolk, Great Britain/Notre Dame High School
Notes: Expected to compete all-around at the collegiate level … a member of the England National Squad since 2011 ... competed on the regional team from 2008-11 … part of club gymnastics for the last nine years, including most recently with the Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club … named Female Gymnast of the Year in 2013 and 2014 … earned junior prefect in eighth and ninth grade and senior prefect in 10th grade … picked up Achievement of Elite Sports Award in 2014 … daughter of Larissa and Roy Heard … born in Russia … bilingual … performed in the ceremony of the Olympic torch in 2012 when it passed through Norwich with collaborated sports group "Pulse" … plans to major in sports therapy and psychology at Rutgers.
Levine on Poliakova: "Anytime you have the opportunity to add a gymnast to your program with international competitive experience it is a positive for the whole team. Polina is a powerful gymnast with a large array of skills that will enable her to help us to continue to improve the difficulty level of our routines on every event."
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