PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers gymnastics assistant coach Anne Meade earned the prestigious honor of being inducted into the New Jersey Gymnastics Hall of Fame in a ceremony last month in Carteret. Currently in her first season on staff with the Scarlet Knights, the Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, native was recognized for her appreciation, dedication, development and inspiration to the sport.
 
"To be recognized for something that I am so passionate about is a beautiful thing," Meade said. "I love being able to have a positive impact on the younger generation in athletics. Gymnastics has and always will be a major part of my life. It was truly an honor to be selected into the New Jersey Gymnastics Hall of Fame."
 
Meade started her involvement in the sport early, taking part in gymnastics at a local New Jersey YMCA at age two. After a period of time in Nebraska, she moved back to the Garden State and joined the North Stars at age 5 ½ and entered the elite level at 11 years old. Meade competed at her first US Championships in 1989 and later qualified for the Junior Pacific Alliance. That led to earning a spot on the US National Team for three years from 1991-93, winning a Junior National Championship in 1991 and also winning a gold medal at the Pan-American Games in Havana, Cuba, the same year.
 
Next, Meade earned a scholarship at New Hampshire and competed for the Wildcats from 1995-99. Graduating with a degree in early childhood studies, she went back to North Stars as a coach and helped turn the program into one of the top clubs in the country. She mentored a variety of regional and national level gymnasts, including Alicia Boren, the only four-time Junior Olympic National Champion. Rutgers gymnasts from the club include Amanda Soder, Ali (Hartwig) Tverdov, Jenna Zito, Nicole Romano and current junior Michelle Amoresano.
 
Meade worked as an assistant coach last season at Pittsburgh before returning home to take a position with the Scarlet Knights. Meade is married to her husband, Adam Meade, and has a four-year-old daughter, Lillian.
 
The New Jersey Gymnastics Hall of Fame was established in 2016 to honor those who have contributed significantly to the sport of gymnastics. Meade was one of five inductees in the Class of 2017.
 
Rutgers starts its season on Jan. 6 at Arizona before opening its home schedule on Jan. 13 in a quad meet at the Livingston Gym. Season tickets, including the Big Five Meet, are available for $25. Call 1-866-445-GORU (4678) or click here to purchase.
 
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