Gymnastics Mourns Loss of Erin Lynch
Oct 19 | Women's Gymnastics
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers Gymnastics community is mourning the loss of alumni, Erin Lynch Fender. A letterwinner of the program, Fender had been battling cervical cancer for several years.
"During my time at Rutgers as an Assistant Coach and now as a Head Coach, I was able to get to know Erin through several of our alumni events. I was honored to be able to experience Erin's love for Rutgers Gymnastics," said Umme Salim Beasley. "She was always in the stands cheering and supporting Rutgers Gymnastics anytime she had an opportunity. The words of encouragement she gave to the current gymnasts was always appreciated.
"Erin always had a passion for the sport of gymnastics that showed through in the athletes she coached. Her presence and support will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Erin's husband Matt Fender and her family."
A letterwinner of the program from 2003-06, Fender competed in vault, balance beam and floor exercise for the Scarlet Knights. The Mullica Hill, New Jersey, native scored highs of 9.775 on floor and 9.575 on vault, performing as a top competitor among the RU squad and in the region throughout her career. She graduated with a degree in sport management from Livingston College in 2006.
Prior to Rutgers, Fender competed with the Flyers' Academy, winning a state championship in 1997 and 2002. She competed Level 5 through Level 10 as a young gymnast, medaling in various events at the USAIGC Nationals, Regionals, and State levels. She was also a captain of her Clearview Regional High School's soccer team from 1999-2001.
"Erin was an amazing individual. From the first time I met her in the recruiting process I knew she would be a perfect fit for our RU gymnastics family," said her former Head Coach Chrystal Chollet-Norton, who coached Fender during her time "On the Banks".
"Her love for Rutgers gymnastics and her teammates were unprecedented. She always had a smiling face for everyone. Her pure joy and enthusiasm for life will be what her teammates will always remember. She will be missed but not forgotten."
This upcoming season the Rutgers Gymnastics team will wear teal ribbons with Erin's initials on them to honor her and raise awareness for cervical cancer. After each home competition a Rutgers gymnast will be honored with the Erin Lynch Award for courage and inspiration. This will be a new award that will continue on year after year for Rutgers Gymnastics so that Erin's name will always be honored within the program.
Additionally, donations can be made in Erin's name to Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center with a Designated Gift to the Jordan Center for Gynecologic Oncology (Cervical Cancer, Ovarian Cancer). For more information on how to donate, click here.
Follow Rutgers gymnastics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Download the Scarlet Knights App for Apple or Android today.
"During my time at Rutgers as an Assistant Coach and now as a Head Coach, I was able to get to know Erin through several of our alumni events. I was honored to be able to experience Erin's love for Rutgers Gymnastics," said Umme Salim Beasley. "She was always in the stands cheering and supporting Rutgers Gymnastics anytime she had an opportunity. The words of encouragement she gave to the current gymnasts was always appreciated.
"Erin always had a passion for the sport of gymnastics that showed through in the athletes she coached. Her presence and support will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Erin's husband Matt Fender and her family."
A letterwinner of the program from 2003-06, Fender competed in vault, balance beam and floor exercise for the Scarlet Knights. The Mullica Hill, New Jersey, native scored highs of 9.775 on floor and 9.575 on vault, performing as a top competitor among the RU squad and in the region throughout her career. She graduated with a degree in sport management from Livingston College in 2006.
Prior to Rutgers, Fender competed with the Flyers' Academy, winning a state championship in 1997 and 2002. She competed Level 5 through Level 10 as a young gymnast, medaling in various events at the USAIGC Nationals, Regionals, and State levels. She was also a captain of her Clearview Regional High School's soccer team from 1999-2001.
"Erin was an amazing individual. From the first time I met her in the recruiting process I knew she would be a perfect fit for our RU gymnastics family," said her former Head Coach Chrystal Chollet-Norton, who coached Fender during her time "On the Banks".
"Her love for Rutgers gymnastics and her teammates were unprecedented. She always had a smiling face for everyone. Her pure joy and enthusiasm for life will be what her teammates will always remember. She will be missed but not forgotten."
This upcoming season the Rutgers Gymnastics team will wear teal ribbons with Erin's initials on them to honor her and raise awareness for cervical cancer. After each home competition a Rutgers gymnast will be honored with the Erin Lynch Award for courage and inspiration. This will be a new award that will continue on year after year for Rutgers Gymnastics so that Erin's name will always be honored within the program.
Additionally, donations can be made in Erin's name to Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center with a Designated Gift to the Jordan Center for Gynecologic Oncology (Cervical Cancer, Ovarian Cancer). For more information on how to donate, click here.
Follow Rutgers gymnastics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Download the Scarlet Knights App for Apple or Android today.
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