The Minnesota Gophers welcome in a large freshmen class of seven gymnasts this season. The Gophers will have some big holes to fill in lineups with the absence of last year's successful senior class, including Lindsay Mable. The Gophers will get a boost this season with a strong class of seven gymnasts that will bring talent, depth, and youth to their roster. The freshmen include: 

Casey Betts: Three-time Junior Olympic national qualifier
Julia Huebert: Missouri state champion, regional qualifier 
Ivy Lu: Two-time Canadian national team member  
Kristen Quaglia: Two-time JO national qualifier 
Ryan Stach: Three-time JO national qualifier 
Becca Taylor: JO NIT bar specialist 
Paige Williams: Two-time JO national qualifier, second all-around 2016 

Minnesota coach Jenny Hansen on the freshmen class: 
"We are thrilled about this group of young women set to join the Golden Gopher family. They have a great passion and love for the sport as well our program and culture we are creating here at Minnesota. This class will step right in and continue to carry on the success of one of our most accomplished classes in school history in Madeline Hanley, Lindsay Mable, and Hanna Nordquist."

Casey Betts

Betts is from Chandler, Arizona, where she trained at Gold Medal Gymnastics. She had a successful level 10 career and was a three-time JO National qualifier. Betts comes to Minnesota with tremendous potential on all four events. Her strong Yurchenko full will compete for a lineup spot this season and can also be a contender for the floor lineup with a solid routine for the Gophers. Betts, however, is still recovering from Achilles surgery back in October. 

Julia Huebert

Huebert is from Overland, Kansas, where she trained at Eagles Gymnastics Club. She will provide depth this season and contend for lineup spots, especially on beam. Her routine features strong connections along with great execution throughout. 

Ivy Lu

Lu is from Montreal, Quebec, where she trained at Gymnix. She was a two-time Canadian national team member (2011-13) and will be an impact gymnast for the Gophers this season on bars, beam, and floor. Lu boasts great lines and form along with difficulty that will translate well in college gymnastics. On beam, Lu has a variety of difficult skills to choose from that include a double turn, sheep jump, and a full-twisting Korbut. Look for Lu to compose a stellar beam routine that will score highly for the Gophers.

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Kristen Quaglia

Quaglia is a hometown girl from Chanhassen, Minnesota, where she trained at Classic Gymnastics. She is a two-time JO qualifier and an exceptional gymnast on vault and bars. Her vault is a strong Yurchenko full that will be a contender for a lineup spot. 

Ryan Stach

Stach is from Valley Cottage, New York, where she trained at Galaxy Club Gymnastics. She comes to Minnesota with a combination of power and grace while also having beautiful gymnastics. Stach has potential on all four events with long clean lines and solid landings. On vault, Stach performs a Yurchenko full that will be a contender for the lineup along with adding depth. 

Becca Taylor

Taylor is from another hometown girl from Corcoran, Minnesota, where she trained at Twin City Twisters. She is not only a stellar gymnast but also an exceptional student. Taylor stands out on bars and floor where she will be an impact player for the Gophers this season. She is working new upgrades on bars, including a Khorkina release and a full out dismount, which would bring a boost to the bars lineup.  

Paige Williams

Williams is from Wylie, Texas, where she trained at Metroplex, Gymnastics. She had a successful 2016 finishing second all-around at JO Nationals. Williams is a very powerful gymnast who brings explosive skills to both vault and floor and will need to focus on controlling her power to bring big scores for the Gophers. Williams has a sky high double front on floor that will bring a fresh routine to the lineup. 


Related:
Florida Freshmen Aim to Get Gators Back on Top
LSU Tigers Add International Talent
Oklahoma Gets Incredible Boost of Talent from Freshmen Class
Bruins Add Olympic Talent and Notable Depth with Large Freshmen Class
Utah Adds Trio of Talented Freshmen
Georgia's Trio of Freshmen Looking to Boost the Gymdogs to Success
Alabama Freshmen Ready to Shine for the Crimson Tide
Auburn's Trio of Freshmen Look to Continue Success 
Denver Freshmen Look to Build on Pioneers Success