The University of Utah welcomed four new freshmen for this season and they are already proving to be very strong additions to the team. Here are some of their thoughts on joining the Red Rocks!

MAKENNA MERRELL

QUICKSTATS
Hometown	Pleasant Grove, UT
Height	5'4
Club	All-American Gymnastics
Favorite Event	Beam

"It's so fun to be in college, and just to compete with such an amazing team," she says.  "The meets are a lot different than club - I mean, there are so many fans there.  Competing in front of all those fans at the Huntsman is just unforgettable.  There's nothing like it and it just gives you such a rush."

ERIKA MUHAW

QUICKSTATS
Hometown	Montville, New Jersey
Height	5'2
Club	North Stars Gymnastics Academy
Favorite Event	Floor

In describing how collegiate competition is different from club, she says, "I feel like it's about having fun and doing it for your team, not so much as yourself.  Competing in front of 15,000 fans is just insane."  She lists floor as her favorite event, explaining, "I get to show my personality and just have fun out there."

SHANNON MCNATT

QUICKSTATS
Hometown	Houston, Texas
Height	5'3
Club	Stars Gymnastics Training Center
Favorite Event	Floor

"I love just being here in the mountains.  It's gorgeous," she says.  "And I'm surrounded by just amazing people who really care about you and are pushing you to be your best in every aspect of your life.  It's definitely an adjustment, being away from home for the first time, kind of having to figure out how to do everything without your parents.  But it's been an incredible experience so far."

SABRINA SCHWAB

QUICK STATS
Hometown	Lucas, Texas
Height	5'3
Club	WOGA
Favorite Event	Floor

"Club is definitely more hours," she says, "Like you can do ten and if five are good, then five are good.  But here, you do three and they have to be good.  So it's a little bit more pressure in the gym to hit......which is good for your confidence going into a meet.  And then competing is all about the team.  It's a crazy experience, but I'll never forget it.  I love it."

This weekend, Utah will host Washington in the Huntsman Center.  Check back here to keep up on the Red Rocks!