Cyclones Sign Two for 2008 Season

AMES, Iowa- Two gymnasts have signed national letters of intent to compete for Iowa State in 2007-2008, ISU head coach Jay Ronayne announced Thursday. One of the signees comes to Iowa State from Canada and will join current Cyclone freshmen and former teammate Melanie Tham on the 2007-2008 squad.

Alexandra Grant, a two-time Eastern Canadian Champion, comes to ISU from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. She competes at the National Open level, which is equivalent to the USAG Level 10, at Gymnastics Mississauga. She won three titles on floor, vault and in the all-around at the Provincial Championships in 2006. Grant also took third on vault and fourth on beam at Elite Ontario.

“Alex is getting better and better with each competition she is in,” said Ronayne. “I think her best gymnastics is still ahead of her. She will make ISU very proud in the next few years.”

Jacquelyn Holmes, a Charlotte, N.C., native, is a USAG Level 10 competitor for the Southeastern Gymnastics Club. The three-time regional qualifier won all-around titles in 2004 and 2005 at the regional meet. She is also a two-time Junior Olympic National Qualifier, placing second on bars in 2005, and third in the all-around in 2004. Holmes was a member of the J.O. National Team in 2004.

“Jacquelyn is ready to make the next step into NCAA competition after a nearly yearlong hiatus due to an injury,” said Ronayne. “The time away from competition has ignited a new fire in her to prove just how good she really is.”

“Both of these young ladies are expected to immediately fill some of the voids left by the departure of our current senior class,” Ronayne added. “Our seniors can never be replaced, but I anticipate Alex and Jacquelyn will be competing for us immediately next January. Their style of gymnastics and experience will make an impact on our team right out of the gate.”