Third-ranked Stanford women's gymnastics Third-ranked Stanford women's gymnastics (December 29, 2004)team one of many reasons to look forward to 2005

by Rick Eymer

After getting close last year, Stanford women's gymnastics coach Kristen Smyth sees her team on the verge of taking the next step.

The third-ranked Cardinal completed their most successful season in program history with their third-place finish in the NCAA Super Six last year, and Smith has her sights focused squarely on a national championship.

"Every year we're trying to build, and improve our reputation on the national scene," Smyth said. "For us to have finished third last year really sent a message that we are a program on the rise. I think that coming off last year's performance gives this year's team great confidence."

Stanford opens its season at 25th-ranked California on Jan. 14. The Cardinal open at home (with one of two meets at Maples Pavilion) on Jan. 28 against 12th-ranked Oregon State.

"I really feel like we've turned the corner and are ready to make our mark as a national title contender," Smyth said. "Last year was a step in the right direction. I feel that a championship is no longer a hope or dream but a reality. We're working hard to achieve that goal and we really feel that we're getting close."

Despite losing five seniors (four of whom were All-Americans) to graduation, and a roster void of seniors this year, Smyth has reason to be optimistic. The four returning performers each turned in key efforts at last year's NCAA meet, led by junior Natalie Foley, who produced first-team All-American performances in the vault, uneven bars, floor exercise and all-around. She was a second-team All-American on the beam.

Juniors Jessica Louie and Glyn Sweets also return as top performers. Louie made her presence felt in the vault last year, while Sweets, injured most of the year, came up with a solid effort on the bars at the NCAA meet.

Sophomore Stacy Sprando also returns after a top effort on the beam. Sophomore Brittany Billmaier sat out last season with an injury.

Foley, last year's Pac-10 all-around champion, is considered one of the nation's best all-around performers. The daughter of former Denver Broncos defensive back Steve Foley (who still owns the team record with 44 career interceptions), she was ranked eighth in the nation last year in all-around.

"Our three juniors will be the leaders of this team," Smyth said. "They have competed in a Super Six, and know what it takes to compete at the top level in the country. They know what it takes to get a team to the next level."

One of the top recruiting classes inspires Smyth's enthusiasm. Liz Tricase and Tabitha Yim competed at the United States Olympic trials last summer. Tricase will join Foley, who turns 21 on Saturday, as one of the top all-around performers. Yim, recovering from an injury, will add depth in several events.

Lauren Elmore, Stephanie Gentry, Alex Pintchouk and Aimee Precourt help make the freshman class one of the strongest in the country.

"Each one of them offers something unique and special," Smyth said. "This group brings a level of artistry, performance quality, and showmanship that has never been seen at Stanford."

The Cardinal face their most ambitious schedule ever, with 10 of their 12 opponents ranked in the preseason top 25, including top-ranked UCLA, No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 Utah, No. 6 Florida and No. 9 Arizona State.

"With our team being so young, the best way for them to get collegiate experience is to compete against the best teams possible," Smyth said. "The level of gymnastics that we will see is very high, and the quality of gymnastics at all of our meets will be outstanding."
Men's gymnastics

Sixth-ranked Stanford hosts the Stanford Open in Burnham Pavilion the weekend of Jan. 21, beginning with a high school meet on that Friday at 5:45 p.m.

The NCAA and elite session is scheduled for that Saturday, beginning with a 5 p.m. open warm up.

The meet attracts over 675 competitors of all ages and levels. Collegiate teams include Stanford, Cal, Air Force, Arizona State and Washington. Top high school athletes will also be featured.

Stanford's freshmen class, considered one of the top in the nation, will be highlighted, led by senior national team member Sho Nakamura and junior national team member David Sender.

Future Stanford freshman Gregory Ter-Zakhariants will also compete at the high school level.

For more information, visit www.stanfordopen.com.
General

In addition to the men's and women's basketball teams, the Stanford wrestling team is also in action this year.

The wrestling team is competing at the Midlands Invitational in Evanston, Ill. on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Stanford's women's basketball team kicks off the new year with a home game on Sunday against Washington State at 2 p.m.

The fifth-ranked men's swimming team resumes its season with an important home meet against No. 9 Michigan on Friday, Jan. 7 at 1 p.m. The men then join the women's team for a meet against visiting Pacific on Jan. 15 at 11 a.m.

The sailing team finishes its season at the Rose Bowl Intersectional on Jan. 8-9 in Los Angeles.

The defending NCAA champion women's tennis team will be sending players to the Pac-10 Indoor championships in Seattle, and to the National Collegiate Tennis tournament in Las Vegas, both of which begin Jan. 14.

The men's tennis team will be participating in the Sherwood Cup in Thousand Oaks the same weekend.

The women's golf team starts up again in February at the Regional Challenge in Palos Verdes Estates, while the men's golf team will be in Hawaii at the Taylor Made Waikoloa.

Both the men's and women's crew teams will be action in March.

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