STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford completed its Class of 2021 when it added Caroline Spertus and Grace Garcia, as announced this week by head coach Kristen Smyth.
The duo joins Kyla Bryant, Rachael Flam, Taylor Lawson, Lauren Navarro and Catherine Rogers who signed National Letters of Intent this past fall.
The group of seven will be the largest class on the team next season, adding a wealth of depth to lineups.
Spertus and Garcia boast numerous regional and national youth gymnastics accomplishments and will join a Stanford team that competed in its 34th consecutive NCAA regional and 37th overall in 2017.
Caroline Spertus
Los Angeles, Calif.
Brentwood
Broadway Gymnastics School
Coaches » Kort Borg, April Brandon
- 2016 Regional Championships (Level 10): 2nd place, balance beam
- 2015 Regional Championships (Level 10): 7th place, balance beam
- 2014 Regional Championships (Level 10): 7th place, balance beam
- Cum Laude Society (2016)
- Book Award Recipient (2013-16) - awarded to the three students who earned highest unweighted GPA the preceding year
- National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation (2016)
- AP Scholar (2016)
- Student Council Class President during freshman and senior year
- Student Council Senator during sophomore and junior year
- Volunteer At East LA Eye Clinic
- Best Buddies volunteer
- Admissions Ambassador (assists with open houses, tours and panels sessions for prospective Brentwood students)
Why Caroline Chose Stanford
"For me, Stanford is a dream come true. The unparalleled academics, athletics and team camaraderie makes me confident Stanford is the place I want to be. I am so honored to be a part of the dynamic Class of 2021 and can't wait to be on The Farm to help my team!"
Grace Garcia
New York, N.Y.
New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math
NYC Elite
Coaches » Jack Smith, Tera Morris
- Level 9 all-around regional champion
- Level 10 regional vault champion (2015)
- Level 10 Junior Olympic National Qualifier (2015)
- One of the top Level 10 JO national floor performers
- National Latin Exam Gold Medalist in Latin two and three
- Nest+m AP Chemistry Most Improved Award
- NYSSMA Concert Band Silver Medalist (2014 and 2015 as a flutist at Nest+m)
- NYSSMA Jazz Band Silver Medalist (2016 playing the tenor saxophone at Nest+m)
- Held a 4.0 GPA
- First Stanford admit from Nest+m
Why Grace Chose Stanford
"When I was looking at Stanford, I knew of its reputation for having elite academics and athletics, but I was unaware of how strong the sense of community is within the school as well as on the team. The coaches and gymnasts welcomed me with open arms and I had no idea I could feel so at home at a place where I had not grown up. Being able to attend Stanford is a dream come true and I am beyond excited to join such a unique university and team with the incredible Class of 2021!"