STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford grew stronger Wednesday when five future Cardinal signed National Letters of Intent to join the team in the fall of 2017.
Stanford will welcome Kyla Bryant, Rachael Flam, Taylor Lawson, Lauren Navarro and Catherine Rogers to The Farm next fall.
"I love this group of young women and their families," said Stanford head coach Kristen Smyth. "They are character kids, leaders and role models. This bond started four years ago and they have stolen my heart throughout the recruiting process. Through perseverance, and sacrifice they have achieved their dream of competing together and representing Stanford at the highest level."
The group boasts a wealth of national and international experience and will join a Stanford team that is coming off of a 2016 season in which it competed in its ninth NCAA Championships in the past 10 years and 16th overall, and won the NCAA Ann Arbor Regional.
"They've excelled in the classroom and shined on the competition floor," said Smyth. "This group puts us in a position to build on the success of our program. They will allow us to stay in the hunt for championships, and our eighth Super Six appearance. Stanford fans are in for a treat."
Kyla Bryant
Lake Oconee, Ga.
Bridgeway Academy
Georgia Elite Gymnastics
Coaches » Pete Arenas, Doug McAvinn, Cassidy Bernstein, and Amber Stiles
- Three Junior Olympic national championships (bars, floor, and all-around)
- Two-time Junior Olympic National Team member
- Has earned 22 State and Regional Individual Championships
- "Be A Hero" for Kajal Memorial/Celebration and videography support
- Volunteered with Interact Club Food Collection for malnourished children in Haiti
- Enjoys playing violin
Why Kyla Chose Stanford
"First, Stanford University, as a whole, has such a unique flare that I've never seen before. The very first time I stepped foot on campus, I felt like I was home. I feel I belong at Stanford and SWG. I chose SWG because I know I can leave a lasting impact on the team, program and the entire school. The idea that I have the opportunity to receive the best education in world, while being surrounded by people who share similar intellects, and contribute to the continued success of SWG leaves a sparkle in my eye. SWG is the place that I chose to leave my gymnastics legacy."
In the Words of Coach Smyth
"Kyla is a stick of dynamite waiting to explode onto the college scene. The only thing bigger than her gymnastics is her personality and strength of character. She is one of the top gymnasts in our sport and the 2016 Junior Olympic all-around champion. She has all of the gifts a gymnast could want and is so much fun to watch. She is extremely athletic, confident and a tremendous competitor ready to light up the arena."
Rachael Flam
Houston, Texas
Texas Connections
Stars Gymnastics
Coaches » Dan and Ashly Baker
- Junior Olympics national champion in 2016 (all-around, vault)
- Two-time Nastia Liukin Cup top-three finisher in the all-around (2014: Jr. Div-1st, 2016-3rd)
- Six-time Junior Olympics National Championships qualifier
- P&G Championships Elite qualifier and bars medalist
- Holds a 4.41 cumulative GPA
- National Honor Society member
- Serves as a math tutor for young girls
- Previous club teammates include current Stanford gymnasts Rachel Daum and Taryn Fitzgerald
Why Rachael Chose Stanford
"I chose Stanford because of its incredible coaching staff, team dynamic and academic opportunity. I fell in love with the school the first time I stepped foot on campus. The coaches and gymnasts made me feel right at home and I knew this was where I belonged. I can't wait to join the Stanford Class of 2021 and strive to help bring SWG home an NCAA Championships title."
In the Words of Coach Smyth
"Rachael is an amazing all-around competitor and recently became the 2016 Junior Olympic national champion. She has many special qualities and is going to be a great collegiate gymnast. She is a charismatic performer and dynamic competitor. She executes her skills with perfection leaving little room for deductions. In addition to her phenomenal gymnastics, she has a vibrant personality and has the potential to be a strong leader for SWG. She is one of the most upbeat and positive individuals I've ever recruited. She's a ray of sunshine."
Taylor Lawson
Macungie, Pa.
Bridgeway Academy
Parkettes
Coaches » Bill and Donna Strauss, Robin Netwall, John Holman,
Heather Moroz, Joe Stallone
- Junior Olympics National Team member in 2016
- Region 7 All-Star Team member in 2016
- Three-time International Elite (2013-15)
- High Academic Honors at Bridgeway Academy (2013-present)
- Volunteered with Parkettes in school exhibitions, local parades and gymnastics classes for preschool children
- Competed in the Pink Meet (Philadephia, Pa.) to raise funds for women fighting breast cancer
Why Taylor Chose Stanford
"I chose Stanford because of its amazing gymnastics team, excellent academics and top-notch professors that will help me reach my dreams of becoming an All-American and studying to become an orthopedic surgeon! I'm excited to be a part of the Stanford Cardinal, Class of 2021!"
In the Words of Coach Smyth
"Taylor has competed at the highest level. She is outstanding on all four events but really stands out on balance beam and floor exercise. Her gymnastics is powerful and her routines are packed with difficulty. Taylor is also a strong leader and role model for her team because of her positive influence, work ethic and leadership. We can't wait for her to bring these qualities to Stanford University."
Lauren Navarro
La Verne, Calif.
Glendora
Charter Oak Gymnastics
Coaches » Stephen and Beth Rybacki
- 2015 U.S. National Team Member
- Pan American Games alternate
- First-place finish in the all-around at the 2016 American Classic
- Four-time P&G Championships Qualifier (Jr. Div; 2013-14, Sr. Div; 2015-16)
- California Scholarship Federation member
- Recycling Club member
- Key Club member
Why Lauren Chose Stanford
"I chose Stanford because not only does it allow me to continue my gymnastics career with an amazing collegiate gymnastics team, but also with a great education that will prepare me for the future."
In the Words of Coach Smyth
"Lauren is unbelievably artistic, and will be one of the most stylistic gymnasts in the NCAA. Hailing from Gliders Gymnastics under the expert tutelage of Beth and Stephen Rybacki she is a U.S. Senior National Team member and brings international competitive experience. Her exquisite lines and effortless work takes your breath away. She will be a star in the NCAA."
Catherine Rogers
Sandy, Utah
Rowland Hall
All American Gymnastics
Coaches » Dawn Johnson and Jimmy Pratt
- Junior Olympics National Team member
- Three-time Junior Olympics National Championships qualifier (2014-2016)
- Region 1 all-around champion
- Won Utah state championships in the all-around, vault, bars, beam and floor
- Rowland Hall High Academic Honors Award every semester in high school
- CollegeBoard AP Scholar with Honor Award
- Rowland Hall Community Building Distinction Award
Why Catherine Chose Stanford
"Stanford University has great academics, great athletics and great people. The Stanford Women's Gymnastics Team focuses on excellence. I want to be surrounded by greatness and people who strive for excellence; I want to be a part of the Stanford Women's Gymnastics Team family."
In the Words of Coach Smyth
"Catherine is a beautiful all-around gymnast and consistent competitor. She will make a positive impact on all four events but really shines on bars and beam. She has a classical look and elegant presentation. She is incredibly bright and a quiet, thoughtful leader. We are really excited to welcome her to our SWG family."