KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Former Alabama gymnast Caitlin Sullivan and University of Michigan gymnast Taylor Zondervan have decided to continue their athletic and academic careers at Western Michigan and will join the Broncos for the 2011 season. Sullivan will have three years of eligibility while Zondervan will have one.
"We are fortunate to have two athletes of Caitlin and Taylor's stature on our team this season," said WMU head coach Dave Kuzara. "They both bring a level of experience and talent which will make us more competitive right away. Our goal of making an impact nationally is now well within reach."
A product of Elkhart, Ind., Sullivan competed in 15 meets for Alabama in 2009, appearing on both beam and floor. An SEC All-Rookie Team selection, Sullivan helped the Crimson Tide capture a conference championship, posting a season-best 9.875 on beam at the SEC meet. She followed that performance with a career-high 9.900 on the floor in the next meet, helping Alabama also claim the NCAA Northeast Regional title and advance to the NCAA Championships. She would go on to score a 9.875 on beam again at the NCAA Super Six. For the season, she had averages of 9.625 on beam and 9.750 on the floor.
"Caitlin is a phenomenal beam and floor performer," Kuzara said. "Her 9.875 on balance beam at the 2009 NCAA National Championships shows her ability to compete in a high pressure situation. Look for Caitlin to anchor beam as well as be a big contributor on floor exercise."
"I am excited to be a part of Western Michigan's gymnastics team," Sullivan said. "I think we are going to have a great year and we have a bright future ahead of us as a team. I look forward to working out with the girls and the amazing coaching staff. It will be nice to be close to home and have my family near by to support me and be there at all of my meets."
Zondervan is originally from neighboring Schoolcraft, Mich., where she graduated in the top 10 in her class in 2007. Zondervan attended Oklahoma as a freshman and transferred to Michigan mid-year in 2008. Over the last two seasons at U-M, she has competed in seven meets for the Wolverines, appearing on the vault and floor. As a sophomore, she scored a collegiate best 9.825 on the floor, helping clinch a meet win against Penn State. She has twice landed a career-best 9.575 on vault.
"It's exciting to come home and attend Western Michigan this year," Zondervan said. "I think that this team has great potential and I can only hope that I can help this team improve and grow. This is going to be a great, and I cannot wait to start practicing and get this year started."
"I am pleased that Taylor will be finally be able to show what she can do at the collegiate level," Kuzara said. "She will compete floor ex as well as contribute on uneven bars and vault. I am truly thrilled that both of them will be competing close to home in front of friends and family."
