NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State head gymnastics coach Bob Conkling announced the signing of one new student-athlete Thursday. Meredith LaRoche signed her National Letter of Intent to start her academic and athletic careers at ISU in the fall of 2015.
"Meredith is one of the most powerful gymnasts that we have ever recruited," Conkling said. "She excels on floor exercise and vault but is also strong on balance beam and uneven bars. Meredith will have an immediate impact on our team."
Meredith LaRoche | Cocoa, Fla. | Space Coast Junior/Senior HS
LaRoche, a product of Space Coast Junior/Senior High School and Brandy Johnson's Gymnastics Academy, showcased her skills in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. As a level 10 gymnast in 2013, she achieved Regional FX Silver Medalist, State VT Bronze Medalist and Olympic NIT Qualifier accolades.
The Redbird prospect continued her success competing at level 10 in 2014 at Regionals, placing eighth in all-around and sixth on vault. Her other accomplishments included state floor champion, Junior Olympic NIT floor champion and vault silver medalist.
"Along with being a strong gymnast, Meredith is also a very strong student making honor roll every semester at Space Coast Junior/Senior High School in Cocoa, Florida. I'm not sure if the coaching staff or Meredith herself is more excited about her joining the ISU Gymnastics Team in the fall of 2015," Conkling said.
The 2015 gymnastics team will host its first home meet against Centenary on January 18, 2015 at 2 p.m.
