California Signs Standout Gymnast Emily Howe

BERKELEY, Calif. – The University of California women’s gymnastics team continues to blossom into a unique and dynamic program after inking standout gymnast Emily Howe to a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period, California head coach Justin Howell announced Thursday.

“We are so excited to be adding such grace and elegance to our team with the signing of Emily Howe,” said Cal associate head coach Elisabeth Crandall-Howell. “Emily brings such a unique signature to her gymnastics that will greatly impact our team."

This is the second Howe to don the blue and gold for the Bears, as Emily joins her sister Jessica, currently a sophomore at Cal. A WOGA disciple, Howe qualified to Junior OIympic Nationals in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Dallas, Texas product was a regional all-around champion in 2011 and 2013, claiming the beam, floor and all-around titles in 2011. At the 2013 State Championships, Howe recorded a 9.925 on beam and in 2012 she was the state beam champion and runner-up in the all-around.

"The building blocks of success for our program have been hard work, attention to detail and beautiful artistic gymnastics.  This is exactly what Emily brings to the table,” Howell said. “Her form, international style and presentation makes you stop, watch and enjoy the performance.  We are looking forward to Emily joining our Bear family and leaving her signature on our program."

EMILY HOWE

Hometown: Plano, Texas

High School: Plano West Senior High School

Gymnastics Club: World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA)

High School/Club:

Trained at the prestigious World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) under Laurent Landi and Natasha Boyarskaya…JO National Qualifier in 2011, 2012 and 2013…Recorded a 9.925 on beam at the 2013 State Championships…Fourth all-around and second on beam and floor at Level 10 Regionals in 2012 …Beam champion and second all-around at the 2012 State Championships…Regional All-Around Champion in 2011 and 2013, winning the beam, floor and all-around in 2011…Attending Plano West Senior High School

Personal:

Was told she would need to quit gymnastics due to a spinal injury and instead chose to attempt surgery with two rods and four screws installed in her back…Would like to pursue legal studies and become a lawyer or sports agent…Hobbies include shopping, reading and swimming…Parents are Mark and Jenny…Has one sibling, Jessica, who is also a gymnast at Cal…Grandfather Richard Casper and uncle William (Bob) Casper also attended Cal…Richard played track and Bob played football