Standout Class Joins Cardinal

STANFORD, Calif. – Head coach Tabitha Yim announced the signings of four highly-touted standouts to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. 

Anapaula Gutierrez (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Jimena Gutierrez (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Brenna Neault (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) and Katya Sander (Goshen, Ky.) will join the Cardinal for the 2021 campaign.

"We are thrilled to welcome this group of young women and their families to Stanford," said head coach Tabitha Yim. "They are tremendous students, athletes and leaders, and it has been a pleasure getting to know them throughout the recruiting process. We know this incoming class is passionate about representing the "S" with pride and building on the tradition of excellence at Stanford. They will be joining an exciting group of returning athletes who are committed to taking our program to the next level. Our Stanford fans are in for a treat."

Anapaula Gutierrez • Highlands Ranch, Colo. • Rock Canyon HS 
Quick Profile: Club participation: Active Athletics (2020-present), TIGAR (2012-20) … four-time US JO National Championships qualifier (2016-19) ... JO National vault champion (2019) … Region 3 all-around, vault and bars champion (2019), Colorado all-around, vault and bars state champion (2019) 

National Team: Competed for Mexico ... 2019 Guimares World Cup bars runner-up, 2019 Mexican National all-around and floor champion, 2018 Mexican all-around, floor, beam and vault champion, also competed at 2019 World Championships, 2019 Pan American Games and 2016-19 Mexico National Championships.

Personal: Parents are Oguer and Ania ... joins twin sister, Jimena, in this class ... anticipated major is mechanical engineering or computer engineering ... National Honor Society ... hobbies include sewing, thrift clothing, creating stuffed animals and clothes from scratch.

Why Stanford? »
"Stanford is a place for hard-working risk takers. Having the opportunity to pursue my passions both academically and athletically is truly an honor, and I am extremely excited to be able to live out my dream!"

Coach Yim on Anapaula Gutierrez »
"Anapaula brings a wealth of experience. She is a seasoned competitor in the international arena having competed for the Mexican National Team at the Pan American Games and World Championships. She is outstanding on all four events and known for her explosiveness on vault and floor exercise. Anapaula is a real crowd pleaser featuring routines packed with difficulty and unique combinations. We know Anapaula will light up the arena with her dynamic gymnastics, personality and charm."."

Jimena Gutierrez • Highlands Ranch, Colo. • Rock Canyon HS 
Quick Profile: Club participation: Active Athletics (2020-present), TIGAR (2012-20) … four-time US JO National Championships qualifier (2016-19) ...US JO National sixth place all-around (2018)…  Region 3 all-around (2018), vault (2019) and floor champion (2017) … Colorado all-around state champion (2018) and runner-up (2019) … two-time Colorado vault, beam, and three-time bars state champion 

National Team: Competed for Mexico ... Mexican National vault champion (2016) and runner-up (2019) … also competed at 2019 Pan American Games and 2016-19 Mexico National Championships.

Personal: Parents are Oguer and Ania ... joins twin sister, Anapaula, in this class ... anticipated major is biomedical computation/computer science or biomechanical engineering/mechanical engineering ... National Honor Society ... hobbies include painting, crafting, cooking and baking.

Why Stanford? »
"Having the opportunity to be part of such a passionate community that always strives to learn and bring out the best in one another is all I could hope for. Stanford is a school that prioritizes academics and athletics at the highest level. I know I will have an unforgettable experience!"

Coach Yim on Jimena Gutierrez »
"Jimena is a fierce competitor with experience at the international and Junior Olympic level. She is extremely athletic, confident and determined to make an impact on our team. Jimena is also a strong leader known for her resilience, work ethic and positive attitude. We are excited she chose to join the Stanford family and know she will be a great addition to our program."."

Brenna Neault • Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. • Los Osos HS 
Quick Profile: Club participation: Precision Gymnastics (2006-present) … qualified for Junior International Elite (2017) and competed at the USA Championships (2018) ... Southern California all-around, bars and beam state champion, placed second in all-around at JO Nationals and secured a spot on the JO National Team (2019).

Personal: Parents are David and Sharon ... has one brother, William, and one sister, Dana ... father, David, swam and played water polo at Claremont McKenna College ... anticipated major is human biology ... National Honor Society ... member of high school varsity dance team for three seasons, serving as co-captain as a senior ... hobbies include baking, cooking, watching Netflix and spending time with friends.

Why Stanford? »
"I fell in love with the academic opportunities, campus life and immediate connection with the team. I am excited to take advantage of everything that Stanford has to offer, including the variety of classes that will allow me to challenge myself academically while also being competitive in the sport that I love. I look forward to training with the incredible coaching staff, led by Tabitha Yim, and building a strong gym family with my future teammates!"

Coach Yim on Neault »
"Brenna is a seasoned competitor with experience as an international elite and JO national team member. She is a charismatic performer who executes her skills and routines with precision and grace. In addition to her phenomenal gymnastics, she is an incredible leader who works tirelessly toward her goals. We are excited for Brenna to bring these qualities to Stanford and cannot wait for her to join the SWG family."

Katya Sander • Goshen, Ky. • William Mason HS 
Quick Profile: Club participation: Perfection Gymnastics School (2016-21) ...three-time JO Nationals qualifier (2017-19)… JO Nationals fifth-place finish on beam (2019) ... JO Nationals third-place finish on bars (2018)… Region 5 all-around runner-up (2019) … Region 5 beam champion (2018) … Ohio all-around, bars and beam state champion (2019)

Personal: Parents are Vincent and Yuki ... has one sister, Sasha, and one brother, Max ... sister, Sasha, was a member of women's gymnastics team at Missouri ... anticipated major is human biology ... three-time Principal's Award honoree ... hobbies include cooking, baking, crafts and making cards, dancing, volunteering, hiking and trying new restaurants and activities.

Why Stanford? »
"Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to learn and flip. I know at Stanford I will get the best of both worlds and will be able to push my mind and body to the fullest. Being a part of the Stanford community and meeting brilliant people on the most beautiful campus - what else could I ask for? 

Coach Yim on Sander »
"Katya is known for her artistry and executes her skills and routines with style and poise. She has exquisite lines and presentation that will be rewarded at the collegiate level, and her spunky personality will make her a fan favorite at Stanford. It is an absolute pleasure to officially welcome Katya and her family to Stanford, and we know she will have a huge impact on our program."