Beavers Sign Pair of Outstanding Student-Athletes
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Two outstanding student-athletes will join the Oregon State gymnastics program for the 2021-22 season, head coach Tanya Caplin announced Wednesday.
The Beavers' 2021 recruiting consists of Natalie Briones (Gilbert, Ariz. / Carter's Gymnastics Academy) and Phoebe Jakubczyk (Bristol, United Kingdom / The Academy of Gymnastics).
"It is an honor to welcome two exceptional young women to the Oregon State University gymnastics program," Chaplin said. "Both Natalie and Phoebe have already accomplished a tremendous amount athletically, are extraordinary students, and well-rounded individuals. I know they will continue the gymnastics programs strong tradition of excellence while attending Oregon State University."
Natalie Briones, the daughter of Deo and Laurie Briones, placed first in the all-around at four of the six meets she competed in during the 2020 season, before the remainder of the campaign was cancelled. She finished 19th in the all-around, 15th in the uneven bars and 12th in the floor exercise at the 2019 USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Championships. Briones also took first in the all-around at both the USAG Region 1 Championships and the Arizona State Championships. She won the Arizona State all-around championship in 2018, in addition to placing 16th in the all-around and ninth in the vault at the Junior Olympic Championships that season.
"Natalie's grace, amazing form, and impeccable lines are captivating," Chaplin said. "She is a strong all-around gymnast, and her uneven bars skills make everyone take notice. She is a quiet, confident athlete, and a strong leader in the gym. In addition to being an outstanding gymnast, Natalie is also a very talented pianist."
Briones is coached by Jack and Erin Carter at Carter's Gymnastics Academy.
Phoebe Jakubczyk, the daughter of Marek and Ruth Jakubczyk, was a member of the United Kingdom Senior National Team in 2019, and the Junior National Team in 2017 and 2018. She was the British and English Senior Championship Silver Medalist on Vault in 2019, finishing ninth in the all-around at the meet. Jakubczyk also medaled at the Hungary Senior International World Cup and the Tokyo Senior International World Cup that year. In 2018, she finished fifth in the all-around at the Junior European Championships, helping her team take bronze. Jakubczyk also medaled at the 2017 British and English Junior Championships.
"When I first met Phoebe her determination, passion, and love for the sport stood out," Chaplin said. "Phoebe is charismatic, outgoing, and adventurous, and has a great deal of International competition experience. She is powerful and dynamic on all events, and has many unique combinations that make her stand out in our sport."
Jakubczyk is coached by Liz Kincaid at The Academy of Gymnastics.
"I am looking forward to Natalie and Phoebe joining our program and working with them to create a remarkable collegiate experience," Chaplin said.
2021-22 Oregon State gymnastics recruiting class
* Natalie Briones (Gilbert, Ariz. / Carter's Gymnastics Academy)
* Phoebe Jakubczyk (Bristol, United Kingdom / The Academy of Gymnastics)
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