GymCat Recruits Place in Top-20 All-Around at 2021 National Championships

TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona's incoming class competed at the 2021 Level 10 Junior Olympic National Championships held in Daytona Beach, Fla. this weekend where all three incoming freshmen placed in the top-20 all-around, with two placing in the top-10 all-around and Alysen Fears placing first on the uneven bars.
 
Alysen Fears and Emily Mueller competed in Session 5S of the Senior E Division, while Elizabeth LaRusso competed in Session 1S of the Senior A Division.
 
Fears won first place on bars in her division with an impressive 9.825 and earned a 38.550 in the all-around to place fifth. She also scored 9.50 on beam (t-7th) and 9.675 on floor (t-9th).
 
"2021 JO Nationals was a great meet for me and such a special night as well," Fears said. "I accomplished everything I wanted to, and I enjoyed every second of it, taking in my last moments as a club athlete, and wrapping up my JO career and going out with a bang. These last moments will be something I will cherish and remember forever. Now I can move on to a new chapter at the U of A. As an incoming Wildcat I am mostly excited for change, and to compete in more of a team atmosphere and contribute to the team in every way I can. Bear Down!"
 
Mueller placed seventh in the all-around with a 38.425 and she tied for sixth place on vault with a 9.70. She also scored 9.675 on bars (11th), 9.475 on beam (t-9th), and 9.575 on floor (t-19th).
 
"My overall experience at Nationals was amazing," Mueller said. "I'm really happy with my performance and it was an awesome way to close out my JO career. I'm so excited to get on campus and start training with the team. I can't wait to experience the meet day atmosphere in McKale Center for the first time next year. BEAR DOWN!"
 
LaRusso earned a 37.650 in the all-around (t-17th) and tied for fourth on vault with a 9.625. She also earned a 9.50 on bars (t-11th) and 9.50 on floor (t-16th).
 
"My last JO Nationals was such an unforgettable experience," LaRusso said. "I was thrilled to be able to share this experience with my Region 1 and club teammates and with my future Arizona teammates. From hitting all my events, to placing fourth in the nation on vault, it was an amazing weekend. I am excited about competing in McKale as an incoming Wildcat, meeting all of my teammates and coaches, and the overall team atmosphere of college gymnastics."