Griffin James Signs NLI to Compete for Alabama Gymnastics
11/8/2017 5:43:00 PM | Gymnastics
James is the Crimson Tide gymnastics team’s first signee of the fall period
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Virginia native Griffin James has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete for The University of Alabama gymnastics team head coach Dana Duckworth announced Wednesday.
"Griffin is an excellent student-athlete and has the ability to be a difference maker as a freshman with an immediate impact on our line ups," Duckworth said. "Her demeanor and personal expectations allow her the opportunity to be a leader in our program. As a person she is mature beyond her years, a natural competitor and we look forward to helping her excel as a champion in life."
A five-year Junior Olympic National Championship qualifier, James is coached by Nic and Amanda Tolley at Gymstrada Gymnastics. She is a three-time member of the Region 7 All-Star team and a five-time Virginia state champion. She was fourth on the vault and eighth on the floor exercise at the 2017 J.O. National Championships.
"From my first visit I felt like I was part of the Alabama family," James said. "Everyone is always welcoming and the bond that the team shares is incredible. I cannot wait to be part of this family and carry on the legacy of greatness"
The Virginia Beach, Va., native is a member of the National Honor Society and the Math Honor Society. A senior at First Colonial High School, she carries a 4.0 cumulative grade point average. She is the daughter of Anne and Phillip James.
"Griffin exudes what it means to be an Alabama gymnast and she has been verbally committed for a very long time so it is refreshing that the time has come we can finally introduce her as an Alabama gymnast," Duckworth said.
While the Tide's latest addition to its gymnastics family gets her start with the 2019 season, this year's squad gets things underway in January. Season tickets are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262) located in the lobby of Coleman Coliseum or online at RollTide.com.
For all the latest information on Alabama gymnastics, follow BamaGymnastics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and head coach Dana Duckworth on Twitter and Instagram at @UACoachDana.
