Mati Waligora Signs Letter of Intent to Compete for Alabama Gymnastics
11/14/2018 1:48:00 PM | Gymnastics
The Rochester, Mich., native is a three-year member of the USA Junior Olympic Team and a two-time J.O. national champion
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A three-time member of the USA Junior Olympic National Team, Mati Waligora has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete for The University of Alabama gymnastics team, head coach Dana Duckworth announced Wednesday.
"Mati is an incredible athlete, unbelievably kind and humble yet a fierce competitor," Duckworth said. "She brings tremendous, high-level experience and competitive consistency. In the recruiting process all of us took close notice of how every single year she increased her level of difficulty and became a competitive powerhouse. We are thrilled and blessed that she chose The University of Alabama and know that she will make an immediate impact on our team."
The 2017 USA Junior Olympic National all-around and floor exercise champion, Waligora is coached by Lori Koch and Deanna Grader at Olympia Gymnastics Academy. In addition to her all-around title in 2017, Waligora earned bronze in the all-around and floor exercise at the 2018 USA J.O. National Championships. She is also a four-time member of the Region 5 All-Star Team.
"After being on the campus for a gymnastics camp, I immediately fell in love with everything about The University of Alabama," Waligora said. "The coaches are amazing – so personable and invested in me as an athlete and as an individual. All the girls on the team feel like family and everything about the University feels like home. I am so excited to continue my gymnastics career with such an incredible team. Being a part of the traditions and legacy of Alabama gymnastics is an amazing blessing."
The Rochester, Mich., native has been a member of the All "A" Honor Roll throughout her high school career. A senior at the Oxford Virtual Academy, she is the daughter of Lynette and Matt Waligora.
"Her discipline and focus academically and accomplishments on the competition floor reflects the standard of excellence and legacy of champions that are the pillars of our program," Duckworth said.
While the Tide's latest addition to its gymnastics family gets her start with the 2020 season, this year's squad gets things underway on January 4 in Coleman Coliseum. 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.
