Luisa Blanco and Ella Burgess Sign with Alabama Gymnastics and Will Join the Crimson Tide in January
11/13/2019 5:33:00 PM | Gymnastics
Both Blanco and Burgess will graduate early from high school and will be eligible to compete immediately upon joining the Crimson Tide for the spring semester
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Luisa Blanco and Ella Burgess have both signed National Letters of Intent and will join The University of Alabama gymnastics team in January as part of Alabama's 2020 squad, Crimson Tide head coach Dana Duckworth announced Wednesday.
"Both Luisa and Ella have worked exceedingly hard academically to graduate a semester early and we know they are prepared to make immediate impact in January," Duckworth said.
A senior International Elite gymnast, Blanco is coached by Tatyana Shadenko and Yevgeny Marchenko at World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA). She has twice competed at the USA National Championships. A member of the USA Junior Olympic National Team, she took gold on the balance beam and silver in the all-around at the 2017 J.O. National Championships. She has also posted top-12 finishes in the all-around at the USA National Championships, the GK U.S. Classic and the Secret Classic.
"I chose Alabama because when I first walked into the gym it felt like home," Blanco said. "All the girls, coaches, and other staff made me feel so welcome and I just knew in my heart that Alabama was the place for me."
The Dallas, Texas, native is a member of the National Honor Society and carries 4.2 cumulative grade point average. The daughter of Sandra Saavedra, she is a senior at Lebanon Trail High School.
"We are thrilled to add Luisa's impeccable lines, years of elite experience and competitive grit to our team," Duckworth said. "She is a beautiful gymnast and could be an NCAA all-around contender. Luisa thrives in competition and our fans will appreciate her style and elegance. It has been a pleasure to develop a relationship with her and witness her kindness as a human being combined with a drive for excellence in every aspect of her life."
Burgess is coached by Vali Buse at Florida Elite Gymnastics. She is the 2019 Region 8 balance beam champion and the 2019 Florida all-around, vault and balance beam champion.
"Ever since I was little, my dream has always been to compete in college gymnastics at the highest level," Burgess said. "I am so thankful that the amazing coaching staff at The University of Alabama has allowed my dreams to come true at such a successful and storied program. Not only did it feel like home the moment I stepped on campus, but the positive energy and family environment is like no other. I immediately knew this was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life."
The Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., native is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Senior Women Club. The daughter of Nancy Sheffield and Eric Burgess, she is a senior at Ponte Vedra High School.
"The minute we witnessed Ella's true colors in terms of skill level, personality and work ethic at our camp this past summer, our entire staff knew she was a perfect fit. She is a prototypical Alabama gymnast in that she has a tremendous upside and is still improving. The progress she has made since she started high school has been awesome and we know our program gives her the opportunity to excel at the highest level. She has great spirit, character, humor and team commitment. Ella is a joy to coach and has tremendous power on vault and floor with an elite style on beam. We are excited to continue to develop every aspect of her gymnastics and athleticism."
The Tide's latest additions to its gymnastics family and the rest of this year's squad get the 2020 season started on the road at Auburn on Jan. 10 before returning home to face defending NCAA Champion Oklahoma on Friday, January 17 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.
