Indianapolis – USA Gymnastics is pleased to announce the rhythmic group training squad for the 2002 Group World Championships. Nine athletes were selected to train with coach Stella Angelova and will reside for the first time ever at the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center. The following athletes comprise the 2001-2002 Rhythmic Group National Team:
Nina Chubrikova, Daly City, Calif.
Jessica Dobis, West Simsbury, Conn.
Traycie Dohzen, Torrance, Calif.
Mauriah Kraker, Milwaukee, Wis.
Masha Krakovskaya, Los Angeles, Calif.
Sara Langer, Corte Madera, Calif.
Taryn Look, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Melissa Mueller, Jacksonville, Fla.
Marissa Pierce, Highland Park, Ill.
“I am very excited about our new training program and the girls we’ve selected to pioneer this team,” said Jan Exner, Senior Director of the Rhythmic Program for USA Gymnastics. “Lake Placid provides an excellent environment for group training and I’m confident that Stella Angelova is the right person to lead our team to the 2002 World Championships.”
Angelova, 28, daughter of rhythmic national team coordinator Efrossina Anguelova, was a member of the 1989 World Champion Bulgarian Rhythmic Group Team. She is a resident of Los Angeles and has worked for the past five years as a dancer for pop sensation Ricky Martin.
The Rhythmic Group World Championships will take place July 19-21, 2002, at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans. Up to 40 nations are expected to compete. Stay tuned to usa-gymnastics.org for ticket information.