University of New Hampshire welcomes new Wildcat: Elissa Solomon joins NCAA sisterhood
Earlier this month, Arena Gymnastics’ Elissa Solomon signed her letter of intent for the University of New Hampshire.
Solomon is currently winding up her senior year at Ridgefield High School. She is a Level 10 gymnast and is part of the local club Arena Gymnastics’ team.
Originally, Solomon had three colleges in her list of consideration, namely University of New Hampshire, University of Ohio and University of Maryland.
Her gymnastics skill set made her an attractive prospect for Division I colleges, however, the rose-coloured glasses came off when Solomon sustained an injury. The injury restricted her participation in the sport for almost two years.
For scouts it is important to bear witness to an athlete’s competence and skill in the field. It is more of a try and decide situation, which is why high school athletes are under such high pressure to perform their best when they are aware of scouts watching
them.
With the injury holding her back, Solomon was at a disadvantage compared to other gymnasts.
She could not present a convincing preview to college representatives – a shortcoming that had every potential of dampening her chances at NCAA eligibility.
As the silver medallists of the East Atlantic Gymnastics League Championships, and the team that secured the fifth place at the NCAA regional championships last season, the New Hampshire Wildcats were looking for real talent.
The New Hampshire Wildcats relied on video recordings of Solomon’s training, her performance record in the sport so far and recommendations. Apparently that was sufficient for New Hampshire to conclude that Solomon was Wildcat material.
The gymnast recognized her own achievement and New Hampshire’s loyalty to her when the University offered her a place in their class of 2012-2013 despite her injury.
“I was injured at the time they gave me the offer. That showed their commitment and meant a lot to me,” Solomon said.
As far as the Wildcats’ commitment is concerned, according to Arena coach, Laurie DeFrancesco, it was solidified by the rarely found high level of dedication Solomon possesses.
Moreover, Solomon has consistently shown her strength on all apparatus. Her exceptional routine on the balance beam, however, is her piece de resistance.
“Elissa is one of those rare individuals who can do just about any skill on balance beam and make it look easy,” Gail Goodspeed, Head Coach at New Hampshire, said. “She is one of the best in the country on that event and will make an immediate impact on
the beam squad”.
Goodspeed also praised Solomon’s quick and clean routines on the other three apparatus.
Solomon’s time as a Wildcat will be her first school-based sports experience since her high school does not have a gymnastics team. She eagerly looks forward to the beginning of her NCAA chapter at New Hampshire next year.
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