Spartan Gymnastics Signs Two To National Letters Of Intent
11/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Nov. 13, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State gymnastics head coach Kathie Klages announced today that two student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University in the fall of 2009. Taira Neal (Normal, Ill./ Illinois State Univ. H.S.) and Shanthi Teike (Columbus, Ind./Columbus North) make up the Spartans' 2009 newcomer class.
"The combination of talent with these two young women is amazing," said Klages of the signees. "Both are very powerful and dynamic gymnasts who will drastically improve our team as soon as they arrive on campus. Our present team believes these two are the key component in making Michigan State gymnastics a true contender for championships. Collectively, they might be the strongest recruiting class of my career."
Taira Neal competes for Gymnastics Etc. and is coached by Theresa Millmore. She is a Level 10 gymnast in Region 5 that finished first in vault, bars, floor and the all-around at the 2008 state championships. Neal also placed first at Regionals on vault and qualified for Nationals. In 2007, she finished first on vault at Nationals, while also placing first on vault, second on floor, and third on the beam and all-around at Regionals. Neal is the daughter of Demetria and Ira Neal, and stepfather Ernest Harper.
"Taira is a talented, determined and focused young woman who can and will make a statement in the competition arena," said Klages. "She vaults higher, flips faster, and performs with ease. She has the ability and talent to win many individual championships on the way to helping this team win a Big Ten team title. We are excited that she chose to become a Spartan and look forward to her future contributions to MSU Gymnastics."
Shanthi Teike is a member of Wright's Gymanstics Academy under the direction of Casey Wright and Michelle Hart. Teike was the 2008 National Vault Champion, and finished third on beam. A Level 10 Gymnast in Region 5, she was also a member of the Region 5 All-Star team in 2008. In addition, Teike claimed Regional Floor Champion honors in 2007 and 2008, as well as earning the Region 5 all-around championship in 2008 and finishing fifth at Nationals in the all-around in 2006. Teike is the daughter of Mark and Debbie Teike.
"Shanthi is an outgoing and positive personality who fell in love with Michigan State on her first visit," said Klages. "She committed to us over a year ago and she radiates every time she talks about being a Spartan. Her national experience will help catapult her to becoming one of the best collegiate gymnasts here at Michigan State. As a coaching staff, we feel she will be the exclamation point for the team's success, not only in the Big Ten but also on the national stage."