TAKEN FROM: HERE

April 21, 2008

Stanford, Calif. - Stanford women's gymnastics has announced a fourth signing to the Class of 2012 as Lenika De Simone joins an already formidable class of Alyssa Brown, Catherine Nguyen and Nicole Pechanec. The four are expected to join the Stanford women's gymnastics squad in the fall of 2008.

"Lenika is a beautiful gymnast and has the potential to be among the top gymnasts in the country next year," said Head Coach Kristen Smyth. "She is wonderfully artistic, has gorgeous lines, and will come to Stanford with considerable international experience."

De Simone is a leading all-around performer on the Spanish national team coached by Jesus Carballo. She is in her fifth year on the Spanish national team and currently resides at the Center for Elite Athletes in Madrid, Spain. She is a four-time World Championship team member and is a five-time World Cup team member. At the 2006 World Cup she won the gold medal in both the balance beam and floor exercise competitions. She has gained extensive international experience and is hoping to be one of the two all-around competitors selected to represent Spain at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

"Lenika has a unique background, is a bright student, and will be a great addition to SWG. We are thrilled she chose Stanford," added Smyth.

De Simone was born in Hollywood, FL. and moved to Spain at the age of 12. Her father was born in Italy and she has Argentinean, Italian, Spanish and American nationalities.

2008-09 Stanford Women's Gymnastics Letters-Of-Intent

Name Hometown
Alyssa Brown -- Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Catherine Nguyen -- Plano, TX
Nicole Pechanec -- Phillipsburg, NJ
Lenika De Simone - Madrid, Spain

• All I really can say is yay!!!