Temple University Athletics
2007 Season Outlook
1.8.07 | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 8, 2007
PHILADELPHIA - After a standout gymnastics career at Temple, which included an appearance in the 2001 U.S. Championships, Aaron Murphy was named the women's gymnastics head coach on October 24, 2006. Murphy, honored as the USA Collegiate Assistant Gymnastics Coach of the Year in 2004, replaces Ken Anderson after a program-best 236 victories and 21 years at the helm of the women's gymnastics program.
"It's been great having been given the opportunity, and an honor in itself, to take over the head coaching responsibilities from Coach Anderson," said Murphy.
Following the squad's 6-19 performance from a year ago, Murphy has began the training season with a philosophy different from years past. With an accelerated emphasis on advanced skills and fresh routines, he notes this year's depth as reasoning behind his adjusted approach.
"We've started training bigger skills in the preseason and practicing new routines earlier, so the team is more comfortable come competition time," commented Murphy. "The team depth this season is something I'm especially excited about. Being one of the top six competitors is going to be a battle week-in and week-out."
Following suit with a Temple women's gymnastics tradition, seniors Jillian Kornett and Sarah Liebowitz were selected the season's team captains by their peers. Kornett, having competed in 12 of 13 meets in 2006, thrice posted season and team-highs on vault (9.625) vs. Penn, Maryland and at the Towson Invitational. Liebowitz, having competed in 34 meets in three seasons as an Owl, was awarded USAG All-American recognition following her fourth place all-around performance (37.875) at the USAG Nationals.
"I feel that the team selected Jillian and Sarah because of their leadership, not only inside the gym, but as well as outside the gym," boasted Murphy.
Kornett and Liebowitz's veteran leadership will be complimented by fellow seniors Donna Crowell, Noelle Moore and Allison Williams. While Murphy cites Crowell's increased training regimen and Williams' upside after suffering through injuries, he is especially enthused about Moore's consistent performance in two specific events.
"Noelle is a dominant force in the floor exercise and on balance beam," Murphy complimented on the 2006 USAG All-American. "She really has the ability to be the anchor in both events."
Junior Desiree Meredith brings, what Murphy refers to as, a "powerhouse style of gymnastics" while he's looking for Alycia Petitto to be a standout in the all-around.
Nikki Berrian, Natasha Crawford, Nicole Catrambone and Winter Sneed highlight a competitive and potentially contributing sophomore class. Murphy notes Crawford's fearless approach as perfect compliments to Berrian and Sneed's exciting style. With consistent day-to-day improvement, fellow classmates Caitlin Egan, Emily Farley and Debra DiPrima figure to compete for one of six event positions. After a redshirted 2006 campaign due to injury, Christine McNeill and Kristin McRell return to the squad and will provide additional depth to the all-around.
"Natasha and Nicole are just real hard-nosed gymnasts," said Murphy. "On the other hand, Nikki's uneven bar routine has the ability to put the crowd in a sense of awe while Winter displays a tremendous amount of showmanship in the floor exercise."
Freshmen Evelyn Lespinasse, Ashley Nehiley, Nina Oteri, Tiffany Shepherd, Danielle Viens and Monica Zuber have proven to provide Murphy with a competitive nature that has increased the level of team motivation.
"They're what's pushing the competitive envelope for this team, right now," noted Murphy. "This group is very talented."
Heading into competition, Murphy looks forward to the challenging schedule being a catalyst for his squad's continual development throughout the season. Specifically, he's targeting the season's first meet at Ursinus to the set the tone and the annual alumni meet as an opportunity to display the team's hard work.
"We are really looking forward to the first meet to see how the team can present itself," commented Murphy. "Also, the annual alumni meet (2/3) will be a great chance for our former athletes to come back and see what our girls can do."
