Women's Gymnastics | August 6

DeKALB, Ill.—Northern Illinois University head gymnastics coach Dawnita "Nita" Teague has announced six additions to the Huskie gymnastics program. These individuals come from Illinois, Nevada, Indiana, Massachusetts, Washington, and Texas.
 
"I could not be more excited for these new Huskies," noted Teague. "We are bringing in strong talented athletes with grit and determination. I am looking forward to seeing the energy this class brings to NIU Gymnastics."
 
Samantha Bartlett is from Lowell, Massachusetts and attended Lowell High School. Bartlett competed for Beyond Gymnastics and the high school team at Lowell. In 2024, Bartlett took fourth at nationals on beam and after taking first place on beam at regionals the same year. Bartlett has been a level 10 gymnast for three seasons.
 
Deziray Boykin is from Henderson, Nevada and attended Green Valley High School. Boykin competed at Gymcats in Henderson where she was a ten-time national qualifier. Boykin has competed as a level 10 gymnast for three seasons and has made consecutive appearances at USAG State, Regional, and National meets.
 
Makenna Brooks comes to the Huskies from Kokomo, Indiana after attending Eastern High School. Brooks competed for Kokomotion Gymnastics and has been a level 10 gymnast for two seasons.
 
Ashlie Leage joins the Huskie gymnastics program after competing for Greenville University and Cascade Elite Gymnastics West. The Poulsbo, Washington, native is the 2025 NCGA Uneven Bar Champion and earned First Team All-American honors from WCGNIC. Leage has earned first place at bars in 2022 and beam in 2022 and 2023 while taking the All-Around title in 2023.
 
Avery Riiff comes from Frankfort, Illinois and competed at United Gymnastics Academy in Frankfort. Riiff is a two-time Level 10 national qualifier while competing at USAG State, Regional, and National meets as an All-Arounder. Riiff earned Summa Cum Laude honors from Lincoln Way East High School as she competed as a diver for her high school.
 
Alanah Wallace is set to join the Huskies after competing for Metroplex Gymnastics in Allen, Texas. The Frisco, Texas, native was a 2025 National qualifier and all-around specialist. Wallace has competed as a level 10 gymnast for four years while making appearances at USAG State and Regional meets.
 
These six signees join Elizabeth Poncin and Syvanna Navarro, who signed with NIU in November 2024, to make up the NIU Gymnastics incoming class for the upcoming season.
 
--NIU--