May 5, 2008

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Alina Liao, the 2008 Ivy Classic all-around, beam, and floor champion, has been elected captain of the 2008-2009 Yale women's gymnastics team.

As an English major from Saratoga, CA, the junior made an impact as soon as she stepped onto campus in all events. Liao has competed all-around in every meet of her collegiate career, leading to her nickname of "the Rock." She has qualified to the NCAA Regionals all three years in the all-around as well. As a freshman Liao won the ECAC Rookie of the Year title and was the Ivy Classic champion in both 2006 and 2008.

"I'm honored to have been elected captain and excited about the opportunity to take a proactive role in leading the team next year. We have a large, dynamic group of incoming freshman, and it will be great to add their new talent and energy to the solid group of experienced competitors we currently have. I'm excited to train and compete with my teammates as a part of YGT for one more year, and I look forward to working with the coaching staff to help unleash the huge amount of potential YGT has," Liao said.

Yale will begin its next competition season in January 2009.

Report filed by Cathy Jan '09, Yale Sports Publicity