Four local gymnasts sign National Letters of Intent

For Erika Muhaw, the wait to sign her National Letter of Intent with the University of Utah "seemed like forever." A gymnast at North Stars in Boonton, Muhaw had committed to the Utes at the beginning of her sophomore year — two years ago. She visited Georgia and Utah, and on the flight home, realized Salt Lake City "was the place for me."

Muhaw, a Montville senior, was one of four North Stars gymnasts who signed NLIs on Wednesday, the opening of the fall signing period.

Whippany Park senior Michelle Amoresano signed with Rutgers, where she hopes to major in communications and become a sports broadcaster. Juliana Belar, a Hopatcong resident who has studied online since seventh grade, signed with New Hampshire. Alicia Boren, a senior at Indian Hills, signed with the two-time defending NCAA champions at Florida.

They each train at least 24 hours a week, Belar more than 30 hours at double sessions around her homeschooling.

"When I first started gymnastics, (a college scholarship) was always the goal I had in mind," she said. "It's hard to describe in words. I'm extremely excited. I love the coaches at New Hampshire and the girls on the team, and the campus is beautiful. It's almost like an honor."

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List: NJAC athletes who signed NLIs on Wednesday

Gymnastics recruiting starts earlier than some other sports, with most athletes committing before their junior years even start. Amoresano received her scholarship offer from Rutgers at North Stars' annual NCAA showcase about 18 months ago. Boren chose the Gators before they won their national titles

"Michelle is a late bloomer," said Tony Gehman, the co-owner and head coach of North Stars. "She's been good, but really getting better every day. Even as a senior, she's improved her skill level. Rutgers got a great catch there."

The senior season starts next month, culminating at the Junior Olympics National Championships in May. Boren is the three-time defending Level 10 champion; no gymnast has ever won four straight all-around titles.

"I can feel free out there, and do what I love to do, and let everything out," said Muhaw, a gymnast since taking "Mommy and Me" classes at age 2, following her older sister, former Montville pole vaulter Kristen Muhaw, into the gym.

"Sometimes you don't have time to do what you want to do, but to me it's all worth it."

Staff Writer Jane Havsy: 973-428-6682; jhavsy@dailyrecord.com; www.dailyrecord.com/writerjane/