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Smith Named Assistant Gymnastics Coach

Former National Champion will Choreograph for the Tigers

July 31, 2007

Columbia, Mo. - The Missouri Gymnastics team and Head Coach Rob Drass have announced that Amy Smith, a former choreographer and national champion gymnast at UCLA has been named Assistant Coach for the upcoming season. Smith, a graduate of UCLA in 2001 will be the head choreographer for floor routines, and will help coach athletes on the balance beam.

Since graduating UCLA, Smith has been a highly regarded choreographer, used by schools and clubs across the country. Smith spent three seasons at the University of Florida, putting together routines for six All-Americans. Two gymnasts, Savannah Evans and Corey Hartung earned First Team All-America honors in 2005 using the routines choreographed by Smith. Smith also had four gymnasts earn Second Team All-America honors during her time at Florida. Before her stint at Florida, Smith spent two seasons at the University of Kentucky, proving her skills at the collegiate level.

Smith, an All-American at UCLA brings a championship pedigree to the Tigers. Smith was a key member on the UCLA team that won the National Championship in 1997. Smith was a First Team All-American on both the floor exercise and the vault, and was the team captain in 1996 and 1997.

"We are extremely excited to add Amy to our staff," Drass said. "She brings with her a wealth of experience at the National Championship level. As a former All-American gymnast, and former member of a National Championship team she understands the preparation necessary to bring a team to that level. She is one of the most sought after choreographers out there."

Bringing a creative and artistic look to her floor routines, Smith will bring many fresh ideas and routines to the Tiger floor performers. Smith has received various accolades for her performance in the floor exercise including a Pac-10 championship in 1997.

Smith is the second of two assistant coaches to be added to the coaching staff this season. John "Fig" Figueroa was added to the staff as an Associate Head Coach in May.

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