Temecula-Trained Gymnasts Sign Collegiate Letters of Intent

TEMECULA, CALIF.—Nov. 13, the official letter of intent signing day for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, was also a celebration signing for SCEGA gymnasts Sarah Garcia and Courtney Spitzer who are headed to compete in NCAA gymnastics next fall.

Sarah Garcia, a senior at Great Oak High School, received a full athletic scholarship to Auburn University in Alabama where she will prepare for a career in sports medicine. Sarah, a level 10 gymnast, has been to the USA Gymnastics' Junior Olympic Nationals three times and most recently was the Junior Olympic National Invitational All-Around Champion in 2013. She has been competing at SCEGA Gymnastics in Temecula for the past 11 years since she was 6 years old.

Courtney Spitzer, a San Marcos resident, signed her letter of intent to compete for the Cornell University Women's Gymnastics team next fall while studying pre-med.  Courtney is a level 10 gymnast and was the Level 9 National Beam Champion for USA Gymnastics in 2011. Courtney is also ranked No. 1 in her Class of 2014 at Vista High School. Courtney has been competing at SCEGA Gymnastics in Temecula for 10 years. 

Both gymnasts are coached by SCEGA coaches: Kathy Strate, Meredith Paulicivic, Luis Garcia, Craig Maurello, Ryan Covo, Kathy Bader and Marci Hauser. 

Kathy Strate, owner and head coach at SCEGA, conveys the sentiments of all of the coaches, “We are extremely proud of Sarah and Courtney and their hard work! Both of these athletes have earned their place in NCAA gymnastics and we are excited about the academic opportunities this sport has provided them.”  

—News release submitted by SCEGA