As a four-time NCAA Champion, former Alabama gymnast Ashley Miles has enjoyed some tremendous moments in Coleman Coliseum and even though she finished her career last spring, the 2006 National Gymnast of the Year will have another standout moment on Saturday when she walks across the stage as a college graduate.

"It's hard to believe it's already here," Miles said. "They tell you that it will go fast, but you have no idea until you get to this point. I am tremendously proud of what I have been a part of at this University. There is no where else I could have had the career that I did at Alabama. Of everything I have accomplished since I've been here, Saturday will be the high point. Earning a degree is what I came to Tuscaloosa for and I can't wait to walk across that stage."

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Gymnastics team hosted its annual Christmas party for the children from the Stallings RISE Center in the Frances Smith Gymnastics Practice Facility.

Head Coach Sarah Patterson and the Crimson Tide have joined with RISE for a Christmas party for more than a dozen years and have hosted the party in their practice facility since it opened in 1996. As always, the gymnasts and RISE students were joined by a special guest when Santa Claus made an appearance.

The Alabama Gymnastics Team was hard at work again this past Sunday with another intrasquad on uneven bars and vault. The team also practiced full reps on the balance beam and continued to work through their floor choreography. Junior Terin Humphrey has made great strides in her recovery from elbow surgery (removal of bone chips in each) that occurred approximately three weeks ago and was working vault, bars and balance beam, as well as a full dance through on the floor. Sophomore Courtney Priess competed her full routine on bars and practiced several big skills on the balance beam, while junior Kaitlin White blocked out her new floor routine with the help of Dana Dobransky-Duckworth.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama Gymnastics program signed Jennifer Iovino to a national letter of intent in the early signing period according to head coach Sarah Patterson. Iovino will wear the crimson and white of Alabama starting with the 2008 season.

"We are thrilled to have Jennifer join our program and look forward to the many great qualities and talent she brings to the Crimson Tide," Patterson said. "Jennifer and her family went through the recruiting process early in her junior year, visiting many of the nation's top programs. We feel fortunate that she committed to the University of Alabama early in the process. Having her finally be able to sign her national letter of intent is exciting for all."

The defending Level 10 National Floor Exercise Champion, Iovino also finished third in the all-around at the 2006 nationals. She competed at the 2005 United States Championships as a senior international elite.