After finishing a stellar season at 19-3, the Arizona gymnastics team adds a promising new recruit to its talented lineup.

Head coach Bill Ryden announced Wednesday that Erin Muirhead signed a National Letter-of-Intent for the 2002-03 season, becoming the teamâs third recruit for the 2003 season.

Muirhead, who comes from New Brunswick, N.J., where she was a member of TNT Gymnastics, is a seven-time regional qualifier and a two-time national qualifier.

ãWith the addition of our new recruits, I think our team will become better next year because we will be more experienced,ä Ryden said. ãOur team will be better able to prepare physically and mentally. Reaching nationals this year has fueled the desire of our team to do even more next year.ä

Muirhead joins up with Arizona at a time when the team is looking to vault past this seasonâs 12th place finish.

ãAll of the gymnasts who will join us next season will come in and have an immediate impact,ä Ryden said. ãEach gymnast will improve the depth our team will have in each event and all have the potential to make us a better program.ä

In addition to her regional and state qualifications, Muirhead placed third on vault, second on beam and second in the all-around at the 2002 Regional Championships.

The Wildcats placed 11th at the 2002 National Championships, which ended April 20 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.