ANCHORAGE ? Alaska Anchorage gymnastics coach Paul Stoklos announced Wednesday that Jackie Thomas, of Colorado Springs, Colo., has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete for the Seawolves. Currently a senior at Air Academy High School, Thomas will join the Seawolf squad in 2009 as a true freshman.

Thomas is a two-time Level 10 Western Regional and State qualifier, competing for the Colorado Aerials club team. Last year she finished third on bars at the state meet.

“We're thrilled to have someone with Jackie's athletic and academic accomplishments join our program. I think that she will blossom and do well in her final year before coming to college,” said Stoklos, who enters his 24th season at UAA this January. “I think she'll be an outstanding athlete for us for four years. She is especially talented on bars, and she should compete for an all-around spot for us.”

As a Level 9 competitor, Thomas finished 17th in the all-around at Western Regionals, including ninth on floor with a 9.35. At the Region III meet, she was runner-up in the all-around and won the competition on uneven bars. Thomas is an honor roll student and is active in several student clubs and honor societies.

She is the first gymnast to sign with UAA for the 2009 season.