ANCHORAGE – On the heels of recent good news about the future of the program, the Alaska Anchorage gymnastics team continued its positive momentum Monday as head coach Marie-Sophie Boggasch announced that three newcomers – Shannon Farrell, Hayley Perkins and Maylen Pulliam – have signed scholarship agreements to compete for the Seawolves.

"We are very excited to welcome this trio and feel that each one will be a great contributor to our team in and out of the gym," said Boggasch, who was recently elevated to permanent head coaching status after serving in an interim capacity. That news followed the June 3 announcement that the program has been reinstated for the 2021-22 season.

Farrell, originally from Sydney, Australia, comes to UAA as a transfer from Southern Connecticut, where the team also did not compete in 2021 due to the pandemic. Prior to coming to the U.S., she was a New South Wales state champion in the all-around, balance beam and floor exercise. Her other honors included a bronze on beam and a silver in the all-around at the Australian Championships.

"Shannon's gymnastics perfectly combine elegance and power, and I think her poise on beam will make her a fan favorite on that event," Boggasch said. "Despite her initial freshman season being cancelled due to Covid-19, Shannon's experience as a college transfer will positively add to our team dynamic."

Perkins also brings an international flavor to the Seawolf roster, having contributed to her team's gold-medal performance at Canada's National Stream Cup. The Brampton, Ontario, native has also competed at the Elite Canada and national meets, and she placed runner-up on bars at the Ontario Provincial Championships.

"Hayley brings big skills and beautiful execution on all events," Boggasch said. "Her enthusiasm for the sport of gymnastics and for our team has been immediately visible from the first time I talked to her, and her positive energy is contagious. I think the crowd will love her performances."

Meanwhile, Pulliam comes north from Watkinsville, Ga., where she excelled at both the high school and club levels. A level 10 gymnast since 2017, she competed with Georgia Elite Gymnastics, posting career highs on all four events and the all-around this spring. She finished fifth on floor at the 2021 Region 8 Championships and won the uneven bars at the USAG state meet – among four wins and two runner-up finishes in seven meets this season. Pulliam also starred at North Oconee High School, helping her team to Georgia state titles as a sophomore and senior.

"Maylen joins us after finishing her Junior Olympic career with her best season ever," Boggasch added. "She's an impressive gymnast who will be a joy to watch, especially with her immaculate execution on bars. Maylen's academic drive will also contribute to our team's pursuit of excellence outside the gym."

All three signees will have four years of athletic eligibility to compete for the Seawolves.