Wolfpack Welcomes Three to Gymnastics Program

RALEIGH, N.C. - Three signees will join the NC State gymnastics team for the 2022 season, as announced by head coach Kim Landrus on Wednesday. Peyton Childs, Hailey Merchant and Lauren Rutherford have each signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Wolfpack.

"Words cannot express how exciting it is to be adding Peyton Childs, Hailey Merchant and Lauren Rutherford to the Pack family," said head coach Kim Landrus. "The relationships that have been built through the recruiting process with the coaching staff and each other have given me a small glimpse of the intangibles each of them will bring to the program.

"I'm confident they will continue to build upon the culture of the program as they have such excitement and appreciation for this opportunity. All three of them are hungry to be scholar-athletes at NC State and live out their childhood dream of NCAA gymnastics."

PEYTON CHILDS
Holly Springs, NC - Sonshine Gymnastics - Holly Springs HS

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2019 Level 10 Junior Olympic National Qualifier and member of Region 8 National Championship Team
2019 Level 10 Regionals: 4th place Bars, 7th place Beam, 8th place AA
2019 Level 10 North Carolina State Meet: 5th place Bars
2018 Level 10 Regionals: 8th place Bars
2018 Level 10 North Carolina State Meet: 7th place Bars
2017 Level 9 Region 8 Bars Champion

HIGHLIGHTS
Peyton Childs

WHY NC STATE
"I chose NC State because of the amazing coaches, great academic opportunities and the beautiful campus. Everyone on the team is so welcoming, and I love the team atmosphere. I grew up watching the Pack compete, and I am so excited to compete in Reynolds next year!"

COACH LANDRUS ON CHILDS:
"Peyton is a genuine individual who displays a high level of perseverance in order to be successful in all areas of life. She embodies the passion we look for in both academics and athletics as she consistently displays a level of maturity that will allow her to balance the life of a student-athlete.

"Her beautiful lines on bars, along with her presence and showmanship on beam and floor, fit the mold of NCAA gymnastics perfectly. This artistry will shine on the competition floor and be a favorite amongst the young gymnasts who will aspire to be like her one day."

HAILEY MERCHANT
Gambrills, Md. - Docksiders Gymnastics - Arundel HS

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Two-time Junior Olympic National Qualifier (2018, 2019)
Top-10 finisher on Bars at Junior Olympic Nationals (2018, 2019)
2018 Maryland State Bars Champion
2017 Maryland State Bars Champion

HIGHLIGHTS
Hailey Merchant

WHY NC STATE
"The first time I visited campus it felt like home. The campus is beautiful, and there are so many academic opportunities. When I met the team and coaches they were so welcoming, and I knew this was the place I wanted to be for the next four years."

COACH LANDRUS ON MERCHANT:
"I have no doubt that Hailey will become a very successful student-athlete at NC State. Throughout the recruiting process it has been evident that not only does Hailey always challenge herself to do better, but she does so with such a positive demeanor.

"Her elegant lines on bars along with her high level of difficulty will make her a standout on this event. Hailey will continue to evolve and excel on all four events are strong work ethic and mindset of 'no limits' will set her up for a great deal of success."

LAUREN RUTHERFORD
Roswell, Ga. - Roswell Gymnastics - Johnson Ferry Christian Academy

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Three-time Junior Olympic National Qualifier (2017, 2018, 2019)
2019 Junior Olympic Nationals: 2^nd place Floor, 6^th place Vault
2019 Level 10 Regionals: 1^st place Vault, 2^nd place Floor, 4^th place AA
2019 Georgia State: 1^st place Vault
2018 Junior Olympic Nationals: 8^th place Floor
2018 Level 10 Regionals: 3^rd place Vault, 7^th place AA
2018 Georgia State: 3^rd place Vault, 2^nd place Floor, 2^nd place AA
2017 Junior Olympic National Qualifier
2017 Level 10 Regionals: 3^rd place Floor, 6^th place AA
2017 Georgia State: 1^st place Vault, 3^rd place Bars

HIGHLIGHTS
Lauren Rutherford

WHY NC STATE
"From the very first time I visited NC State it felt like home. After speaking with Kim, Phil and Bob, I realized their coaching style would fit perfectly with my personality. I chose NC State for its high academics, great athletic program and welcoming environment. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team! Go Pack!"

COACH LANDRUS ON RUTHERFORD
"Lauren is a powerful athlete who demonstrates a high skill level on her signature events, vault and floor. However, her talents go beyond these two events as I have watched her evolve on both bars and beam over the past two years.

"What excites me about Lauren is she has a quiet nature about her that is focused and determined in all areas of life. She exemplifies becoming 1% each day in everything she does. Because of this, look for her to have an immediate impact on the success of NC State Gymnastics."

IN CLOSING:
"These three individuals are competitive in nature and strive for excellence in all that they do," said Landrus. "Combined, they are the total package and will complement each other well with their different strengths. Their positive energy and passion, combined with their athleticism and grace, will fit right into our team dynamics. I am thrilled to make them an 'official' part of the Pack today!"

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