Plocki Signs Four to National Letters of Intent
11/8/2023 11:10:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan women's gymnastics head coach Bev Plocki announced today (Nov. 8) the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. The 2024 class, ranked second nationally by CollegeGymNews.com includes Amy Fukami, Lucie Kirchner, Sophie Parenti and Jahzara Ranger.
"This class of four incredible student-athletes is one of the strongest collectively that we've brought to Michigan," said Plocki. "Each of them brings a uniqueness and passion to the team that will forever leave a mark on this program. They are great students, athletes and leaders. They already have a strong bond as a class and we cannot wait to watch it continue to grow. I believe they will do amazing things in Maize and Blue for the next four years here at Michigan."
Amy Fukami | Dublin, Calif. | Club: San Mateo Gymnastics
- Prepped at Dublin High School
- Competed at the club level for San Mateo Gymnastics
- Was named to the Region 1 team for the 2021-23 National Gymnastics Championships
Plocki on Fukami: "We are so enthusiastic about the addition of Amy to our team. Not only does she bring outstanding gymnastics on all four events, but she also brings positive energy and an extreme amount of support to those around her. She has beautiful artistry on beam and floor and will make a great addition to lineups in all four events."
 Lucie Kirchner | Carmel, Ind. | Club: Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center
- Prepped at Indiana Connections Academy
- Competed at the club level for Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center (JPAC)
- Is a three-time national qualifier
- Was the regional champion on the floor in 2022 and the beam in 2021
- Is a six-time state champion, winning the all-around for three straight years and also winning the vault, beam and floor in the 2022 season
- Named a Region 5 All-Star member twice
- Qualified for the Nastia Liukin Cup in 2022
- Was the JPAC Gymnast of the Year in 2021
Plocki on Kirchner: "Lucie has always had a love for Michigan and Michigan gymnastics. She attended many Michigan camps in the past and was a standout. Through her never-ending work ethic, skill level, determination and ability to work through adversity, Lucie has shown us a true heart of a Michigan Wolverine. Lucie will be an athlete that will continue to grow and get better each year."
Sophie Parenti | Los Altos, Calif. | Club: West Valley Gymnastics School
- Prepped at Kehillah Jewish High School
- Competed at the club level for West Valley Gymnastics School
- Represented Team British Columbia at Elite Canada and Canadian Nationals for the last three years as a senior elite team member
- Is a three-time Region I qualifier at US Development Nationals
- Competed at the US Championships in 2019 as a Junior Elite team member
Plocki on Parenti: "We are thrilled to add Sophie to our team. She has shown to be a strong and consistent competitor and is always pushing to upgrade and develop her gymnastics on every event. She is never one to back away from a challenge, showing so much tenacity."
Jahzara Ranger | Coconut Creek, Fla. | Club: American Twisters Gymnastics
- Prepped at Coral Glades High School
- Competed at the club level for American Twisters
- Named to the national team in both 2022 and 2023
- Earned a place on the Eastern National Team in 2021
- Was a regional team member in 2018
Plocki on Ranger: "We are beyond excited for Jahzara to officially join the Michigan family. She is going to be a fan favorite with her powerful and charismatic style of gymnastics. We expect to see her in multiple lineups from the start. Watch out for Jahzara Ranger."
