Hawthorne, de Jong Sign with the GymDogs

ATHENS, Ga. --- Georgia gymnastics head coach Courtney Kupets Carter has announced the addition of two GymDogs in the 2019 signing class, Soraya Hawthorne and Haley de Jong.

"We are thrilled to sign Haley and Soraya," Kupets Carter said. "These two young ladies add personality and top caliber gymnastics to our program. Soraya has one of the biggest double full vaults in the country and power on floor that will make a difference for us. Haley's elegant gymnastics and bubbly personality will automatically build team camaraderie and contribute to UGA Gymnastics being back in the top five. Both gymnasts will shine bright in Stegeman Coliseum and quickly become fan favorites. We can't wait for them to contribute to the continued success of Georgia Gymnastics."

Soraya Hawthorne, of Memphis, Tenn., comes to Georgia after training at Gymstars Gymnastics. In 2018 she was named the National Vault Champion, while also finishing fifth all-around, and ninth on floor and bars at the Junior Olympics Nationals. Additionally, she finished third on vault and ninth all-around at the 2017 Junior Olympics Nationals. She finished ninth on floor at Junior Olympics Nationals in 2016 and had a skill named after her in the USA Junior Olympics Code of Points, called the "Hawthorne". In 2015 she was the floor champion, placed second in the all-around, third on vault and third on beam at the Level 9 Eastern Championships.

"The biggest reason I chose Georgia is because it felt like home," Hawthorne said. "My dad, who was my biggest supporter and most loyal fan, passed away of cancer in December of 2014. He was part of a special ops rescue team called the 'Bulldogs'. He used to tell me how bulldogs are muscularly built and how tenacious they are. He'd always tell me how strong and brave they are. Everything he told me about bulldogs described him, and describes me, too. I also chose Georgia because of its tradition of excellence. I wanted to be on a team that could win a national championship. The coaches are amazing and I can't wait to join the team."

Haley de Jong, a native of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, signs with UGA after training with Flicka Gymnastics. At the 2018 Canadian National Championships she earned a silver on vault, placed sixth on floor and eighth on beam. She earned a Team Silver with Canada and individually placed third in the all-around at the 2018 Pacific Rim Championships in addition to earning a gold on bars, bronze of floor, and placing fourth on vault. De Jong placed fourth in the all-around and won a bronze on vault and silver on bars in the event finals of the 2018 Elite Canada. She earned a Team Canada Gold at the 2016 2020 Hopefuls Cup. At the 2016 Junior Pan American Championships she won a Team Canada Gold as well as individual fourth place in the all-around, in addition to a bronze on beam and placing fifth on vault in the event finals.

"I chose the University of Georgia because it inspires me to be a better person than I was yesterday," de Jong said. "The atmosphere at UGA is incredibly positive and motivating. It is the school of my dreams and I cannot wait to be a part of the family."

For all the latest on Georgia gymnastics, follow the team on Twitter (@UGAGymnastics), Instagram (@ugagymnastics), and Facebook (Georgia Gymnastics) and keep checking in to georgiadogs.com.

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