Combating Illini Girls’s Gymnastics Builds 2026 Recruiting Class

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Four all-around gymnasts are slated to hitch the Illinois girls’s gymnastics squad subsequent fall after signing with this system on Wednesday: Julia Funaro, Judy Abdalla, Neela Nicholson, and Sirine Abouelhoda.  

JULIA FUNARO | CHESHIRE, CONN. | JOHN’S ACADEMY OF GYMNASTICS

Julia Funaro, a local of Cheshire, Conn., has chosen to characterize the Orange and Blue. She has gained three Connecticut state championships and is a three-time nationwide qualifier for the U.S. developmental program. 

Funaro selected Illinois as a result of “the team and coaches were immediately supportive and welcoming.” 

Head Coach Josh Nilson describes her as “a hard worker with a ton of power. She is a fierce competitor who will bring all-around experience to this team.” 

JUDY ABDALLA | CAIRO, EGYPT | ZOHOUR CLUB

One of two worldwide opponents for the Illini, Judy Abdalla is an Egyptian Senior Elite National Team member from Cairo, Egypt. Abdalla is an International Competition finalist, and lately earned a bronze medal on the 2025 Cairo World Cup. 

Abdalla describes herself as “a hardworking and passionate athlete who always gives 100% effort in everything I do.”

NEELA NICHOLSON | FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. | PARK AVENUE GYMNASTICS

The Illini welcome Neela Nicholson, a 3rd all-arounder, who’s a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native and intends to main in kinesiology whereas at Illinois.

“She impressed us from the beginning of the recruiting process,” Nilson stated. “She is a team player, a great student, and an incredible gymnast.” 

The future squad member selected Illinois as a result of “the school has great academics and opportunities. The team truly felt like family. This is an environment where I could really see myself growing as an athlete and a person.”

SIRINE ABOUELHODA | CAIRO, EGYPT | GYMNASTICS OLMYPICA USA

Sirine Abouelhoda is the second 2026 Illini who hails from Cairo, Egypt. She was a part of the 2024 Team Egypt sqaud that gained gold on the African World Championships, and she or he competed on the 2023 World Junior Championships. 

Abouelhoda at the moment trains at Gymnastics Olympica USA in Santa Clarita, Calif. 

“We are very excited to welcome these girls to the famILLy and be part of their gymnastics journey,” Nilson stated.