Chambana Sun

Four new gymnasts will join the University of Illinois Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team in the fall of 2026. The program announced that Julia Funaro, Judy Abdalla, Neela Nicholson, and Sirine Abouelhoda have signed with the team.

Julia Funaro is from Cheshire, Connecticut, and has competed for John's Academy of Gymnastics. She is a three-time Connecticut state champion and has qualified three times for national competition through the U.S. developmental program. Funaro said she chose Illinois because "the team and coaches were immediately supportive and welcoming." Head Coach Josh Nilson described 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 comes from Cairo, Egypt, where she competes for Zohour Club. She is a member of Egypt's Senior Elite National Team and recently won a bronze medal at the 2025 Cairo World Cup. Abdalla stated she is "a hardworking and passionate athlete who always gives 100% effort in everything I do."

Neela Nicholson hails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she trained at Park Avenue Gymnastics. She plans to major in kinesiology while attending Illinois. Coach Nilson said about her: "She impressed us from the beginning of the recruiting process. She is a team player, a great student, and an incredible gymnast." Nicholson explained her decision by saying: "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 also comes from Cairo but currently trains at Gymnastics Olympica USA in Santa Clarita, California. She was part of Egypt's gold-medal-winning squad at the 2024 African World Championships and competed at the 2023 World Junior Championships.

Coach Nilson concluded: "We are very excited to welcome these girls to the famILLy and be part of their gymnastics journey."