Dec. 7, 2005

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- North Carolina rowing coach Sarah Haney has announced the signing Elizabeth Gardiner, Megan McMullin and Priscilla Poor to national letters of intent. All three will join the UNC squad in the fall of 2006.

"We are really pleased with our recruiting class for this fall," Haney said. "Megan, Priscilla and Liz all bring what we are looking for in our athletes - commitment to success.They have all proven to be successful, not only as individuals, but also on a team. We are looking forward to having them join us next year."

Gardiner is from Cumberland Foreside, Maine, and attends the Groton School in Groton, Mass. She has rowed for two years at Groton, competing in the varsity eight that finished first at the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association regatta in 2004 and was runner-up in 2005. She also plays basketball and is in her second year as the team captain.

"Liz has just begun to tap into her potential as a rower," Haney says."It is evident from her past athletic success that she knows what it takes to be successful, so we are looking forward tohelping her use that knowledge in her rowing career here at UNC."

McMullin is from Burke, Va., and attends Lake Braddock High School, where she has rowed throughout her high school career. The recipient of the Coach's Award for 2004-05, she was a Washington Post All-Met selection in 2005. She placed first at the Baltimore Burn Erg Sprints and third at the MidAtlantic Erg Sprints.

"Megan has continually proven to be a successful rower, whether it is on the erg or on the water," Haney says."She has the mental capacity to set high goals for herself and she knows what she needs to do to reach them. We are excited to see her continue her success as a rower during her time here at UNC."

Poor is from Winnetka, Ill, and attends New Trier High School, where she will serve as the rowing team captain for 2005-06. She rowed in the varsity eight that won titles at the Head of the Rock regatta in 2004 and 2005, the Head of the Elk regatta in 2005 and the Midwest Scholastic Championships in 2005. She also plays basketball for New Trier.

"Priscilla is a very dedicated individual," Haney said. "She is dedicated to her herself and her team and that is why her boats have been successful during her career. Priscilla has proven to be a great asset to her team and we know she will do the same while at UNC."