Two members of the NIU women’s gymnastics roster will compete in the regional meet at different times in their college careers.

Sophomore all-arounder Kim Gotlund and senior Tanya Rachan will both be heading to U of I to compete in the NCAA Regional meet on Saturday afternoon.

“For them it’s a great honor, and for me it’s a great thing, too,” said NIU coach Sam Morreale. “Just from the standpoint of it’s such a limited group of kids that get to go. It gives some overall validation for the year and how hard these two have worked.”

Rachan qualified to compete in floor based on her scores through the season, while Gotlund qualified with her all-around score.

For Rachan, it fulfills a college-long goal, but she’s not putting any pressure on herself.

“I’m just super excited about it,” Rachan said. “It’s been my goal since I was a freshman. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it as a team. Naturally, I want to get the score I know I’m capable of. My main goal is to go out there and have fun.”

Gotlund holds a similar mindset heading into the event, although she feels she can reap experience for the future.

“I think it will be a really good experience for me,” Gotlund said. “The only thing that could be better is if my whole team was there.”

The two gymnasts will be in unfamiliar territory as they will rotate through their events with teams competing in the meet, as Rachan will be with UIC and Gotlund with U of I.

“Luckily, I’m paired with UIC, so I know a lot of those girls,” Rachan said. “I know the coaches, too. I think it will be a great experience.”

Morreale said the experience will benefit both Gotlund and Rachan.

“Hopefully Kim will come back from this with a huge chip on her shoulder to get the team there,” Morreale said. “For Tanya, it’s a great crown at the end of her career. Hopefully for both, we can just go there and have some fun, hit out stuff,and let the chips fall where they may.”