BERKELEY – California women's gymnastics welcomes another talented international gymnast to its ranks with the addition of Australia's Emi Watterson. The former elite gymnast joins the Bears this month and will be eligible to compete immediately for the 2018 season.
 
"We are so excited to have Emi join us for the 2018 season.  She is an incredibly elegant athlete, bringing a wealth of highly difficult dance elements on floor and beam," Howell said. "Emi is also capable of multiple E level elements on the uneven bars.  She has an effortless swing."
 
Watterson, from Brisbane, Australia, is a two-time Excellence Award winner from Delta Gymnastics, coached by Olga and Sasha Belooussov. She has represented Australia in a number of elite competitions, from Elite Massilia, Olympic Hopes and the City of Jesolo Trophy. Watterson took fourth on vault and seventh on bars in Marseille, France at the 2016 Elite Gym Massilia.
 
"We are also excited to welcome in a student-athlete from Australia, and continue to benefit from the rich cultural environment at Cal," Howell added.
 
Watterson could make her Golden Bear debut as early as Jan. 7, when the Bears head to Stanford for the season-opening NorCal Classic featuring the hosting Cardinal, San Jose State, UC Davis and Sacramento State. The Bears begin their season ranked 11th nationally and picked third in the Pac-12 with a strong core of veteran returners, plus a large freshman class with a number of JO national and international competitors.