In this week's installment of freshman class previews, FloGymnastics takes a look at Georgia's outstanding group of freshmen. Georgia's freshmen come to the team with big goals and hope to help bring the Gymdogs back to the top.

The freshmen class includes a group of three talents gymnasts that will bring a boost of new energy and depth this season. The Gymdogs will need some new faces to rise up this season as Georgia standout gymnasts Brittany Rogers and Brandy Jay graduated last year. The freshmen include:

Rachel Dickson- Six-time JO National Team Member
Jordyn Pedersen- Canadian National Team Member (2008--2015), 2014 World Championships Alternate 
Sabrina Vega- Five-Time U.S. National Team Member, 2011 World Team Champion, 2012 Olympic trials competitor 

Rachel Dickson

Dickson is a level 10 gymnast from Canton, Michigan where she trained at Michigan Elite Gymnastics. Dickson was a standout level 10 gymnast, earning a spot on the JO National Team six times in her club career. Dickson is a very hard working gymnast who has transitioned well into college and practicing hard to make the lineup. Dickson is a very well rounded gymnast that has the opportunity to make the lineup on any event. As a freshman Dickson will add great depth to the Gymdogs and will make the most out of any opportunity to get in the lineup.    

Coach Danna Durante on Dickson 

"Rachel came to college in a great frame of mind. She was excited about the opportunity, expecting it to be challenging but also really looking forward to facing those challenges day in and day out. She's one of those athletes that walks into the gym every day with a great attitude and a smile on her face even if she's sore and tired, and her gymnastics looks easy for her." 

She has the opportunity, given that she works her consistency, to challenge for a spot in the lineup in every event.

Jordyn Pedersen

Pedersen is from our neighbors to the north, Canada, where she trained at Manjaks Gymnastics Club in Mississauga, Ontario. Pedersen has had great International success as a Canadian National Team Member. Pedersen came to Georgia with a variety of difficult skills, however needing to work on her execution. In preseason Durante has expressed Pedersen's hard work ethic to improve on her form and make corrections. Pedersen is a very powerful gymnast where she shines on floor and bars. Watch for Pedersen to gain strength from her new coaches and crack the lineup this season on floor or bars.

Coach Danna Durante on Pedersen 

"A lot of times athletes will come and think it's going to be easier. I think 'JP' would tell you she came thinking it was going to be easier and was sorely mistaken. We work hard here. There's a mental piece to working at the college level. She's one of the most diligent workers that we have. I see her working and I see the change. She's so diligent about getting things done correctly."

She's a powerful gymnast, a very powerful gymnast. Bars and floor are her strengths. We see her really challenging for a place in those lineups.

Sabrina Vega

Vega hails from Carmel, New York where she was an elite gymnast who trained at GAGE in Missouri. Vega comes to Georgia as an experienced 21 year old who took some time off from elite gymnastics before coming to college. Vega had great success as a US National Team member where she competed at the 2011 World Championships helping the team win gold. She pursued her dream as she competed at the 2012 Olympic Trials where she finished 10th all-around. This preseason Vega has been working hard to regain her elite level skills, while still showing her beautiful lines and stellar execution. Vega shines on beam and floor where her combination of power and elegance really show. With her experience Vega is sure to make an impact in the lineup this season. 

Coach Danna Durante on Vega