Allison Buckley was born on September 22, 1988 to Mike and Jackie. Her older sister Jamie competed for University of Illinois-Chicago. During her club career, Allison competed for Gymkhana. She also participated in high school gymnastics.

In 2001, Allison competed level ten. She finished in the top fifteen at Regionals. Allison placed fourth on vault at the 2003 Level 10 State Championships. She earned a fourth place finish on beam at the 2004 Level 10 Regional Championships. In 2005, she placed in the top fifteen at Regionals. Allison had a stand-out year in 2006. She finished third all-around at Regionals and won floor. She qualified for JO Nationals where she placed seventh on balance beam. In high school competition, she helped her team win States. Allison became the first gymnast to in all five individual events and the team title.

She had a strong senior season. At the Level 10 State Championships, she placed second on floor and fourth on beam and in the all-around. At the NHSGA National High School Championships, she won the all-around, vault, beam and floor. She finished second on uneven bars.

Allison had an immediate impact as a freshman at Illinois. She competed in the all-around at every meet. She was named the team's Most Outstanding Gymnast and Most Consistent Beam Performer. She earned a total of 19 individual titles, the third highest in school history, including four titles at Illinois-Chicago. Following this performance, she was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week. Allison posted three of the top-five all-around scores in school history. She earned a spot on the first-team All-Big Ten after earning four top-10 finishes at the Big Ten Championships. Allison was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. At the NCAA Regionals, she placed third all-around, qualifying for NCAA Nationals, and also earning South Central Regional Gymnast of the Year. At the NCAA Championships, she earned second-team All-American honors on balance beam, the first time for an Illni since 1976. Allison was also named UI Female Newcomer of the Year for all sports.

She continued to find success as a sophomore in 2009. Academically, she earned All-Big Ten honors and was a Scholastic All-American. Allison set or tied her career-high in all four events, hitting 44 out of 48 routines. She earned eight individual titles throughout the season. She earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. At Regionals, she won balance beam and placed second on vault. Her all-around score was the third highest in Illinois history.

Fast Facts Name: Allison Buckley Birthday: Sept. 22, 1988 Club: Gymkhana College: Illinois Illinois

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Full Scholarship to Illinois 2008: Second-Team All-American 2008: Big Ten Freshman of the Year 2006: JO National Qualifier

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