| University of Alabama gymnastics sophomore Melanie Banville has retired from gymnastics due to a pre-existing and ongoing back problem. A Scholastic All-American last season, Banville has withdrawn from the University and returned to her home in Long Sault, Ontario. "Melanie struggled with this injury last year and took most the summer off from training to see if this would help make a difference," Alabama head coach Sarah Patterson said. "She feels she can no longer continue in the sport of gymnastics and, if she is not able to compete for the team, would rather finish her education closer to her home, her family and her friends. Melanie qualified for a medical exemption and could have continued her education here at the university on scholarship, but made the personal choice to return home. We wish her well and know that she will continue to be an excellent student." A member of the 2004 Canadian Olympic Team, Banville made an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide as a freshman, winning the 2006 Southeastern Conference uneven bars title and earning All-American honors. |