Rising gymnastics star Laurie Hernandez is turning professional ahead of the Summer Olympics.The 16-year-old from Old Bridge, New Jersey, announced Wednesday she is giving up her amateur status just days before Team USA competes for a second straight Olympic gold. Hernandez had verbally committed to competing collegiately at Florida before signing with Shade Global Inc.Hernandez says it was not an easy decision to make but it allows her to focus entirely on gymnastics and enjoying the sport she loves.The U.S. junior champion in 2015, Hernandez put together a strong showing during the U.S. championships and the Olympic trials. She finished second to three-time world champion and Olympic teammate Simone Biles at trials while also posting the top score on balance beam.Kyle Palmieri Jersey . Philadelphia is 2-0 against the Senators this season and scored five goals in each victory. The Flyers recorded a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12 and then earned a 5-2 home decision on Nov. 19. 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According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington.While most of the golfing world prepares for the return of the sport to the Olympics for the first time in 112 years, a fierce battle is set to be waged beginning Thursday at the $4.8 million John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.With only two events remaining before the start of the FedExCup playoffs at The Barclays Aug. 25-28, the John Deere Classic provides a pivotal opportunity for those hanging around the bubble for the top 125 players to qualify. All but two players ranked from Nos. 120-135 will be in the field this week.Other notables include 2012 winner Zach Johnson, who has done no worse than tie for third at the event every year since 2011, three-time event champion Steve Sticker (2009-11) and former top-ranked amateur Jon Rahm, who makes his sixth career professional start as he seeks to earn his PGA Tour card for next season.Johnson is from an hour away in Iowa City, Iowa, and will make his 15th consecutive start at what he considers a home event. The JDC has typically been played in July, but was moved to August this year due to the jumbled schedule created by the Olympics and the Ryder Cup.Im excited for the week, Johnson said. I mean, its just a little bizarre its this week rather than July, but thats a whole nother subject. Its never a bad time to be in the Quad Cities.The top four players in the world opted not to play in the Olympics, which included third-ranked Jordan Spieth, who is also the defending JDC champion and a two-time winner of the event. In announcing he would skip the Rio Games, Spieth also said he would not defend his title in Iowa.I dont think it would be an appropriate move to play that week, Spieth said last month.That leaves the door of opportunity open for the 152-player field, headed by Johnson, who enters as the 22nd-ranked player in the world, followed by Kevin Na (No. 34).There are a lot of factors probably involved, Johnson said when asked about his success at the JDC. Im certainly comfortable with golf course. Im certainly comfortable with these greens and the bentgrass. Im certainly experienced here.With that comes confidence, I think. Oftentimes confidence, like Ive said, can breed momentum. It can just carry over week to week, month to month, year to year.With eight of the top 100 players in the field, it also leaves plenty of room for those hovering around the FedExCup bubble to earn critical points with next weeks Wyndham Championship serving as the final pre-playoff event.dddddddddddd do think its a little unfortunate that its the first week of the Olympics, Johnson said. You can look at it a number of different ways. There are only two weeks left before the playoffs start. There are only so many weeks left of Ryder Cup points. There are a lot of things at stake, so guys want to play and get some points here and there. There are incentives there.That includes Camilo Villegas and Brendon de Jonge, who skipped an opportunity to play in the Olympics so they could attempt to pick up FedExCup points in Illinois. Villegas enters the week No. 146, while de Jonge is No. 150, making this a critical tournament for both players. The current line for The Barclays sits with Johnson Wagner, who sits precariously in the 125th spot with 405 points. Wagner finished in a tie for fifth in this even last year.Rahm could throw another wrinkle into the equation with a victory this week. Playing on Special Temporary Members status, Rahm is not eligible for the FedExCup playoffs unless he wins an event. He already has 424 non-member points, and the former Arizona State star has a tie for third at the Quicken Loans International and a solo third at the Canadian Open among his first six professional starts.I dont think you ever achieve perfection in this game, Rahm said when asked if hes a perfectionist. The closest weve had to perfection weve had is Tiger, and we all know he was looking for it every single day.Im more of a feel player. Whatever I feel that day is what I do.Not only are there 500 FedExCup points on the line, but a $864,000 winners share. Spieth beat Tom Gillis in a playoff after the two tied at 20-under in regulation last year, so there are birdies to be had, and Johnson doesnt expect the course to play much different just because the tournament is a few weeks later this year.My guess is wont be a whole lot different, he said. I mean, I grew up in this area. July and August seem to be one month out here. Its hot, humid.If it was down South there is summer and really hot summer. Up here its different. Im assuming its not going to be a whole lot different. ' ' '