Feb. 9, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - This is the second installment of a new series focusing on the achievements of former Penn State women's gymnasts called, "Where Are They Now?" Check GoPSUsports.com after each home meet to meet another group of former gymnasts.
Lynne Samuels Ruff -'80, '82 MBA
Lynne was a member of the Nittany Lion gymnastics team from 1977-80. She is an integral part of the program's championship history - during her years on the squad, the team never finished lower than third place nationally! In 1977, her freshman year, they placed third nationally. In 1978 the squad won its first National Championship, and the following year narrowly lost and took second place. Then , in Lynne's senior year, they captured their second National Championship. As an individual Lynne was a two-time All-American on Vault and earned four Varsity Letters. Each year, an award named in her honor is presented to the team's most improved gymnast.
Lynne currently lives in Mars, Pa. and works for Alcoa, Inc. She is married with one daughter and stays involved with gymnastics by teaching workshops at her daughter's dance school. A fierce competitor, Lynne stays active by playing tennis.
Kerry Slattery Lundmark- '95
Kerry was on the Nittany Lion team from 1991-95. She was a four-year letterwinner and was named to the Academic All-Big 10 team three times. She was a real crowd pleaser to our fans. In her sophomore year, Kerry and her teammates placed fourth at the NCAA Championships. She currently lives in Downington, Pa. where she has four children and enjoys staying home with them. She also teaches Pilates and says she loves it!
Kerry still enjoys watching gymnastics as a spectator and says about her time at Penn State: "It helped me further believe in my ability to reach my dreams. I loved the opportunity to be intimately involved in something quite bigger than myself. The commitment to each other that my teammates and I shared taught me a lot about life itself. And finally, the friendships I made will last a lifetime!"
Janae Whittaker Ali - '00
Janae was a member of the Penn State squad from 1995-99. During her sophomore year she earned the Iron Horse award for competing in the all-around in every meet. She was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. Now living in Encinitas, Calif., she does life coaching and mental training with athletes. She and her husband are beginning Seminary to earn a Masters of Ministry Leadership, and they are starting a non-profit program for couples and families.
Of her time at Penn State Janae says: "It was one of the most special times of my life. It helped shape who I am today. I felt a part of such rich tradition and pride. I developed my gymnastics skills, my leadership skills, matured, expanded my world view, and connected with people from all backgrounds that I still keep in touch with."
Janae's favorite memories at Penn State include being the female athlete chosen to represent Penn State at the NCAA Leadership Conference. After she suffered a career ending injury, she saw a flood of support from the PSU community including a personal letter from Head Football Coach Joe Paterno!
Debbie O'Brien - '89
Debbie was a member of the women's gymnastics team from 1986-89. In her senior year she was the Atlantic 10 Conference Beam Champion. She resides in Oakford, Pa. with her four children, Josh (16), Samuel (13), Sarah (12), and Leah Grace (2), and is married to Chris. She currently works at Calvary Christian Academy where her children attend school and she teaches a beginner tumbling class after school.
Of her time at Penn State, Debbie says: "Those years as a Penn State gymnast were bittersweet. I learned life lessons in discipline, self-control, the power of unity, hard work, and the beauty of loyalty." Debbie says she will never forget "running the hill" outside of White Building every day before practice, and 6 a.m. practices every year on New Year's Day, "So we could say that we were the first team in the country to practice that year."