Nov. 8, 2017
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Melissa Astarita (Morganville, New Jersey) and Dymiana Cox (Elmont, New York) have signed their National Letters of Intent to attend Penn State University and participate in women's gymnastics starting in the 2019 season, head coach Sarah Brown announced Wednesday.
Melissa Astarita joins the Nittany Lions after competing at Action Gymnastics under coach Magdalena During. A native of Morganville, New Jersey, Melissa is the daughter of Michael and Natalie Astarita. While at Penn State, Melissa plans to major in mathematics.
At the 2017 Level 10 Regionals, Astarita finished seventh on the floor exercise, 10th on the vault, and 12th in the all-around. At the 2017 Level 10 New Jersey State meet, she placed first on the vault, fourth on the floor, and fifth in the all-around.
- 2017 Level 10 Regionals: 12th in the AA, 7th on the Floor, 10th on the Vault
- 2017 Level 10 NJ State: 5th in the AA, 1st on the Vault, 4th on the Floor
- 2016 Level 10 Regionals: 4th on the Beam
- 2015 Level 10 Regionals: 5th on the Floor
- 2014 Level 10 Regional Qualifier
- 2013 Level 10 Regional Qualifier
- 2013 Level 10 NJ State Floor Medalist
- 2012 Level 9 Eastern National Vault Medalist
- 2012 Level 9 Regional Vault Champion
- 2012 Level 9 Regional AA, Beam & Floor Medalist
- 2012 Level 9 NJ State Vault Bronze Medalist
- 2012 Level 9 NJ State AA, Beam & Floor Medalist
- 2011 Level 8 Regional Qualifier
- 2011 Level 8 NJ State AA, Vault, Bars & Beam Medalist
- 2010 Level 7 NJ State: 2nd in the AA, 1st on the Bars
- 2009 Level 5 NJ State: 1st in the AA
Coach Brown on Melissa:
"I've really enjoyed getting to know Melissa over the last few months. She has been committed to Penn State for quite some time and she chose this university for all the right reasons. She will bring a positive attitude and a genuine love for Penn State to our team. I'm looking forward to seeing Melissa make a contribution on multiple events, especially vault, and floor."
Melissa on Penn State:
"I chose Penn State because the atmosphere is so positive and spirited that it felt like a perfect place for my future home. It was the ideal fit academically and athletically. I am so excited and fortunate to join such an amazing team with supportive coaches!"
Dymiana Cox joins the Penn State women's gymnastics program after competing for Parkettes Gymnastics under coaches Robin Netwall, John Holman, Bill and Donna Strauss. A native of Elmont, New York, Dymiana is the daughter of Darrell and Jessica Cox. While at Penn State, Dymiana plans to major in kinesiology and intends to attend medical school following graduation.
At the 2017 Junior Olympic Nationals, Dymiana finished 10th on the balance beam and 11th in the all-around. At the 2017 Level 10 Regional meet, she placed fourth on the balance beam, fifth in the all-around, and sixth on the floor exercise. At the 2017 Level 10 Pennsylvania State meet, she finished first on the balance beam, second on the floor exercise, second in the all-around, and fourth on the uneven bars.
- 2017 Junior Olympic Nationals: 11th in the AA, 10th on the Beam
- 2017 Level 10 Regionals: 5th in the AA, 4th on the Beam, 6th on the Floor
- 2017 Level 10 PA State Championships: 2nd in the AA, 1st on the Beam, 2nd on the Floor, 4th on the Bars
- 2016 Level 10 Regionals: 10th in the AA, 5th on the Floor
- 2016 Level 10 OH State championships: 6th in the AA, 5th on the Bars, 6th on the Floor
- 2015 Puerto Rico National Team member, PR Elite, 1st in the AA
- 2015 Level 10 Regionals: 5th on the Beam, 6th on the Vault
- 2015 Level 10 NY State championships: 5th in the AA, 2nd on the Bars, 4th on the Vault
- 2014 Level 10 Junior Olympic NIT Qualifier
- 2014 Level 10 Regionals: 10th in the AA, 2nd on the Beam, 4th on the Floor
- 2014 Level 10 PA State championships: 4th in the AA, 1st on the Beam, 4th on the Bars
- 2013 Level 9 Eastern Nationals: 5th on the Vault
- 2013 Level 9 Regionals: 2nd in the AA, 1st on the Vault, 4th on the Floor
- 2013 Level 9 NY State Championships: 3rd on the Vault, 5th on the Floor
Coach Brown on Dymiana:
"I've known Dymiana for a number of years and I've enjoyed watching her grow as person and as an athlete. She has made the commitment to graduate early to compete at Penn State and her determination and dedication to her training will be a great addition to our roster. Her strongest events are floor and beam and I can't wait to have her on campus!"
Dymiana on Penn State:
"I chose Penn State because it is the perfect place to further my education and compete gymnastics at the collegiate level. The history and camaraderie is awesome! The coaching staff was a huge part of my decision, they are very knowledgeable and I loved the positive energy I received from them. I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere the moment I stepped on campus. Therefore, finalizing my decision on where I wanted to be for the next four years."