UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Women's Gymnastics team has added two newcomers to the roster, including junior Erynne Allen and freshman Donna Howell, announced by Head Coach Sarah Brown.
Allen arrives in Happy Valley after transferring from the University of Kentucky. She competed in one meet during her sophomore year, earning a score of 9.525 on Vault in a meet with Ball State, George Washington and Southeast Missouri State.
She is the daughter of Aaron and Tammara Allen. Erynne has two sisters, Zaina and Essence, and is majoring in BioBehavioral Health.
Allen served as a team captain for Paulding Gymnastics, becoming the first Level 10 gymnast and collegiate gymnast to come out of the program. She was an alternate for the 2016 Junior Olympics national team and a three-time Level 10 regional qualifier. In 2015, Allen won Vault and the All-Around at the Georgia State Championship.
Coach Brown on Allen: "Erynne is a great addition to our roster. She is a strong gymnast with a great attitude and I'm excited to see her compete for the Nittany Lions. Erynne has already made a positive impact to our team culture and is working hard this pre-season in preparation for the 2019 season."
Erynne on Penn State:
"I chose Penn State because my dream has always been to compete for a University and a program that shares my goals and passion for gymnastics. Sarah and the rest of the coaching staff have shown the care they have for me not only as a gymnast but as a person and I feel confident and excited about the direction they are leading the program. Upon arrival in Happy Valley, I immediately felt at home and at peace and deciding to become a Nittany Lion was one of the best decisions I've ever made."
Howell is the daughter of Victor and Maureen Howell. She plans to major in Kinesiology.
The New Milford native competed for United Sports Academy under the direction of Omar Egas, Dima Raynova and Sylvia Topalova. At the 2018 Level 9/10 Pennsylvania State Championships, Howell finished ninth in the All-Around and eighth on Bars. At the 2018 Level 9/10 Regionals, she placed 12th in the All-Around and third on Bars and Vault. In 2017, she finished ninth in the All-Around, second on the Bars and sixth on Vault at the Level 9/10 Pennsylvania State Championships and finished 11th in the All-Around and fifth on Vault at the Regionals.
Coach Brown on Howell: "It's been great getting to know Donna since she arrived for the Summer Bridge program. She is already proving herself to be a hard working athlete and she has fully embraced Penn State culture. I'm excited to watch her grow as an athlete as she works to impact our competitive line ups."
Donna on Penn State:
"I chose Penn State because I have dreamed about being a student here since I was a little girl. I love the positive atmosphere and family camaraderie on campus and within the gymnastics team and coaching staff. It felt like the perfect fit and I am so thankful and excited to have the opportunity to continue my academics and athletics here."
Allen and Howell join Melissa Astarita and Dymiana Cox in the 2018 Recruiting Class.
The Nittany Lions went 11-8 in Brown's first season as head coach, finishing with a No. 32 national ranking. Penn State returns 13 members from the 2018 squad, including All-American sophomore Lauren Bridgens and All-Big Ten senior Sabrina Garcia.
