UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Women's Gymnastics has added Jessie Bastardi to the roster for the 2019 season. Bastardi joined the team after transferring from West Virginia University.
A State College native, Bastardi was a four-year Level 10 gymnast for Centre Elite Gymnastics, coached by Jen Bundy Bortz and Tracey Longenecker.
Bastardi qualified for the 2016 Junior National Olympics, placing eighth on the uneven bars and 19th in the all-around. At the 2016 Level 10 regionals, Bastardi finished second on the uneven bars, fourth on beam and seventh in the all-around. She was the 2016 Level 10 Pennsylvania State Champion on the uneven bars and placed third on vault and ninth in the all-around.
A Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy alum, Bastardi has career bests of 37.475 in the all-around, 9.65 on the bars and 9.625 on vault.
An Integrative Arts major, Bastardi is the daughter of Joe and Jess Bastardi. She has one brother, Garrett. Her mom competed for the Penn State Women's Gymnastics team, winning the Atlantic 10 floor and vault titles as a senior. Her mom also served as an assistant coach for the program. Her dad wrestled for Penn State, graduating in 1978.
"Adding Jessie to the roster helps to make the 2019 team feel complete," said Head Coach Sarah Brown. "I've had the chance to get to know Jessie over the last few months and I'm so excited for her future at Penn State! Jessie has beautiful lines and her passion for the university and the sport of gymnastics is apparent from the moment you meet her. We're excited to have a local athlete on our team and look forward to helping Jessie reach her fullest potential both academically and athletically."
The Nittany Lions open the 2019 season on January 5 at Utah at 6 p.m. Penn State meets Ohio State on January 19 for its home opener.
