Signing Day Roster
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Women's Gymnastics program, led by Head Coach Sarah Brown, welcomed three signees in the 2019 class to the program on Wednesday. Amy Bladon, Bella Romagnano and Cassidy Rushlow all signed their National Letters of Intent.
The Nittany Lions open the 2019 season on Saturday, January 5 against Utah. Penn State hosts Ohio State on January 19 for its home opener. PSU went 11-8 in Brown's first season in Happy Valley, finishing the year with a No. 32 ranking.
Amy Bladon
All-Around
Sarnia, Ontario/Great Lakes Secondary School
Bluewater Gymnastics Club
Gymnastics Background:
Bladon competes for Bluewater Gymnastics Club for Head Coach Liz Brubaker…Finished 12th in the all-around at Elite Canada 2018…Earned bronze on vault at the 2017 Elite Gym Massilia France Open Event Finals…Won the all-around at the 2017 Ontario Provincial Championships, while winning vault and finishing 13th in the all-around at the 2017 International Gymnix Challenge…Finished 10th in the all-around at the 2017 Canadian National Championships and 11th in all-around at the 2016 Canadian National Championships.
Personal:
Daughter of Joanne and Curt Bladon…Has a brother, Matthew…Planning to major in General Science.
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State because I really connected with the enthusiastic coaching staff and welcoming gymnasts. Penn State is well-known for its academics, which is also important to me. On my first campus tour, as we were leaving campus that day, I said, 'I love this place!'"
Brown on Bladon
"From the moment I met Amy and her family, their love and passion for Penn State was apparent. Amy has so much enthusiasm and pride for this university and I can't wait for her to be a Nittany Lion. She has numerous international competitions under her belt and her ability to adapt to different arenas around the world will serve her well during her time as a collegiate athlete. I am so excited that I will get to be a part of Amy's gymnastics journey and support her as she reaches new heights in her gymnastics career!"
Bella Romagnano
All-Around
New Albany, Ohio/New Albany
Buckeye Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Romagnano competes for Buckeye Gymnastics for Head Coach Kittia Carpenter…Helped Buckeye Gymnastics to team championships at the Arnold Gymnastics Challenge in 2018 and Coaches Spectacular Team Championships in 2017 and 2018…Won the bars (9.200) at the 2017 Coaches Spectacular Level 10 Championships…At the 2018 Ohio State Championships, finished fourth on bars and ninth on vault.
Personal:
Daughter of Liz and Nick Romagnano…Has a sister, Makena…Undecided on a major.
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State because it's a Big Ten school, with both strong academic and athletic programs. My first time visiting campus, I fell in love with the greenery and overall atmosphere of State College. I'm so excited to be heading to Happy Valley next year!"
Brown on Romagnano:
"I've gotten to know Bella and her family very well over the last few years and I'm thrilled that she will be able to graduate high school early to begin her career here at Penn State! Bella has beautiful lines and pays great attention to detail in her gymnastics. She is a strong competitor with an even greater passion for the sport of gymnastics and we are thrilled to have her join our program! I am so excited to officially welcome Bella to the Nittany Lion family!"
Cassidy Rushlow
All-Around
Worcester, Mass./Worcester Technical
Daggett Gold Medal Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Rushlow competes for Daggett Gold Medal Gymnastics for coaches Marlyce Morace and Andrew Leis…Was a 2018 Junior Olympics National Qualifier where she placed 11th on beam (9.475) and 16th on vault (9.600)…Won the bars (9.650) at the 2018 Regional Championships, while finishing second on vault, 11th on beam and seventh in the all-around…Won the vault (9.725) at the 2017 State Championships, placing fourth on beam and eighth in the all-around.
Personal:
Daughter of Christine and Donald Rushlow…Has two sisters, Alison and Kelsie…Undecided on a major, but plans to pursue something in the medical field.
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State because from the moment I stepped onto campus, and got a chance to look at what the school was like, it immediately felt like home. Coming from Daggett Gymnastics, I think they've prepared me well for the next chapter in my gymnastics career. I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend Penn State and cannot wait to be a part of the women's gymnastics team."
Brown on Rushlow:
"Cassidy is an amazing athlete that comes from an incredible supportive family and we are so excited to welcome her to Happy Valley. Cassidy has worked incredibly hard to improve in the gym and her hard work is paying off! She is diligent in the classroom and will bring depth to multiple lineups in the gym. Cassidy has bonded so well with the current Nittany Lions and we are excited to have her on campus full-time soon!"
Head Coach Sarah Brown welcomed three signees on Wednesday