UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women's gymnastics head coach Sarah Brown announced the addition of two athletes on National Signing Day. Ashley Maul and Kalea McElligott are set to join the Nittany Lions next summer.
Penn State returns two NCAA Regional qualifiers from the 2022 season in senior Cassidy Rushlow and sophomore Isabella Salcedo.
The Nittany Lions will begin their 2023 campaign on January 6 in Pittsburgh at the Keystone Classic where they will compete against Temple, Penn, and Pitt.
Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateWomensGymnastics) and Twitter/Instagram (@pennstatewgym).
MEET THE SIGNEES
Ashley Maul
Spring, Tx. | World Champions Centre
Gymnastics Background:
Maul competed under coaches Laurent and Cecile Landi at World Champions Centre. In 2022, she was a national qualifier and finished 9th place on beam and 20th in the all-around. In the Region 3 Championships, she finished first place on beam, second on floor, and third all-around. Maul was the 2021 Texas State Champion in beam, floor, and all-around, with a second-place finish in the vault.
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State for its welcoming atmosphere and balance between competitive athletics and prestigious academics. It's incredible resources and opportunities will help secure a strong foundation for my future. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to represent Penn State gymnastics!"
Coach Brown on Maul:
"Ashley fell in love with Penn State as soon as she stepped on campus, and we cannot wait for her to bring her strong competitive experience and upbeat personality to Happy Valley! Ashley is extremely strong on beam and floor, although I expect her to make an impact on all four events. Ashley competes with poise and confidence, and she is going to elevate everyone around her. We cannot wait to have Ashley on campus in 2023!"
Kalea McElligott
Massapequa, N.Y. | Infiniti Elite
Gymnastics Background:
McElligott was coached by Tammy Marshall, Kelly Roughan, and Annia Hatch at Infiniti Elite. She was a national qualifier in 2022, finishing 9th in the all-around. In 2021 and 2022, she was the level 10 regional all-around champion. She placed sixth in the all-around, including a second-place performance on bars, at level 10 Nationals in 2021.
Why Penn State?
"From the moment I stepped on Penn State's campus, I knew it was the perfect place for me. The endless opportunities and roads to success drew me in. The experience I had at Penn State was like no other and I am beyond blessed to be a part of a team with such a persistent work ethic and constant positive support. Dreams really do come true! WE ARE!"
Coach Brown on McElligott:
"Kalea is going to be an amazing addition to our team and the Penn State Family. She brings so much talent and consistency on all four events, but she really shines with her beautiful lines on bars and beam. Kalea immediately felt like family when she was here for her visit, and I know she is going to make a positive impact on our program. We are so excited to welcome Kalea to Happy Valley!"
