UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State women's gymnastics team handed out its annual awards at the team banquet recently. Head coach Sarah Brown gave out eight awards at this year's end-of-season celebration.
The Nittany Lions had one of their best seasons ever in 2023, recording two top-ten scores in program history and setting three program records at NCAA Regionals. At season's end, Penn State produced its first postseason All-American in a decade and sent two athletes to the National Championships for the first time since 2019.
To honor the fantastic season, Brown handed out the following awards:
Bernie Robertson Scholar-Athlete Award - Jessica Johanson
Given to an individual who displays excellence in the classroom while contributing to the team.
Johanson earned the top grade point average on the team this season and was named to Penn State's All-Academic Team, the Big Ten All-Academic Team, and made the Dean's list in both the fall and spring semesters.
Hairston/Samuels Improvement Award – Elina Vihrova
Given to an individual who displays extraordinary improvement in a given time. Awarded for any facet of gymnastics.
Vihrova competed all three of her events in all 14 meets this season and hit 41 out of 42 routines. In her last two meets of the regular season, she score a 9.8-or-above on all six events she competed in.
Pat Spisak Team Spirit/Penn State Pride Award – Katie Leary
Given to an individual who is extremely proud to represent Penn State and who displays team spirit to others.
Leary's Penn State spirit is off the charts, and she consistently leads by example, showing everyone what the Blue & White spirit is truly about.
Carey Hoyt/Kelly Streicher Perseverance Award – Amani Herring
Given to an individual who overcomes setbacks and injuries that would have ended the career of most people and does so with the right attitude and a smile on her face.
Herring overcame adversity both mentally and physically through her first campaign with the Nittany Lions. She didn't shy away from her fears, she trusted the process, and when the time was right, she was ready to execute.
Jan Anthony/Katie Rowland Iron Horse Award – Ava Piedrahita
Given to an individual who performs consistently throughout the season and competes in the all-around in every meet.
Piedrahita competed in the all-around in all 14 meets this season, hitting 55 of 57 total routines. She was the only athlete on the team to compete in the all-around in every meet this season in her first year as a Nittany Lion.
Nittany Newcomer Award – Ava Piedrahita
Given to the top performing newcomer of the year.
Piedrahita became Penn State's 97th All-American with her performance in the National Championships this season. In her freshman year, Piedrahita scored 558 total points for Penn State, the most points scored in a single season by an individual gymnast since Brandi Personnett in 2010. Piedrahita's dominance in her first year earned her this year's Nittany Newcomer award.
Allison Barber/Katie Rowland MVP Award – Maddie Johnston
Given to an athlete who makes a scoring impact on the program above and beyond the ordinary.
Johnston worked hard and earned this award, leading by example, displaying excellence each and every time out.
Kathy Parody Hard Work Award – Every member of Penn State Women's Gymnastics Team 59
Given to an individual who displays an unbelievable work ethic, who never stops trying, sweats more than anyone, and is always willing to give 100 percent.
For the first time ever, the Kathy Parody Hard Work award is given to every member of the team. The 2023 Nittany Lions battled in the practice gym and on the competition floor, putting together one of the best seasons in program history.
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