UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women's gymnastics head coach Sarah Brown announced the addition of five student-athletes to the team's 2025 roster on National Signing Day. Allison Kaempfer, Dani Latronica, Elizabeth Leary, Bella Misiura, and Ellie Monahan are set to join the Nittany Lions next summer.
"This is an incredible class of student-athletes and I can't wait to welcome them to Happy Valley," said Brown. "Each of these athletes have been on our radar for years and we've taken the time to develop strong relationships with them and their parents, watched their gymnastics continue to get better, and because of that, they already feel like a part of our family. Allie, Dani, Ellie, Bella and Liz have the opportunity to positively impact all four events while at Penn State, and each of them will, without a doubt, elevate our program to the next level! I couldn't be more excited to welcome these amazing young people to campus in June!"
Penn State made incredible strides last year, finishing as the No. 25 ranked team in the RoadToNationals rankings after a record-setting season. The 2023 Nittany Lions produced the team's first Postseason All-American in a decade and set their school record in NCAA Regional competition with a 196.825 total in competition at the Pittsburgh Regional. Coach Brown and Penn State have their sights set on a standout 2024 slate before welcoming their newest signees to campus for the 2025 gymnastics season.
The Nittany Lions will begin their 2023 campaign on January 5 in Philadelphia where Penn will host the annual Keystone Classic.
MEET THE SIGNEES
Allison Kaempfer
Boca Raton, Fla. | West Boca H.S. | American Twisters Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Kaempfer competed under coaches Gary Anderson and Christy Ramirez at American Twisters in Coconut Creek, Fla. In 2023, she was a Region 8 Champion on vault, bars, and in the all-around. At the 2023 National Championships, she took third on vault, fourth on bars and placed 17th in the all-around. She is a three-time Florida State Champion and a three-time national qualifier.
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State because I love the school spirit, the beautiful campus, and how welcoming everyone is, especially the team and the coaching staff. Penn State offers everything I wanted, and more, and I can't wait to finally be a part of it!"
Dani Latronica
Lake Worth, Fla. | Park Vista H.S. | Genie's Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Latronica was coached by Jana Bieger, Mari Lucena, and Ginny Lucena at Genie's Gymnastics and comes to Penn State as a two-time Florida State Champion and two-time national qualifier. In 2023, finished as her region's champion on the balance beam and placed second in the all-around. At Nationals, Latronica finished ninth on beam in 2023 and tenth on bars in 2022.
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State because of the academics, positive atmosphere, and team culture. Penn State has the foundational elements for me to succeed in both my athletic and academic goals. There is no other place I could see myself calling home other than Penn State. WE ARE!"
Elizabeth Leary
Raleigh, N.C. | Crossroads Flex H.S. | Sonshine Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Leary competed for coaches Brittni Watkins and John Thorpe at Sonshine Gymnastics. She earned second place on floor and finished top-three on beam and in the all-around at Nationals in 2023. Overall, she is a four-time Region 8 Champion and has captured multiple Florida State titles during her career as well.
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State because as soon as I stepped on campus I felt like a part of the family. I love the beautiful campus and the endless opportunities the university provides. Penn State is the perfect university for me to accomplish my academic and athletic goals."
Bella Misiura
Middleton, Mass. | Masconomet Regional H.S. | Yellow Jackets Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Misiura will come to Penn State from Yellow Jackets Gymnastics where she was coached by Brian and Jess Kormann, as well as Vasko Vetzev and Jana Mowers. She is a three-time Massachusetts state all-around champion and a two-time National Qualifier, earning three event medals. She was also the Level 10 All-Around Champion in her region in 2023.
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State because the coaches and team immediately made me feel welcome and part of the family. The spirit and pride at Penn State are unlike anywhere else! Penn State has an endless number of academic opportunities for students in college, and numerous alumni networks for employment down the line. I am so excited for my next four years as a Nittany Lion!"
Ellie Monahan
Cincinnati, Ohio | Archbishop McNicholas H.S. | Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy
Gymnastics Background:
Monahan was coached by Rachel Gardner, Karla Zayas-Perez and Morgan Jones at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy. She is a three-time National Qualifier, earning fifth place in the all-around in 2023. Monahan will come to Penn State as a two-time Regional champion and the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy level 10 record holder on bars (9.925).
Why Penn State?
"I chose Penn State because of the unbeatable atmosphere—not only in the gymnastics program but in every aspect of the school. Academically and athletically, Penn State provides it all and I feel it is a place that I can call home."
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateWomensGymnastics) and X/Instagram (@pennstatewgym).
