UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women’s gymnastics head coach Sarah Brown announced the addition of three student-athletes to the team’s 2026 roster on National Signing Day. Ava Cash, Saidat Omilabu, and Alexandria Zambrano are set to join the Nittany Lions next summer.
“I’m so excited about the 2025 signing class,” said Brown. “We’ve known these athletes for quite some time—they’ve visited our campus, spent time at our camps and we’ve watched them in their home gyms and competitions for years. I know they’re ready for the next step and each of them have the ability to make an immediate impact on every event. I’m so excited to welcome these ladies to Happy Valley.”
Penn State advanced to the NCAA Regional Finals for the first time in program history in 2024, following an outstanding regular season campaign. Nittany Lion gymnasts won numerous postseason awards following the record-setting season, including a North East Region Co-Gymnast of the Year honor for Ava Piedrahita and a Big Ten Freshman of the Year win for Kalea McElligott. Penn State’s newest signees are set to join an outstanding Nittany Lion group following a 2025 season in which it hosts an NCAA Regional at home in Happy Valley.
The Nittany Lions will begin their 2025 campaign at home on January 5 when it hosts New Hampshire and Penn in a season-opening tri-meet.
MEET THE SIGNEES
Ava Cash
Raleigh, N.C. | Crossroads FLEX H.S. | Bull City Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Cash competed for coaches Travol Williams and Piper Smith at Bull City Gymnastics. She was a 2022 level 10 bars national champion and earned 2024 regional titles on all four apparatuses as well as the all-around. She is a two-time North Carolina state level 10 all-around champion and is a four-time national qualifier.
Why Penn State?
“I chose Penn State because of the coaches, the team’s, and entire staff’s genuine care and support for their student-athletes is unmatched. Penn State is such a positive, tight-knit community that aligns perfectly with my goals of being a leader and forming lifelong friendships. Penn State's strong academic programs will also help me thrive and prepare for my future career aspirations. I'm so excited for this next chapter.”
Saidat Omilabu
Frisco, Texas | iUniversity Prep | Metroplex Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Omilabu was coached by Brian Gemberling, Anna Pawlak, Nikki McElroy, and Ksenia Kekkonen at Metroplex Gymnastics. She won third place on vault at nationals and is a three-time Texas state champion, as well as a three-time level 10 regional champion.
Why Penn State?
“I chose Penn State because of the incredible atmosphere and culture that it provides. You can feel how that culture and atmosphere feed into the gymnastics team and I felt that instantly. The coaches make me feel safe and the girls support each other no matter what. Academics-wise, Penn State is top-notch and has a lot of incredible resources. Penn State is also a huge sports school and I’m excited to experience that atmosphere as well. I love Penn State with my whole heart, and I can’t wait to be there! WE ARE!”
Alexandria Zambrano
Wantagh, N.Y. | General Douglas MacArthur H.S. | Infiniti Elite Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
Zambrano competed for coaches Tammy Marshall and Kelly Roughan at Infiniti Elite. She joins the Nittany Lions from the same club gym as 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and current Penn State gymnast, Kalea McElligott. When she arrives on campus in 2025, the Infiniti Elite product will fit right in as a member of Penn State’s group.
Why Penn State?
“I chose Penn State because the moment I stepped on the beautiful campus, it felt like home and like a genuine family. The unbelievable school spirit, positive atmosphere, and athletic and academic opportunities are like no other school. The gymnastics program is so special and I’m so excited to become a part of it!”
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateWomensGymnastics) and X/Instagram (@pennstatewgym).