UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Senior Jessica Johanson of women’s gymnastics and sophomore Alex Sterin of men’s tennis have each been recognized as the February Student-Athletes of the Month, as announced by the Morgan Academic Center (MAC) and PSU’s academic services staff.
Johanson, a West Hartford, Connecticut, native, is a kinesiology major with a 3.94 GPA. She has earned recognition on the Dean’s List every semester. She has also been recognized as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. In the 2024 season, Johanson was instrumental in helping the team qualify for his first ever NCAA Regional final. In 2025, she has competed on bars all season, while also making appearances on vault, and floor.
Sterin, a Richboro, Pennsylvania, native, is a finance major with a 3.77 GPA. The sophomore has been a contributor for the Nittany Lions since he first arrived in Happy Valley. In his freshman season, Sterin won the No. 6 match in the Big Ten first round. In 2025, he is already 1-0 in dual competition.
The MAC Student-Athletes of the Month (SAOTM) are students who exemplify the PSU values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, and Community as well as the Athletics values of Tradition, Teamwork, Diversity, Innovation, and Resilience. At least one female and one male student-athlete will be selected each month, and those students must be in good academic standing, demonstrate strong accountability, and be an example of the leadership on campus and in their community. They are nominated and selected by the Penn State academic services staff.