UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women’s gymnastics head coach Sarah Brown announced the addition of two student-athletes to its 2026 signing class. Kayla Bender and Lizzy Ryan will join a standout group of impact freshman in Penn State’s 2026 class.
This season, Penn State is currently ranked 25th in the RoadToNationals NQS rankings heading into Big 4 competition on Sunday, March 2. The Nittany Lions are coming off their biggest win of the season, securing a 196.525-196.300 upset victory over No. 22 Ohio State on Senior Day.
MEET THE ATHLETES
Kayla Bender
Mechanicsburg, Pa. | Artistic Sports Academy Plus
Gymnastics Background:
Bender trained at Artistic Sports Academy Plus in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She is a Pennsylvania state champion on balance beam during her time with her club team and joins an outstanding incoming class of Nittany Lion gymnasts.
Why Penn State?
“After being on its beautiful campus and being so welcomed by the coaching staff and team, I knew Penn State was the place I wanted to be. It felt like family. The combination of academics and athletics at Penn State is unmatched. I am blessed to have an opportunity to earn my degree from Penn State and I am looking forward to contributing to the success of Nittany Lion Gymnastics.”
Coach Brown regarding Bender:
“We have been watching Kayla for the last few years and she has continued to get stronger on each event. Her ability, along with her unwavering passion for Penn State, makes her the perfect fit for our program. Her strongest events are beam and floor, but I have no doubt she will be vying for a spot in multiple lineups in 2026. I couldn’t be more excited to see Kayla become a Nittany Lion!”
Lizzy Ryan
Highland, N.Y. | ENA Gymnastics
Gymnastics Background:
A product of ENA Gymnastics in Paramus, N.J., Ryan joins a talented group of gymnasts in Penn State’s incoming class. Ryan was a DP Nationals qualifier as a solid all-around competitor.
Why Penn State?
“Penn State was an easy decision for me. Between the coaches, the team, and the academic staff, I quickly recognized that the strength of the support system at Penn State is a family atmosphere dedicated to my growth and success. A Penn State degree will provide me a strong foundation that will prepare me for the rest of my life. I am thrilled to join such a passionate community and I cannot wait to call this incredible campus home.
Coach Brown Regarding Ryan:
“Lizzy has such clean and consistent gymnastics, and we knew from the moment she stepped on campus that she was the perfect fit for our program. She is an extremely dedicated athlete that will certainly contribute to our lineups, especially on bars. We are so excited to welcome Lizzy and her family to Happy Valley.”
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateWomensGymnastics) and X/Instagram (@pennstatewgym).