The Ursinus College gymnastics team gathered for its annual end-of-year banquet, celebrating both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 for their contributions to the program.
Head coach Kim Valenti and her staff presented the 2020 seniors with framed leotards, which had been planned to be handed out at last year's banquet, which never took place due to the pandemic. This year's seniors received their frames at the team's mock Senior Day in March.
The team also presented 2020 NCGA All-America certificates to Skylar Haas, Kaylin Knapsack, and Alex Panetta as well as NCGA and WCGA Academic All-America certificates. Breanna Couts, Haas, Eleanor LaFountain, and Sabrina Tusavitz were named NCGA Academic All-Americans last spring, while WCGA Academic All-Americans included that quartet along with Shruthi Anand, Emma Brown, Alyssa DeLorme, Hailey DiCicco, Gabrielle Pitt, and Danielle Terrenzio.
The Bears' staff and student-athletes voted on the six awards that Valenti installed following her first season to be the cornerstone of the banquet.
Rookie of the Year – Alex Panetta (2020) | Ashley Cromer (2021)
This award is given to the top-performing "rookie" or gymnast competing at the collegiate level for the first time. This young woman bought in to UCG fully and made a difference in the program in her 1st year.
Most Improved – Kasey Ricci (2020) | Gabrielle Pitt (2021)
This award is given to the gymnast who most improved their game to new heights over the year. She accepted constructive criticism and remained determined to be better each day. She overcame obstacles, possibly even came back from major injury, but deeply advanced her routines and skills practicing each day to be better.
Scholar Athlete – Breanna Couts (2020) | Alyssa DeLorme (2021)
This award is given to the student-athlete who has dedicated herself both in the classroom and the gym. She has excelled and deserves to be recognized for academic successes. She demonstrates what it means to be a student first and foremost at Ursinus College.
7th Woman – Hailey DiCicco (2020) | Alyssa DeLorme (2021)
This award, entirely voted on by the team, is for the gymnast whose effort is never in question and who possesses a strong hidden quality – heart. She is always there to do whatever task is asked of her. This is the person who the 6 line-up performers want next in line or standing next to them on the day of competition.
MVP – Kaylin Knapsack (2020) | Alyssa DeLorme (2021)
This teammate is the most critical to our team performance and demonstrated exceptional skill and ability this season. She had the largest impact on the team and is judged to be the outstanding athlete. To receive the MVP award, you brought all you can to your performance and inspire others to do the same. You are pursuant in your goals both personal and team.
The BEAR Award – Gabrielle Pitt (2020, 2021)
Brave
Empowered
Adaptable
Resilient
This athlete is the ultimate team player and exemplifies what it means to be an Ursinus Gymnast and a BEAR – someone who is brave (ready to face fear and endure danger/pain), empowered (make the team stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life), adaptable (able to adjust to new conditions, flexible in mind and spirit) and resilient (able to withstand or recover from difficult conditions).
This award is not only for hard work or even the 4 qualifiers within the name, but for a deep willingness to understand, to learn, to enter into a partnership with coaches and your teammates, and to invest in the family in an effort to recognize one's full potential. Winning this award encompasses the utmost dedication to the program.
Head Coach Kim Valenti
"Alyssa competed All-Around in both of our mock meets this season, displaying her talent and skill. We didn't get the opportunity to see everything she was capable of last season and we are so excited to watch her in 2022. Despite everything this year, Alyssa didn't let up, pushing herself and others."
"Ashley came in ready to rock; she could've competed on beam during preseason! When she learned we wouldn't be having a formal competitive season, she kept working hard on all four events. She is another to watch out for in 2022!"
"It has been something special to watch Gabbie grow and improve so much over these 3 years at UC. She is one of the most coachable kids I've ever had the opportunity to work with. She leads by example and works her tail off. I'm really looking forward to her senior year!"