Oregon A&T Inks Nine for Class of 2023
11/16/18 | Acrobatics & Tumbling
EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon acrobatics and tumbling head coach Keenyn Won announced the signing of nine new Ducks to next year's 2019-20 roster.
"We are thrilled to be adding these nine young women to our 2019-2020 roster," said Won. "Each of these athletes fit perfectly within our program's culture. They understand the expectation here at Oregon, and our staff is confident that they will reach their full potential as student-athletes."
While acrobatics and tumbling is not a typical high school regulated sport, each athlete has a lengthy sports resume that give them the skills to succeed in the acrobatics and tumbling world.
"Our nine early signees come from both gymnastics and competitive cheerleading backgrounds. Their skill sets will provide them a solid foundation to be successful in the sport of acrobatics and tumbling," said Won.
Alena Aucker
Knoxville, Tenn. | Knoxville Catholic HS | Tataru's Gymnastics
"The family environment of the acrobatics and tumbling program and the beauty of Eugene made the University of Oregon feel like home."
Kady Bryant
Anchorage, Alaska | A.J. Dimond HS | Alaska Athletics
"My cousin is an Oregon alumni and introduced me to acrobatics and tumbling when I was younger. Since then, I have fallen in love with sports and visited the campus several times. Along the way, I realized this is the right college for me."
Bailee Lamson
Murrieta, Cal. | Murrieta Valley HS | California All-Stars
"I was very impressed by the acrobatics and tumbling coaching staff and team, the campus, the training facilities, and the academic support available during my first visit. I believe that the University of Oregon will provide me with the best opportunities for athletic and academic success."
Gabby Lange
Allentown, N.J. | Allentown HS | Arena Gymnastics
"The moment I stepped on campus, I knew I was meant to be an Oregon Duck. Despite the distance from New Jersey, I know this was the right place for me. The Pacific Northwest is stunning, and the OU campus is beautiful and has amazing athletic and academic facilities. For me, the University of Oregon offers the perfect balance of academics and athletics."
Karly Nowak
Howell, N.J. | Howell HS | World Cup Shooting Stars
"I chose the University of Oregon, because I wanted to experience something new. I would like to expand my horizons and open new doors for myself as a student, as an athlete, and as a person. I felt that the University of Oregon could give me the opportunities to do so."
Rachel Ramage
McKinney, Texas | McKinney HS | Cheer Athletics-Panthers
"I chose the University of Oregon, because the campus, team and student environment are very welcoming and supportive."
Faith Rightmire
Bend, Ore. | Bend Senior HS | OOA Gymnastics
"After looking at college for the past three years, I had never felt at home like I did at the University of Oregon. Being close to hometown and having a healthy learning environment was important to me. I also knew that I want to be an athlete in college. However, I had focused on gymnastics and just did not see a fit for this sport with any other colleges. When I discovered the acrobatics and tumbling team at Oregon, I was so excited. Everything came together as I found a college I loved with a sports team I could be a part of."
Sydney Szarka
Aurora, Colo. | Grandview HS
"I chose the University of Oregon, because I enjoyed the family aspect of the program and the opportunity to be a D1 athlete. After visiting a lot of schools, Oregon was the one that felt like the right fit for me."
Lexi Weller
Spokane, Wash. | Meah HS | Washington Extreme Cheer
"I chose the University of Oregon, because it felt like home. I also loved the spirit of the team and school."
"We are thrilled to be adding these nine young women to our 2019-2020 roster," said Won. "Each of these athletes fit perfectly within our program's culture. They understand the expectation here at Oregon, and our staff is confident that they will reach their full potential as student-athletes."
While acrobatics and tumbling is not a typical high school regulated sport, each athlete has a lengthy sports resume that give them the skills to succeed in the acrobatics and tumbling world.
"Our nine early signees come from both gymnastics and competitive cheerleading backgrounds. Their skill sets will provide them a solid foundation to be successful in the sport of acrobatics and tumbling," said Won.
Alena Aucker
Knoxville, Tenn. | Knoxville Catholic HS | Tataru's Gymnastics
- Trained at Tataru's Gymnastics under head coach Daniela Millsaps.
- Three-time regionals qualifier.
"The family environment of the acrobatics and tumbling program and the beauty of Eugene made the University of Oregon feel like home."
Kady Bryant
Anchorage, Alaska | A.J. Dimond HS | Alaska Athletics
- Member of the gymnastics team and cheerleading team at A.J. Dimond High School.
- Named MVP of the cheerleading team during her freshman year, after helping her team to a regional championship.
- Earned MVP honors from the gymnastics team during her sophomore year.
- Voted team captain and helped the gymnastics team to become regional champions during both her junior and senior years.
- Competed with the Alaska Athletics under head coach Leon Reynolds.
- Helped her team to become the PacWest National champions in 2014 and Jamz National champions and UCA National champions in 2016.
- Led the Alaska Athletics to the Cheer World Championship finals in 2018.
"My cousin is an Oregon alumni and introduced me to acrobatics and tumbling when I was younger. Since then, I have fallen in love with sports and visited the campus several times. Along the way, I realized this is the right college for me."
Bailee Lamson
Murrieta, Cal. | Murrieta Valley HS | California All-Stars
- Competed with the California All-Stars under head coach Marlon Biete.
- Team captain for 2017-18 season.
- Named "Most Improved Athlete" in 2016 and 2017.
- Helped her team to finish third at the Cheerleading Worlds in 2016 and advance to the finals again the following year.
"I was very impressed by the acrobatics and tumbling coaching staff and team, the campus, the training facilities, and the academic support available during my first visit. I believe that the University of Oregon will provide me with the best opportunities for athletic and academic success."
Gabby Lange
Allentown, N.J. | Allentown HS | Arena Gymnastics
- Trained at Arena Gymnastics under head coaches Valdi and Ann Kolasa.
- Qualified for both state and regional competitions in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018.
- Helped her team to a second-place finish at the New Jersey State Championships in 2017 (Level 9) and 2018 (Level 10).
- Level 7 all-around champion at the New Jersey State Championships in 2013.
"The moment I stepped on campus, I knew I was meant to be an Oregon Duck. Despite the distance from New Jersey, I know this was the right place for me. The Pacific Northwest is stunning, and the OU campus is beautiful and has amazing athletic and academic facilities. For me, the University of Oregon offers the perfect balance of academics and athletics."
Karly Nowak
Howell, N.J. | Howell HS | World Cup Shooting Stars
- Member of gymnastics team at Howell High School under head coach Sarah Phillips.
- Named team MVP during her sophomore year.
- Floor exercise finalist at both the Shore Conference and California State competitions.
- Competed with World Cup Shooting Stars under head coaches Joelle Antico and Elaine Pascale.
- Named "Best Tumbler" on the World Cup Shooting Stars.
- Helped her team to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Championships.
- Also helped the team to become Majors Champions, two-time NCA Champions, and three-time UCA Champions.
"I chose the University of Oregon, because I wanted to experience something new. I would like to expand my horizons and open new doors for myself as a student, as an athlete, and as a person. I felt that the University of Oregon could give me the opportunities to do so."
Rachel Ramage
McKinney, Texas | McKinney HS | Cheer Athletics-Panthers
- Elite gymnast for 10 years at Artistic Gymnastics and and Eagle Gymnastics Academy.
- Member of the USAG Trampoline & Tumbling National Team in 2014-15.
- The Level 9 national tumbling champion in 2015.
- Member of the U.S. Trampoline & Tumbling Junior National Team in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- Cheered competitively with the FierceKatz and Panthers.
- Helped the FierceKatz to qualify for the 2018 Cheerleading Worlds.
"I chose the University of Oregon, because the campus, team and student environment are very welcoming and supportive."
Faith Rightmire
Bend, Ore. | Bend Senior HS | OOA Gymnastics
- Trained at OOA Gymnastics for 14 years under head coach Mohini Shardway de Freitas.
- Level 10 gymnast ranked in the top 10 nationally.
- Allocated multiple awards at the state championships and regional competitions.
- Helped her team to a first or second-place finish at every meet in 2018.
"After looking at college for the past three years, I had never felt at home like I did at the University of Oregon. Being close to hometown and having a healthy learning environment was important to me. I also knew that I want to be an athlete in college. However, I had focused on gymnastics and just did not see a fit for this sport with any other colleges. When I discovered the acrobatics and tumbling team at Oregon, I was so excited. Everything came together as I found a college I loved with a sports team I could be a part of."
Sydney Szarka
Aurora, Colo. | Grandview HS
- Member of varsity cheerleading team at Grandview High School under head coach Christina Maccarrone.
- Named cheer team captain in 2018.
- Helped her team to become three-time league champions and two-time regional champions.
- Led her team to runner-up finish at state in 2015 and a third-place finish in 2016.
- Her team was ranked fifth nationally in 2016 and 2018 and seventh nationally in 2017.
"I chose the University of Oregon, because I enjoyed the family aspect of the program and the opportunity to be a D1 athlete. After visiting a lot of schools, Oregon was the one that felt like the right fit for me."
Lexi Weller
Spokane, Wash. | Meah HS | Washington Extreme Cheer
- Member of the gymnastics team at Mead High School under head coach Laurie Chadwick.
- Received all-district honors on vault and floor.
- Was a state finalist on floor.
- Competed with the Washington Extreme Cheer under head coaches John and Julie Weller.
- Helped lead her team to the Summit finals.
"I chose the University of Oregon, because it felt like home. I also loved the spirit of the team and school."
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