MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Aug. 14, 2024) – Fifteen members of the West Virginia University gymnastics team were named 2024 Scholastic All-Americans by the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA), the organization announced on Wednesday.
Additionally, West Virginia was recognized by the WCGA as one of 63 teams nationally to post a 3.5 or higher team grade-point average (GPA), as the Mountaineers tallied a 3.64 cumulative GPA during the 2023-24 school year.
Since 1987, Mountaineer gymnasts have earned 211 WCGA Scholastic All-America awards. WVU’s 15 honorees mark a new program high, besting the previous high of 14 set in 2022 and 2023. Also of note, four of the squad’s 15 selections were named to the team with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Abbie Pierson (exercise physiology) led the way for the Mountaineers with her fifth career honor, while Chloe Asper (psychology), Ellen Collins (biology) and Kiana Lewis (journalism) were recognized for the fourth time in their careers.
Brooke Alban (psychology) and Anna Leigh (exercise psychology) collected their third career accolades, and Carlee Nelson (general business), Olivia Pitzer (exercise physiology) and Emma Wehry (general business) secured their second career honors.
Six other gymnasts – Kaylei Adams (animal & nutritional sciences), Julia Brown (nursing), Brynn Freehling (sport management), Jurnee Lane (sport management), Sierra Muns (elementary education) and Miranda Smith (general business) – were named to the team for the first time in their Mountaineer careers.
To qualify for the exclusive honor, a gymnast must have a GPA of at least 3.5 for either the preceding academic year or have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at the nominating institution. Overall, there were 296 gymnasts honored with a 4.0 GPA, while 1,174 student-athletes posted a GPA of 3.5 or better.
As an advocate for women’s collegiate gymnastics, the WCGA seeks to actively manage and develop the sport of women’s gymnastics at the collegiate level. The association works with the NCAA and USA Gymnastics in order to provide the best experience possible for student-athletes.
Press Release courtesy of West Virginia University Athletics Communications.
