Flashes Add Six to 2020 Signing Class
12/12/2019 3:11:00 PM | Gymnastics
Kent State Gymnastics announced addition of six student-athletes — Kennedy Weinpert, Keely Young, Kyndall Gilbert, Izzy Geig, Olivia Rapp, Sarah Haxton — to the 2020 signing class.
"We are really excited about the class we have coming in next year," said Head Coach Brice Biggin. "We feel like with the six girls we are bringing in we have a lot of depth. We are going to be gaining some really solid routines on every event which is one of the nicest things about this group. They each have their own talents that are going to add to the depth of our team and make us really solid for next year."
Kennedy Weinpert
Weinpert joins the Flashes from Mentor, Ohio where she trained at All-Around Gymnastics. Weinpert's high scores include a 9.5 on vault, a 9.4 on bars, 9.525 on beam and a 9.55 on the floor exercise. During her high school career, she placed in the top three in eight meets. She was the 2018 Level 10 State floor champion and in 2016 she claimed the Level 9 beam Regional title.
"Kent State has always been the school I dreamed of competing for," said Weinpert. "By going to their camps, competitions and seeing the campus, I felt as if I belonged there. Also, the girls and coaches are all super close and supportive of one another and that is exactly what I wanted in a team."
Keely Young
Young is a Brookfield, Ohio native and trains at Olympic Dreams. Young placed first on beam and second in the all around at the Buckeye classic this past year. She also took first in the all around and on beam at the Blaine Wilson Sportsfest. In 2019, her highest score was on vault with a 9.5.
"I chose Kent State because I'm very close to my family and that's how it feels when I'm around the coaches and team," said Young. "It is a family where everyone truly cares for each other! I felt comfortable from the start and that was very important for me."
Kyndall Gilbert
Gilbert is a Murfreesboro, Tennessee native and currently trains at Let It Shine. She was the 2017 Eastern National vault and bars champion. In her years as a level ten she has accumulated a total of sixteen State first or second place medals and seven Regional first or second place medals. Gilbert has three scores in America's Top 100 which include a 9.775 on bars, 9.8 and 9.75 on vault.
"I chose Kent State because it has everything I want and more in a college," said Gilbert. "At Kent, I know I will be able to thrive both academically and as an athlete. Kent already feels like home, and I can't wait to be a Golden Flash!"
Izzy Geig
Geig currently competes at GymWorld and is from Doylestown, Ohio. In 2017 Gieg qualified for Eastern Nationals where she placed first on bars (9.575), floor (9.575), and in the all-around (37.925). At Eastern Nationals she also placed second on beam and sixth on vault. She was the 2019 Battle of Champions beam champion with a score of 9.525 and also finished third on vault at the 2019 Elevate the Stage meet in Toledo.
"Kent State has always felt so welcoming," said Geig. "It feels like home, like it's where I belong."
Olivia Rapp
Rapp is a Gahanna, Ohio native and is currently training at Universal. Rapp completed at the 2019 Ohio State Championships, earning a first-place finish on beam, floor and all-around. She is a three-time Junior Olympic national championships qualifier. At the 2018 Region 5 Regional Championships, took home first-place on bars and third-place in the all-around.
"There are a lot of reasons why Kent State became the best college choice I could make," said Rapp. "It's close to home, I enjoy being on the campus and the academic programs are outstanding. But most of all, I love the commitment of the coaches on the staff and the athletes. The girls immediately made me feel welcome and comfortable, and they bring great energy to the gym. I'm so excited to be a Golden Flash, to advance my academic career and be part of a successful program."
Sarah Haxton
Haxton is from Fishers, Indiana where she trains at Deveau's School of Gymnastics. She qualified for the Junior Olympic national championships as an alternate in 2018. This year, she was the uneven bar champion at the Indiana State Championships. She also finished third on bars at the 2019 Region 5 Regional Championships.Â
"I chose Kent State University because it felt like a college that I completely fit in to, both academically and for athletics," said Haxton. "It was a place that I could see myself excelling at and having a great college experience while doing so!"
The first chance to see the Golden Flashes this season will be on Sunday, Jan. 12, when they host Northern Illinois in their Mid-American Conference and home opener in the M.A.C. Center at 1 p.m. Follow @KentStGym on Twitter and Instagram and follow along at kentstatesports.com.
