Sabrina Garcia, Mason Hosek and Jessica Jones have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Penn State and participate in women's gymnastics in the 2015-16 academic year, head coach Jeff Thompson announced Thursday (Nov. 13).
"It's so exciting to continue to add this level of talent to our team," said Thompson. "All of these young women complement each other's strengths so well. Jones' vault, Garcia's uneven bar and Hosek's floor exercise routines are all complemented by great balance beam work from all three of them. We are thrilled that they have chosen Penn State."
Garcia, who trains at Prestige Gymnastics in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is coached by Tony and Jen Fatta and was the 2014 Pennsylvania Level 10 state champion on uneven bars and balance beam as well as finishing fourth vault and third in the all-around. She went on to compete in the USA Junior Olympic National Championships where she finished second in the nation on uneven bars and 19th in the all-around.
"Sabrina is a beautiful gymnast who possesses grace, power and unbridled determination," said Thompson. "She is an outstanding all-around gymnast who has proven time and again to be one of the best in the nation on uneven bars and balance beam. I know the fans in Rec Hall are going to love her gymnastics. Her training at Prestige has prepared her to be a great leader at Penn State."
The former Junior Olympic National Team Member is a senior at Red Land High School in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania and is the daughter of Jose and Joelle Garcia.
"When I stepped on campus the coaches and the team made it feel like home and I knew that Penn State was a place that I would not only receive a great education, but where I would be a part of an amazing team," said Garcia.
Garcia's Accomplishments2014 JO National (UB - 2nd)2014 Level 10 Regionals (UB - 2nd)2014 Level 10 States (UB - 1st, BB - 1st)2014 Sand Dollar Invitational (AA - 1st)2014 Katie Baldwin Invitational (AA - 1st)2014 Excalibur Cup (AA - 1st)2014 Hills Classic (AA - 4th)2013 JO National (UB - 2nd)2013 Level 10 Regionals (2nd - UB)2013 Level 10 States (BB - 1st)2013 San Diego Classic (AA - 1st)2013 Katie Baldwin Invitational (AA - 1st)2013 Buckeye Classic (AA - 1st)2013 Pink Invitational (AA - 3rd)2013 Hills Classic (AA - 2nd)
Hosek currently trains at Capital Gymnastics in Austin, Texas, and is coached by Barry Hyder. In 2013, Hosek claimed the national championship on both balance beam and floor exercise at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Championships. During that same season, she won balance beam at the Region Three Championships after earning the title of Texas State All-Around Champion. In 2012, she had top-six finishes at the Region Three Championship on both vault and floor exercise, along with a sixth place showing in the All-Around. Hosek followed that with a seventh place finish in the all-around at the Junior Olympic National Championships. Hosek did not compete in 2014 due to injury.
"We have known Mason since she was a nine-year-old camper at Auburn and we are very excited that Mason chose Penn State University for her collegiate home. She has a history of winning championships and we look forward to her helping us continue toward our own championship goals."
Hosek is a senior at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas and is the daughter of Dianna Hosek and Chip Hosek.
"I chose Penn State because it feels like family and I believe it is where I belong," said Hosek. "Penn State is a wonderful place and I am blessed to be able to compete at an outstanding university with a great team."
Hosek's Accomplishments2014 Missed Season Due to Injury2013 JO National (BB - 1st, FX - 1st)2013 Level 10 Regionals (BB - 1st)2013 Level 10 States (AA - 1st)2012 JO Nationals (AA - 7th, UB - 8th, FX - 10th)2012 Level 10 Regionals (AA - 6th, VT - 4th, FX - 6th)2012 Level 10 States (AA - 4th, VT - 3rd, UB - 3rd)
Jones, who trains at Youngstown Gymnastics Center in Youngstown, Ohio, is coached by Sandy Sabo and Chad Cleland and comes to Penn State with a superb gymnastics background. In 2014, Jones finished seventh in the nation on balance beam at the Junior Olympic National Championships. She was also named the Ohio State Vault Champion in 2012, as well as the national champion on vault at the National Invitational Tournament in 2010 followed by a runner-up finish in 2011.
"Jessica is a gymnast that has a ton of power on vault and floor and a great style on beam," said Thompson. "She is, simply stated, an impressive athlete and we are thrilled that she is coming to compete for Penn State."
Jones attends Canfield High School in Canfield, Ohio and is the daughter of Rich and Linda Jones.
"Penn State was the best fit for me," said Jones. "After my first visit, I was in love. I felt at home while I was on campus, and the coaches and girls on the team made me feel like I was already a part of the family. Aside from the comfort, I knew that while attending Penn State I would experience and be involved in tremendous academic and athletic programs."
Jones' Accomplishments2014 JO Nationals (BB - 7th)2012 Level 10 States (VT - 1st)2011 JO NIT (VT - 2nd, AA - 8th)2010 JO NIT (VT - 1st, FX - 1st)2009 L9 States & Regionals (AA - 1st)
The 2015 edition of the women's gymnastics program will host their annual Blue-White Meet on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. inside Rec Hall. The men's and women's programs will display their talents as they prepare of the start of the 2015 season.
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