Gymnastics Welcomes Six Newcomers for 2019 Season

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State women's gymnastics head coach Mike Rowe welcomes the addition of six new gymnasts to the 2019 roster, including five freshmen and one transfer.

Rowe on the newcomers: "This year's freshman class, including junior transfer Shannon St. Jean, has the unbridled talent, passion, work ethic and leadership that is already contributing to molding and redefining the culture of Michigan State gymnastics. They are intelligent, and all like to have fun, while still getting down to business. They appreciate our process, believe in making a difference, and setting new milestones for our program while also being fantastic students!"

Sydney Ewing • Frisco, Texas • Allen High School • World Olympics Gymnastics Academy

Rowe on Ewing: "We are excited to have Sydney join the Spartans this year as she brings strength on all four events. Her artistry and lines on each event will complement our line-ups immensely. She is a strong technician, especially on bars and floor, and we are looking forward to watching her grow even more in the years to come."

Prior to MSU: Attended Allen High School … Plans to major in interdisciplinary studies … Competed for Word Olympics Gymnastics Academy ... Coached by Natalyia Marakova, Megan Haught and Valeri Liukin … Seven year Level 10 gymnast … 2015 and 2016 Junior National Qualifier … Finished third on bars at 2018 Regionals ... Finished third on vault, second on bars, first on floor and second in the all-around at 2016 Regionals.

Ashley Hofelich • Novi, Mich. • Novi High School • Oakland Gymnastics

Rowe on Hofelich: "Ashley had an extremely successful senior year in J.O. competition. She had her mind set in walking-on this fall. Hoff decided to begin her academic and athletic career in our 6-week summer program and came in ready to work, proving herself a strong competitor. Her work ethic demonstrates her leadership potential and her consistency will make her a competitor for all four line-ups. We are also very excited to see how Ashley puts it all together this season. I'm sure Spartan fans will be in for a surprise."

Prior to MSU: Attended Novi High School … Plans to major in human resource management … Competed for Oakland Gymnastics ... Coached by Ruth & Chris Miller, Melvin Foster, and Renee Henry … Four year level 10 gymnast ... 2017 and 2018 Junior National Qualifier … Finished second on vault, tied for third on bars, third on beam and tied for second in the all-around at 2018 Regionals.

Alaina Raybon • Mount Pleasant, S.C. • Wando High School • Ocean Flippers

Rowe on Raybon: "Alaina is a powerhouse. She's extremely strong on the leg events, but elegant and "sassy" on all four. We can't wait to see Alaina in action and anticipate her best gymnastics throughout her Spartan collegiate career!"

Prior to MSU: Attended Wando High School … Plans to major in business … Competed for Ocean Flippers ... Coached by Louie Liguori, Rebecca Fort, Hannah Owens and Melissa Bigsby … Five year level 10 gymnast … 2015 and 2018 Junior National Qualifier … Finished first in all-around, vault and beam at 2017 State … Finished first in all-around, vault, bars, beam, and floor at 2016 State.

Shannon St. Jean • New Fairfield, Conn. • New Fairfield High School • Bowling Green State University • Gymnastics Revolution

Rowe on St. Jean: "Shannon comes to us as a junior transfer from Bowling Green State University. She is a 3-event specialist on bars, beam and floor, and will immediately have an impact, challenging for line-up spots on those four events!"

Prior to MSU: Attended New Fairfield High School … Majors in neuroscience … Competed for two years at Bowling Green State University … Competed for Gymnastics Revolution … Coached by Brian Bakalar and Nicole Bongiorno … Four year level 10 gymnast … 2015 Junior National Qualifier.

Jenna Wicker • Allen, Texas • Allen High School • World Olympics Gymnastics Academy

Rowe on Wicker: "Jenna comes to us as a definite contributor towards adding depth to our vault and floor line-ups. Jenna has a strong work ethic and potential for contributing to our other events in the near future. She is very passionate, and along with her positive attitude has a bright future for our Spartan gymnastics program.

Prior to MSU: Attended Allen High School … Plans to major in business … Competed for World Olympics Gymnastics Academy … Coached by Janelle McDonald … Three year level 10 gymnast … 2016 and 2018 Junior National Qualifier … Finished third on beam at 2016 Regionals.

Alyssa Wiedeman • Springboro, Ohio • Springboro High School • Perfection Gymnastics School

Rowe on Wiedeman: "Alyssa's talent is highlighted by her passion and commitment to our sport and team. She is training all four events and at any moment, could break into a line-up when no one is looking, complementing that depth that we have been working on maintaining since pre-season began. She is currently coming back from a minor injury, but will be ready to go at full speed as soon as she's permitted to progress safely."

Prior to MSU: Attended Springboro High School … Plans to major in dietetics … Competed for Perfection Gymnastics School … Coached by Luke Wasson and Enrique Trabanino … Four year level 10 gymnast … 2017 and 2018 Junior National Qualifier … Finished tied for third on floor at 2018 Regionals.

Michigan State University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Sydney Ewing

Ashley Hofelich

Alaina Raybon

Shannon St. Jean

Jenna Wicker

Alyssa Wiedeman

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