COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. - The Ursinus College gymnastics team recently held its annual end-of-year banquet, celebrating the Class of 2024 for their contributions to the program.
 
 
Head coach Kim Valenti and her staff presented the 2024 seniors with framed photos and their student-athlete graduation cord and stole as they prepare for the upcoming commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11th.
 
 
The team also recognized this year's NCGA Academic All-Americans: seniors Ashley Cromer, Carly Troilo, and Elisabeth Tucker.
 
 
The Bears' staff and student-athletes voted on the six awards that Valenti installed following her first season to be the cornerstone of the banquet.
 
Rookie of the Year – Erin Roe
 
This award is given to the top-performing "rookie" or gymnast competing at the collegiate level for the first time. This young woman bought in to UCG fully and made a difference in the program in her 1st year.
 
Most Improved – Kylie Ruggiero
 
This award is given to the gymnast who most improved their game to new heights over the year. She accepted constructive criticism and remained determined to be better each day. She overcame obstacles, possibly even came back from major injury, but deeply advanced her routines and skills practicing each day to be better.
 
Scholar Athlete – Brianna Duffy, Kyleigh Pierce, and Isabella Scarpetti
 
This award is given to the student-athlete who has dedicated herself both in the classroom and the gym. She has excelled and deserves to be recognized for academic successes. She demonstrates what it means to be a student first and foremost at Ursinus College.
 
7th Woman – Mayleigh Rickey
 
This award, entirely voted on by the team, is for the gymnast whose effort is never in question and who possesses a strong hidden quality – heart. She is always there to do whatever task is asked of her. This is the person who the 6 line-up performers want next in line or standing next to them on the day of competition.
 
MVP – Megan Matteucci
 
This teammate is the most critical to our team performance and demonstrated exceptional skill and ability this season. She had the largest impact on the team and is judged to be the outstanding athlete. To receive the MVP award, you brought all you can to your performance and inspire others to do the same. You are pursuant in your goals both personal and team.
 
The BEAR Award – Ashley Cromer
 
Brave
 
Empowered
 
Adaptable
 
Resilient
 
This athlete is the ultimate team player and exemplifies what it means to be an Ursinus Gymnast and a BEAR – someone who is brave (ready to face fear and endure danger/pain), empowered (make the team stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life), adaptable (able to adjust to new conditions, flexible in mind and spirit) and resilient (able to withstand or recover from difficult conditions).
 
This award is not only for hard work or even the 4 qualifiers within the name, but for a deep willingness to understand, to learn, to enter a partnership with coaches and your teammates, and to invest in the family in an effort to recognize one's full potential. Winning this award encompasses the utmost dedication to the program.