North Penn's Yancey to Compete in Gymnastics at West Virginia

On Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, North Penn senior Kianna Yancey was recognized for signing a letter of intent to compete in gymnastics at West Virginia University.  To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link:  https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p573600955

Kianna Yancey – West Virginia University (Diving)

Major:  Psychology

Reasons for choosing West Virginia:  “I chose West Virginia because I went on my first official there, and I just fell in love with everything about it – the team, the coaches and the environment. I can’t wait to be there.”

What was the progression that led you to competing in gymnastics at the collegiate level?  “I wasn’t exactly always sure what I wanted to do in college because I love both sports. I have been doing diving and gymnastics ever since I basically could when I was very young. I love both sports, but gymnastics was my first love, and my mom owns the gym. I love it and I want to continue doing it.”

Favorite memory competing in gymnastics:  “My favorite memory was last year at nationals because I had the time of my life. I got to see old friends and make new friends, and it’s just a lot of fun because everyone is so supportive.”

Diving coach Kyle Goldbacher:  “Kianna is an extraordinarily gifted young woman…really a hidden gem here at North Penn. I have known Kianna since she was a baby and had the pleasure of coaching her in diving when she was a little girl. Through the years, Kianna has made some incredibly difficult decisions regarding the focus of her training and the balancing of what seemed to be limitless possibilities, but despite her blossoming into a dynamic student-athlete, I can see that some things have stayed the same: she always stays true to her heart and she always carries herself with great dignity and self-respect. Her self-sacrifice and self-determination have given her the strength to pursue an elite level in arguably the most rigorous athletic discipline in the world, and her composure in high pressure situation has been rewarded with countless achievements, qualifications and championships, per event and all-around at the state, regional and national levels. I think we can all agree, you gotta be a little bit crazy to do that stuff on the beam, but if I remember correctly, you’re like superwoman on the bars. With a full scholarship to West Virginia in tow, what has long been a distant horizon is now right there at the tips of your fingers. I’m very happy for you, Kianna, and both Paige and I are ecstatic that you have decided to dive with us this year. Your courage will be rewarded with lots of love, and I believe that you will discover a great many beautiful things about yourself as you continue to blossom.”

About Kianna:
Favorite food: 
All kinds of pasta
Favorite movie:  The Hate You Give
Favorite music:  R&B

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