University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panthers Ink Three to 2017 Recruiting Class
11/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
PITTSBURGH – Head coach Debbie Yohman announced the addition of three gymnasts to her program Friday afternoon, as a trio of women signed commitment to compete at the University of Pittsburgh.
With today’s signings, Jordan Ceccarini, Haley Brechwald and Sophia Bochenek are set to join the Panthers in the fall of 2017.
"This is a strong class for us and we are very excited,” said head coach Debbie Yohman. “The girls all have had strong developmental training and continue to progress as well as stay healthy. We expect them to make immediate contributions to all four events.”
A native of Miller Place, N.Y., and Miller Place High School, Ceccarini is a member of New Image Gymnastics in Farmingdale, N.Y., where she is coached by Peter Neu and Hannah Forti. She is the daughter of Dawn and Nicholas Ceccarini.
A two-time Eastern National qualifier, she placed sixth in the all-around and first on floor exercise in 2013. In 2015, she took 13th in the all-around with a personal-best score of 37.60 at JO Nationals and placed ninth on the balance beam to earn a Nationals medal.
Ceccarini has continued her success this season, earning the New York state title on balance beam and in the all-around, which allowed her the opportunity to participate in the Kellogg’s Tour of Champions as a balance beam specialist. In the 2016 regional meet, she took second in the all-around, advancing to JO Nationals to earn a score of 37.05.
“Jordan Ceccarini worked very hard to become a recruit for us,” said Yohman. “She is a powerful gymnast possessing a high skill level. We look for her to continue to grow and make an impact on all events. Her work ethic and determination will serve to inspire the team.”
A native of Springfield, Va., and Lake Braddock Secondary School, Brechwald is a member of Capital Gymnastics in Burke, Va., where she is coached by Tatiana Perskaia and Donny Yarros. She is the daughter of Kristen and Matt Brechwald.
One of the most dominant gymnasts in the state of Virginia, Brechwald is a three-time state balance beam champion, a two-time state floor exercise champion and a two-time state vault champion.
At the 2016 regional meet, she placed second on floor exercise and moved on to JO Nationals, where she would place third on the uneven bars.
“Haley Brechwald is someone who has been extremely consistent,” Yohman added. “She has trained at one of the top technical clubs in the country. Her power and level of difficulty will make her a crowd favorite. She also possesses leadership skills that she can bring to our table."
A native of Grosse Ile, Mich., and Gabriel Richard High School, Bochenek is a member of Splitz Gymnastics in Canton, Mich., where she is coached by Eileen Spicher and Guy Sawaka. She is the daughter of Karen and Len Bochenek and has a sister, Josie.
In 2013, Bochenek was the Level 9 floor exercise and all-around state champion. The following season, she would claim the eastern all-around title and qualify for the JO Nationals. This year, Bochenek took second place in the all-around at the Michigan State Meet.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Bochenek is a member of the National Honors Society, is a Scholastic All-Catholic Academic honoree and is ranked in the top 10 in her graduating class.
“Sophie Bochenek has had a history of success,” Yohman said. “She has an infectious personality and her passion for gymnastics shines brightly. She does not have a weak event and we expect her to be able to contribute on all four events.”
The Pitt gymnastics team will kick off the 2016-17 season with the annual Blue vs. Gold scrimmage on Dec. 9, getting the first regular season meet underway on Jan. 7 when they host Ohio State at Fitzgerald Field House. The reigning EAGL Champions will host three home meets in January before taking it to the road for the majority of the regular season, looking to defend the first conference title in program history.
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