COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State women’s gymnastics head coach Meredith Paulicivic announced Wednesday the signing of four prospective student-athletes who will continue their academic and athletic careers at Ohio State. The group set to join the Buckeyes for the 2023 season includes Mallory Gregory, Payton Harris, Kaylyn Mintz and Ella Robins.
Mallory Gregory | Clermont, Fla./Lake Minneola HS
- Has competed 10 years for Brandy Johnsons Global Gymnastics
- Six-time regional qualifier
- Third-place regional vault champion
- All-around, vault and beam champion at the 2021 Elevate the Stage
- Why Ohio State: “I choose Ohio State because of the great opportunities it has to offer, as well as the positive atmosphere. The women’s gymnastics team and coaching staff is so incredible and is one of the many reasons I chose to call Ohio State home.”
- Paulicivic on Gregory: “Mallory comes to us from Florida and has been way under the radar. She is highly talented and has yet to reach her full potential. She will really help us on the leg events, but watch for her to make a run for an all-around berth at some point during her tenure at Ohio State.”
Payton Harris | Franklin, Wisc./Franklin HS
- Member of M&M Gymnastics club for eight years
- Two-time Wisconsin state champion, earning the 2019 floor title and 2021 bar title
- State runner-up on all-around and vault in 2019 and 2021, respectively
- 2021 regional champion in bars, beam, floor and all-around
- 2021 Nationals runner-up on floor, placed fourth on vault
- Why Ohio State: “The team culture and coaching staff set themselves apart during the recruiting process. They made me feel right at home and were very welcoming and helpful. During my official visit it was only confirmed that I made the right choice.”
- Paulicivic on Harris: “Payton really burst onto the competition scene this past year and moved from a three-star recruit to a five-star. She’s exceptional on every event and haws a personality that our fans will love.”
Kaylyn Mintz | Wilmington, N.C./North Carolina Cyber Academy
- Six-year member of SGA Gymnastics
- Five-time North Carolina state qualifier and four-time Level 10 regional qualifier
- Finished in top ten on vault, floor and all-around at regionals in 2021
- 2019 JO nationals qualifier, tying for fifth on vault
- Won all-around titles at the 2020 Atlanta Crown Invitational and Chicago Style Meet
- Why Ohio State: “I love the traditions and family atmosphere. I also really love how the school strives for you to be your best.”
- Paulicivic on Mintz: “Kaylyn is an outstanding all-around gymnast. She has great competitive experience and is going to be in contention for an all-around berth and make immediate impact here at Ohio State.”
Ella Robins | Spring, Texas/The Academy at WCC
- Trains at the World Champion Centre
- Took eighth on floor at the 2021 National Championships and runner-up on vault at the 2021 Regional Championships
- Finished second in vault at the 2020 Biles International Invitational and took seventh on bars, beam and all-around
- Won consecutive state titles in 2018 and 2019 on vault
- Two-time state and regional champion on floor and all-around
- Qualified for the 2019 JO National Championships
- Why Ohio State: “Because I fell in love with the campus and the coaches, also because it’s my family school.”
- Paulicivic on Robins: “Ella comes from the WCC gym that produced Simone Biles and several other world championship athletes. She is very strong on the leg events and will help us fill the holes that we have had in the past on those events. She also has a nice line on bars and can contribute there as well.”
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