Gymnastics Signs Six on Signing Day

TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Gymnastics inked six signees on National Signing Day. The talented class includes Abba MacKinney, Avery McKay, Camryn Pennucci, Olivia Sawyer, JJ Schibel, and Avery Tarico.

"We are thrilled to welcome Abba, Avery, JJ, Olivia, Camryn, and Avery to our Wildcat family," said head coach John Court. "From the moment we met each of them we felt that they belonged at Arizona, would help push our team to more competitive success, and would thrive academically in Tucson. This is an exciting time for our program and we can't wait for them to start their journey with us."

Abba MacKinney
Chandler, Arizona | Arizona Dynamics

Career Highs:
VT – 9.650
UB – 9.750
BB – 9.750
FX – 9.850
AA – 38.475

Trained at Arizona Dynamics for 15 years under coaches Michelle Strang and Kim Graves
2025 National Bars Silver Medalist
2021 National Floor Champion
2021 Regional Floor Champion
2021 Arizona State All-Around Champion
Two-time Arizona State Bars and Beam Champion
2021 Arizona State Floor Champion

Abba says: "I chose the University of Arizona because it felt like home. The family dynamic of the team and the coaches, along with the support of the athletic and academic departments made me feel seen as not only a gymnast but a person."

Coach Martinez says: "Abygail is a forever Wildcat! From the moment she committed - eager, confident, and certain - Abygail showed exactly the leadership, heart, and Wildcat spirit we value. She's a proven competitor, an all-around talent, and an incredible human who's already one of us. We're so proud to call you a GymCat, Abba, and we can't wait to see you lead the way in the desert!"

Avery McKay
Chapel Hill, N.C. | SGA Gymnastics

Career Highs:
VT – 9.625
UB – 9.875
BB – 9.575
FX – 9.800
AA – 38.175

Trained at Bull City Gymnastics for 10 years and at SGA for one year under coaches Monica Davis, Travol Williams, Stephan Manness, Lindsey Shilling, Piper Smith, and Loraine Heutinck
2025 Region 8 All-Around Champion
Two-time National Qualifier
2025 North Carolina State Floor Champion
Placed eighth in the All-Around at Nationals in 2025
Placed second on beam and floor at the 2025 Region 8 Regionals

Avery says: "I chose Arizona because of the amazing team, coaches, and community. From first stepping on campus at my visit, I immediately felt at home and could see how well supported and cared for everybody was. Along with the excellent academic opportunities and gorgeous campus, it was an easy decision!"

Coach Kratchwell says: "Avery is a Wildcat! We are so thrilled to welcome Avery to Tucson next fall! Avery brings a fun personality, dynamic gymnastics and a ton of competitive experience to our program! We know she will help us continue our climb and we can't wait to see her light up McKale! Counting down the days!"

Camryn Pennucci
Wilton, Conn. | Arena Gymnastics

Career Highs:
VT – 9.550
UB – 9.375
BB – 9.750
FX – 9.300
AA – 37.30

Trained at Arena Gymnastics for 16 years under coaches Laurie DeFrancesco and Joseph Martelli
Two-time Eastern National Beam Champion
2025 National All-Star Beam Qualifier
2025 Eponymous skill ring jump half (The Pennucci) on beam
2025 CT Club of the year

Camryn says: "I chose Arizona because as soon as I visited the University of Arizona, I fell in love with the campus atmosphere and the strong sense of community in Tucson. It offered everything I was looking for both academically and athletically, but what ultimately made my decision was the incredible coaching staff and the supportive team of gymnasts."

Coach Kratchwell says: "It's official, Camryn is heading to the desert! Camryn brings a ton of positivity, beautiful execution and is known for her stunning balance beam work! Her elegance will not only make an impact in the beam line up but all throughout our program! We're so excited to have you, Camryn!"

Olivia Sawyer
Trophy Club, Texas | Texas Dreams Gymnastics

Career Highs:
VT – 9.425
UB – 9.550
BB – 9.550
FX – 9.675
AA – 38.00

Trained at Gymnastics Academy of Rockford for four years and at Texas Dreams Gymnastics for eight years under coaches Kim Zmeskal and Ned Lang
National and Regional Qualifier
Two-time Texas State Beam Champion
Texas State Floor Champion
Level 9 Westerns Qualifier

Olivia says: "I chose Arizona because of the beautiful campus and the immediate connection I made with the coaching staff and team. The support in all areas will set me up for future success. Choosing Arizona means joining a community that embodies my values of perseverance and excellence, which is exactly what I wanted to be a part of."

Coach Kratchwell says: "Welcome to the family, Olivia! Olivia has a very strong technical background, contagious energy and brings so much precision in her gymnastics! Olivia has that undeniable Wildcat spirit and we are so delighted to have you next fall!"

JJ Schibel
Scottsdale, Ariz. | Gold Medal Gymnastics

Career Highs:
VT – 9.350
UB – 9.375
BB – 9.425
FX – 9.600
AA – 36.750

Trained at Gold Medal Gymnastics for three years under coaches Amanda Borden, Kristin Fanning, Rilee Saur, Clayton Modic, and Austin Kelly
Two-time Regional Qualifier in 2024 and 2025
Participated in the 2023 Western Championships
Team USA Silver Medalist at the 2022 Maccabiah Games in Israel
Helped Gold Medal Gymnastics win the 2025 Arizona State Team Championship gold medal

JJ says: "I chose Arizona because the coaches and girls feel like a family and the culture is undeniable. The coaches truly care about each gymnast as a person and an athlete, and the atmosphere created is one where everyone is able to thrive. I am also excited about exploring all the incredible academic and athletic opportunities. I'm so excited to be a part of such a talented and dynamic team!"

Coach Martinez says: "We're proud to welcome JJ to the Wildcat family! JJ completes our 2026 class by bringing clean, precise gymnastics to our program, specifically on both beam and floor. Her amazing work ethic has proven her to be a gymnast who will continue to grow and progress, and her pride in committing to Arizona shows in everything she does. We can't wait to see you shine in Tucson, JJ!"

Avery Tarico
Chandler, Arizona | Gold Medal Gymnastics

Career Highs:
VT – 9.700
UB – 9.600
BB – 9.850
FX – 9.925
AA – 38.475

Trained at Coastal Gymnastics for eight years under coaches Ellie Gerber, Ryan Lapinski, and Teresa Bernard, and Gold Medal Gymnastics for four years under coaches Amanda Borden, Kristen Fanning, Rilee Sauer, Austin Kelly, and Clayton Modic
2025 Development Program National Team Member
Placed third on floor and fourth in the all-around at Nationals
Two-time Development Program National Qualifier
Placed first on beam, floor, and the all-around at 2025 Regionals
Two-time Arizona State Floor Champion
Helped her team place first at the Arizona State Championships in 2024 and 2025

Avery says: "I chose the University of Arizona because of their commitment
to my development as an athlete and a student, to prepare me for success both in and out of the gym. The coaching staff and team were so genuine, warm and welcoming that it immediately felt like home. I'm proud to be a Wildcat!"

Coach Martinez says: "Avery is officially a Wildcat! We couldn't be more excited to welcome Avery to the desert next fall! Watching her grow as a gymnast and a person has made her Wildcat family so proud. An Arizona fan through and through, she brings a fun personality, strong skill set, and an undeniable spark that will light up McKale! We can't wait to have you in Tucson, Avery!"

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