“It is an honor and a privilege to be a member of Penn Gymnastics. These are four of the most important years in the lives of our student-athletes in that it will shape their mind and spirit and provide them with clear direction toward the future. Most importantly, we recruit good people who display honesty, citizenship and the highest level of integrity. Secondly, we recruit top scholars who recognize the importance of excellence in education as a means to intellectual advancement that will place them at the highest level when beginning their career search. Finally, we recruit the finest athletes who are committed to providing their best effort in a team-oriented environment to achieve excellence on a daily basis.
Outside the arena, our student-athletes excel as students and citizens of the world. In 18 seasons as head coach of Penn Gymnastics, the team grade point average has never dipped below a 3.1 and over 140 Penn Gymnasts have been honored as Scholastic All-Americans. In 2005, the team was ranked fifth in the nation in academic achievement based on team GPA. These gymnasts were encouraged to strive for perfection in their chosen studies. Many individuals have been successful in Wharton, one of the top three business schools in the country; the Nursing school, which consistently ranks in the top five; the College of Arts and Sciences, consistently ranking among the best; the world-renowned Annenberg School of Communication; or the ever-challenging and nationally ranked Engineering school. Also, through summer and fall programs intended primarily for the families of the surrounding neighborhoods, we sincerely believe in connecting with the community and providing opportunities for children who may not often enjoy them. As a gymnast at Penn, student-athletes learn some of the intangibles of life through these strengthening experiences.
Winning is not the focus of this organization. Instead, it is the result of great effort, proper attitude and behavior, selfless acts, impeccable time management and efficiency. It is an unquestionable belief in team. It is taking personal responsibility and making the right choices. At Penn, we know that the chain is only as strong as the weakest link. Those who choose to be a part of the chain have only two things required of them: be on time and give your best effort.
Although winning is not our primary focus, through hard work, belief in the team and oneself, Penn Gymnastics has enjoyed tremendous success. Since 1991, every student-athlete has had the opportunity to be a part of at least one Ivy Classic Team Championship and/or one Eastern Conference Championship team. Since 1991, Penn Gymnastics has won more Ivy Classic crowns (8) than any of the other Ivy League teams ? combined! We are still the only Ivy League Gymnastics program to win the ECAC team championship (1997, 2004). While maintaining strong character and excellent academic pursuits, our team is able to consistently remain among the best on the East Coast.”
-Head Coach Tom Kovic
