SAN JOSE, Calif.—Ariana Castrence, Chloe Frank, and Mikaela Pitts are joining the San José State University women's gymnastics program for the 2022-23 school year, as announced by head coach Joanne Bowers.
The three join Kyra Cato from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, who signed a letter-of-intent in the fall and is a member of the Canadian National team.
Ariana Castrence, Gr., Waldorf, Md./Temple University
Graduate transfer after competing the past four years at Temple
2022 EAGL Senior Gymnast of the Year
First team All-EAGL on vault and second team on beam
Scored a 9.900 or better on four apparatus
Career-best 39.350 in the all-around at 2021 EAGL Championships
Why Ariana Chose San José State
"For my fifth year, I was looking for an impactful experience that offered an opportunity for my own benefit of growth and a program that I could mutually benefit as well. Upon meeting the staff and members of the gymnastics team, I recognized my alignment with the program and all that it stood for. The genuineness and care expressed for people as individuals stuck with me after only a few conversations. The change of scenery was also something that interested me, as it was something that would be vastly different, but extremely exciting. SJSU offers great programs that would allow me to further my studies after receiving my undergraduate degree, whether that be certification programs or master's programs. To top it all off, after speaking with assistant coach Neal Gallant and head coach Joanne Bowers, San José State University became not only a place where I felt welcome, but also a place I could thrive."
Coach Bowers on Ariana
"When we found out about Ari's interest in a grad transfer position, we decided to look into her history and found she was the top all around performer at Temple and is very highly regarded as a teammate. She had an injury which caused her to miss the second half of her senior season. She is not ready to be finished with the sport, and we are super excited to get someone with her experience and maturity to join us this fall. She definitely can help us on all four events."
Chloe Frank, Fr., Anaheim, Calif./SCATS Gymnastics
Finished ninth on floor at the 2022 Regionals
Finished second on beam and third in the all-around at the2019 Region 1 Championships
Distinguished Scholar in High School
Why Chloe Chose San José State
"I chose SJSU because of the family-like environment I saw as soon as I stepped on campus. The amazing team culture and positive environment are something I can't wait to be a part of. I felt so welcomed by the coaches and team and could tell that Joanne and Neal want the best for you both as a person and athlete."
Coach Bowers on Chloe
"Chloe took a gap year after having shoulder surgery and has come back to her training with a vengeance! She is dynamic on balance beam and can definitely help us there. She is also very talented on bars and floor and adds depth to those events. Most importantly, she is a great fit for our program! Chloe is a great person, student, teammate, and loves gymnastics. We are thrilled to have her join our Spartan family this fall."
Mikaela Pitts, Fr., San Luis Obispo, Calif. /Central Coast Gymnastics Sports Center
Finished eighth in all-around at 2022 NorCal State Championships
Tied for 15th at the 2022 Regional Championships
Why Mikaela Chose San José State
"San José State not only offers me the opportunity to continue my gymnastics in college, but the school's amazing programs give me the opportunity to excel in my academics and prepare me to be a successful individual after college."
Coach Bowers on Mikaela
"Mik is a powerful tumbler and vaulter, will help us mostly on those events, and is also very capable on bars and beam. She is what I consider a "late bloomer" and has lots of talent, so we think she will blossom in college. When Mik came on a visit, we knew right away that she would be a good fit for our Spartan family. We are excited about her future with us."
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