SAN JOSE, Calif.—Allanah Portalatin, from Parkettes National Gymnastics Center, and Meling Esperanza, from North Bay Gymnastics, have signed to join the San José State women’s gymnastics program beginning with the 2026-27 school year, as announced by Spartan head coach Joanne Bowers.
Allanah Portalatin, Easton, Pa., Easton Area High School, Parkettes
- Trains at Parkettes National Gymnastics Center in Allentown, Pa., for coaches Tricia Scott and Brooke Lawson
- Two-time Puerto Rico national team member
- 2025 DEV National Championships – silver on floor, fourth on beam
- 2024 DEV National Championships – tied for fifth on floor and ninth in the all-around
- 2023 DEV National Championships participant
- 2025 Region 7 Championship – second on bars, beam and in the all-around
- 2025 Pennsylvania Champion on floor and second in the all-around
- 2024 Region 7 Championship – fourth on bars and fifth on floor
- 2024 Pennsylvania Champion on bars and second on beam and in the all-around
- Member of the National Honor Society
“I chose San José State because the team and coaching staff were so welcoming. It immediately felt like home the second I was on campus!”
Coach Bowers on Allanah
“Allanah has the potential to make a huge impact on our team right away. She is a dynamic gymnast with many honors. She is the type of person that our team values – a great teammate, leader and strong student. Allanah is a great fit for us, and we look forward to her joining our Spartan Family!”
Meling Esperanza, Martinez, Calif., Alhambra High School/North Bay Gymnastics
- Trains at North Bay Gymnastics for Coach Susan Goodmanson
- Competed at the 2025 DEV National Championships
- 2025 Region 1 Championships – seventh on beam all-around
- 2025 NorCal State Championships – seventh on bars and beam
- 2024 NorCal State Championships – fifth on bars, sixth on floor and seventh in the all-around
- 2025 Counselor’s Honor Roll
- 2024-25 Scholar Athlete Award winner
“I chose San José State because of the supportive and positive environment. I felt really at home with the team the moment I met them. I am so excited to be a Spartan!”
Coach Bowers on Meling
“We are so fortunate to be signing Meling to this class. We have watched her and coached her at our camps and clinics the past few years and are amazed at how she continues to blossom. We truly see her as an all-around gymnast who is very clean in all of her routines. She is a late-bloomer and coached very well. We anticipate that she will have her best years in future gymnastics competitions. Every time Meling has been on campus, we see the TRUE fit with our team culture. She is a great student and athlete, but most importantly, a great person. Welcome to the Spartan Family!”
#AllSpartans