Iowa State University Athletics
Cyclones Ink Two During Early Signing Period
11.26.2019 | Gymnastics
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State gymnastics head coach Jay Ronayne has announced the signing of Kaia Parker and Emilie Hong. The duo are set to join the Cyclones in the fall of 2020 to prepare for the 2021 season.
"I am looking forward to working with both of these talented young women," Ronayne said. "Their abilities and character will make them great Cyclones."
Parker is from Ozark, Mo. competing for Missouri Valley Gymnastics. She is a four-time Junior Olympic qualifier. In her 2019 J.O. meet, Parker finished 10th on vault, 17th on beam and 22nd in the all-around. Her accolades also include numerous top-three finishes at the Missouri State Championships.
"Kaia is a very talented young gymnast who is gaining new skills all the time," Ronayne noted. "As I have watched her gymnastics develop, I am struck with the notion that her potential is unlimited. She has a balance of grace and athleticism that is hard to find. From what I have seen, she will thrive in our program's environment."
Hong will join the Cyclones from Langley, British Columbia, joining Meixi Semple and Loulou Vezina as Cyclone gymnasts from Canada. She is a three-time defending Western Canadian vault champion, while also earning third overall in the all-around at the 2018 Western Canadian Championships. At the 2018 Canadian National meet, Hong took silver on vault. Most recently, Hong earned another silver in vault at the 2019 Canada Games, while also scoring a perfect 10 on vault at Canadian Nationals back in May.
"Emilie is a very strong vaulter who could be a major player on the event immediately as a freshman," Ronayne commented. "She is also a very powerful tumbler so she may also play a role in the floor lineup."
Players Mentioned
