Gym Announces Addition of Lovett, Pennese
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Head coach Mark Cook announced the additions of Bailey Lovett and Savannah Pennese to the 2018 gymnastics class Friday. The duo will join a freshman class that includes Amanda Elswick, Kennedy Hambrick and Katarina Derrick.
Bailey Lovett | Greensboro, North Carolina
Lovettt comes to Arkansas from Kristie Phillips Athletic Center where she has been a Level 10 since 2014.
Lovett qualified for the JO Nationals in 2017 where she finished second on beam and third on the floor. In the 2017 Region 8 regionals, she finished second on bars and fourth on beam and while competing at the North Carolina State Championships she took the title on the floor and finished as the runner up on beam.
The Greensboro, North Carolina native has taken the all-around title at the Region 8 Regionals twice, in 2015 and 2016. Lovett has qualified for the JO Nationals four times in her career.
“When coach (Mark) Cook asked me to come a year early to the University of Arkansas it was an opportunity that I could have never passed up,” said Lovett. “It was a move that I was more than excited to have happen!”
Lovett is the daughter of Kent and Amy Lovett and attended Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Bailey Lovett Club Bests (Level 10):
Vault: 9.550 | Bars: 9.625 | Beam: 9.725 | Floor: 9.800 | AA: 37.900
Savannah Pennese | Porter, Texas
Pennese competed at Rowland Ballard Gymnastics in Humble, Texas where she competed Level 10. Pennese will train on vault and on floor for the Razorbacks. The Porter, Texas native is a four-time regional qualifier and two-time Western qualifier.
“I’m excited to be here and hope to help the team improve on one of its best seasons yet, while achieving new personal bests.”
Pennese is the daughter of Joe and Kathleen Pennese and attended Porter High School in Porter, Texas.
Savannah Pennese Club Bests:
Vault: 9.800 | Floor: 9.550
For more information on Arkansas gymnastics, including in-meet updates, follow @RazorbackGym on Twitter.
