GymHawks Sign 5 for 2026

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa gymnastics head coach Jen Llewellyn announced the signing of Sophie Cassese, Lindsey Merdes, Mackenzie Osborne, Leah Urnikis and Sydney Williams for 2026.

Sophie Cassese
Princeton, NJ
Princeton High School
Arena Gymnastics

• 2x New Jersey State Champion on vault

• 3x Regionals Medalist on vault

• 2025 Regionals Medalist on beam

• 2025 New Jersey State runner up in the all around 
  
  Jen Llewellyn on Sophie Cassese
  
  “Sophie’s showed commitment to Iowa from the beginning of her recruitment process. Going back to summer camps, Sophie was committed to joining us regardless of the obstacles and adversities thrown her way. Her work ethic, focus and steady presence will add an enormous amount to our culture. Sophie will bring us depth on vault, beam, and floor. Her calm logical presence mixed with a fierce spirit will add energy to the team. We are so glad she is a GymHawk!”
  
  Lindsey Merdes
  Mequon, WI
  Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
  Lafleur’s Academy of Gymnastics

• 5x USAG D.P. National Qualifier
• 2025 Region 4 All Around Champion, scoring a 38.425
• 2025 Region 4 Chpaion on vault, beam and floor
• 2025 Region 4 runner up in bars
• Finished sixth in the all around, seventh on vault and ninth on floor at 2025 D.P. Nationals
• 2024 Region 4 All Around runner up
• 2024 Region 4 Beam Champion, scoring a 9.600
• 2023 Nastia Liukin Cup Qualifier
• 2023 D.P. National Team Member
• National Honors Society

Jen Llewellyn on Lindsey Merdes

“Lindsey was our first verbal commitment from this class and was all in helping us build our culture from the start. She is loyal and committed to the mission and will bring a steady poise and presence to the line ups. She is a 3-star recruit that will bring athletic prowess in the all-around. She will empower the line ups with grace, and experience in all 4 events. Her consistent and competitive drive will pay dividends for herself and Iowa Gymnastics. We are excited to officially welcome Lindsey to the Hawkeye Family.”

Mackenzie Osborne
Alpharetta, GA
Centennial High School
Georgia All Star Gymnastics

• 2025 D.P. National Qualifier

• 2x Region 8 Championships qualifier

• 2025 Georgia State runner up in the all around

• 4x Honor Roll

• National Honors Society

• 3x team captain

Jen Llewellyn on Mackenzie Osborne

“Mackenzie’s gymnastics is beautiful to watch. She makes it look effortless and has a graceful presence in her ability. She will immediately add strength into all 4 events by bringing consistency in the bar line up. It has been fun to watch her growth through the recruiting process, and I can’t wait to see how far she can climb. Mackenzie is full of potential with a very high ceiling. The best is yet to come for Mackenzie and we cannot wait to get to watch her success unfold as a GymHawk!”

Leah Urnikis
O’Fallon, MO
Francis Howell High
GymQuarters Gymnastics Center

• 2025 D.P National Qualifier

• Finished third on vault at the 2025 Missouri State Championships

• Finished fourth on floor at 2025 Regionals

• 2024 Region 4 runner up on vault

• 2024 Missouri State runner up on beam

• 2023 Western Nationals Champion on vault scoring 9.60

• 2023 Missouri State runner up in the all around

• 4x Honor Roll

• National Honors Society

Jen Llewellyn on Leah Urnikis

“Leah is an all-around, incredible human being. She has impressed us so much through her growth in the recruiting process with her diligence and work ethic. She has flown under the radar and will blossom in the coming years. We are grateful to get to work with her and see how much of an impact she will bring to our program. Her humble and kind spirit will be magnetic in adding to our team culture and to those around her. We are thrilled to have Leah as a member of our Hawkeye Family!”

Sydney Williams
Vallejo, CA
Elise P Buckingham Charter Magnet High 
Dream Xtreme

• 3x D.P National Qualifier

• 2025 Lady Luck Invitational Champion on vault scoring a career-high 9.9

• Finished seventh place in the all around at 2025 Northern California State Championships

• Finished fourth place in the all around at Region 1 Championships

• 2x Honor Roll

Jen Llewellyn on Sydney Williams

“Sydney is a POWERHOUSE. She is versatile and will bring a variety of unique skills to the lineups. When you see ‘Dubz’ in Carver, she will bring a WOW factor with her fun and energetic personality that will shine on the competition floor. Dubz is relentless in her pursuit and is determined to achieve the goals she sets her sights on. Her drive and motivation will be a catalyst for her continued growth and upward trajectory of our entire program! We are thrilled she is officially joining the Hawkeye Family!”