MacPherson Announces Addition of Three to Incoming Class of 2024
12/5/2023 10:19:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh gymnastics head coach, Casey Jo MacPherson, announced the addition of three new Panthers to the recruiting class of 2024.
"We are so excited about our signing class for 2024," said MacPherson. "They are all excellent students, passionate gymnasts, and wonderful people who will bring different strengths and styles to the program. They share a strong work ethic, positive energy, and commitment to growth, which will help take Pitt to new heights and compete for ACC Championships!"
MacPherson added Meika Lee, Olivia, and Lila, who will be joining the Pitt gymnastics team and beginning their careers at the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
MEIKA LEE | ALL-AROUND | PALMER, ALASKA | EXCEL GYMNASTICS CLUB
3x DP National Qualifier…Placed sixth in the All-Around, and fifth on Bars and Floor at the 2-23 DP Nationals…Region 2 level 10 All-Around Champion in 2022 and 2023…Level 10 Alaska State All-Around Champion in 2021 and 2023.
PERSONAL
Born May 16, 2006…Daughter of Cathleen and Mark Lee…Plans to major in Nutrition Science.
LEE ON PITT
"Pitt has everything I was looking for in my student athlete experience. The team is both driven and inclusive, the coaches are passionate and kind, and the University offers top tier academics. I knew immediately that I could make Pitt my home."
MACPHERSON ON LEE
"Meika has been a standout in her region and has proven her competitiveness nationally, with top 10 finishes in the all-around two years in a row and top 5 event finishes on uneven bars and floor exercise. We expect Meika to have an immediate impact on all four events and are so excited to see her take Pitt Gymnastics to the next level!"
OLIVIA GIUNTA | ALL-AROUND | HINSDALE, ILLINOIS | LEGACY ELITE CLUB
4x National Qualifier…2023 State Vault Champion…2023 Best Teammate Award…Most Solid Beam Award…Comeback of the year Award.
PERSONAL
Born on October 4, 2005…Daughter of Alison and Michael Giunta…Plans to major in Natural Sciences with a Pre-Physician Assistant track.
GIUNTA ON PITT
"I chose Pitt because of the incredible coaching staff, and as soon as I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home."
MACPHERSON ON GIUNTA
"Olivia comes from a storied club program with a track record of very successful college gymnasts. As a 3-time National qualifier, Olivia's foundation, and experience, along with her competitive drive, will be an exciting addition to our program!"
LILA PILEGGI | ALL-AROUND | UPPER BURRELL, PENNSYLVANIA | PITTSBURGH NORTHSTARS CLUB
5x Regional Qualifier…Regional Beam and Floor Champion in 2023…Region 7 second All-Around National Qualifier.
PERSONAL
Born on December 15, 2005…Daughter of Allison and Bill Pileggi…Plans to major in Neuroscience.
PILEGGI ON PITT
"I chose Pitt because of the amazing coaching staff and the exciting opportunities both athletically and academically."
MACPHERSON ON PILEGGI
"We're thrilled to add another hometown gymnast to our roster with Lila. She brings a love for Pitt and competition that will elevate our program. As a Regional Champion and Nationals qualifier, Lila continues to improve each year, and we're looking forward to her contributing to our future success!"