For some athletes, actions speak louder than words.

Jennifer Orlando, the 'silent assassin,' is the epitome of this statement. While she does not say much, her performance during meets and lead-by-example style of guidance has made her one of the most dependable performers on the Penn State women's gymnastics team.

During her freshman year, Orlando was a main contributor on vault, but had the chance to compete in every event throughout the season. Her sophomore year was her strongest year, as she competed in 12 meets and was finally given a chance to compete in the all-around. In her junior year, she became a constant performer on vault and floor and set her career high on vault, with a score of 9.925.

Now, halfway through the 2006 season and her senior year, Orlando has shown a consistency that many other girls on the team haven't. When Lisa Clark hyperextended her knee in practice after the first meet, Orlando was placed into the all-around. Since then, she has been in the all-around competition every meet and has capitalized on this opportunity by placing in the top three each time.

In her first all-around competition this year against Michigan, Cornell and West Virginia, Orlando placed second with a score of 38.85. She also tied for first on her floor routine with a score of 9.8. Even with her scores, Orlando was still humble in her ability as a gymnast.

"I was very proud to be picked as an all-around. It's really tough, and it's hard to make it in with such depth on our team," Orlando said.

In the third meet of the season and the first away meet, Orlando showed no nerves and stayed consistent, posting a 38.6 in the all-around, which was good enough for third place. She also tied for second on the floor routine, with a score of 9.75.

"Right now, our most consistent performer has probably been Jen Orlando. She's been doing the all-around and doing her job consistently," Penn State women's gymnastics coach Steve Shephard said.

After taking second in the all-around against Arkansas, Orlando and the rest of the Lions came home for the last meet of the season. It was also Senior Night, and all the seniors, especially Orlando, really showed off their talents.

On vault, she tied her career-high, posting a 9.925, a score that she set in 2004. On floor, she tied her season-high with a score of 9.85. These high scores accumulated to a 39.0, which gave her third place in the all-around and a career high. She rounded out her night by being presented the Ann Carr award for the most inspirational performance of the night.

This year, the wind has definitely blown in the right direction for Orlando, as injuries to other all-around performers have allowed her to show off her abilities. Sophomore Lindsay Borkan competed in the all-around last year but has been plagued by injuries all season and has not been able to return to form. Junior Amie Olaes was also in contention for the all-around this year, but a season-ending leg injury has halted her return.

Orlando, however, would never be one to congratulate the injuries of a fellow teammate, since it would be hurtful to the team. Her goal from the beginning is to be there for the team, and, if her high scores are vaulting the team to a higher rank, then she is doing her job.

"Accountability. It's the most important thing. I just want to be counted on by my teammates," Orlando said.

She has already made her mark in Rec Hall and on the gymnastics program. Now, as the second half of the season ensues and the Lions take their game on the road, the team knows that it can count on Orlando to be consistent and to always keep her mind on the team's performance instead of on her individual performance.