On a team full of talented gymnasts, standing out based on your skills can be difficult.
Freshman Alex Stine has made her presence known through her character.
"She makes me laugh everyday; just a great kid, great personality," coach Steve Shephard said.
"She doesn't take herself too seriously, but at the same time works very hard."
The State College native fought back from injury-plagued junior and senior years in high school to walk on to the Penn State women's gymnastics team. After seeing the team and meets at Rec Hall, Stine knew she wanted to be a Nittany Lion.
And she made it as a walk-on, in large part because she's a "fighter," roommate and teammate Daryl Konsevick said.
"Even in the gym, she's such a fighter, such a strong athlete," Konsevick said. "She's one of the strongest people I've met in my life."
Konsevick said Stine is a "very funny character" and a "very sweet girl" who is always supportive. Stine is also a "little crazy," Konsevick said.
Although her work ethic has gained her notoriety on the team, Stine's comical personality and light-heartedness has been her staple -- particularly, her expressions.
"The faces she makes when she screws up or does well," sophomore Danielle Hover said, "her eyes bug out and she gets this funny face on. It brings light to the situation."
As a fellow walk-on, Hover can relate to Stine and is proud "she is doing a lot of good things for us."
Not only is Stine always supporting and motivating her teammates, but she has also been a solid competitor on bars.
Junior Casey Rohrbaugh said the team didn't know what to expect from Stine, just like all walk-ons to the team. Because Stine was a local girl, Rohrbaugh said the team knew a little bit of what she was capable of and what she could do.
"She has improved so greatly on every event, mostly on bars," Rohrbaugh said.
"Very funny, makes everyone laugh all the time."
Stine has competed on bars in eight meets, including Big Tens and regionals.
She averages 9.678 with her career best being 9.825 in a win against Michigan State.
Shephard has high expectations for Stine next year, in addition to her improving on bars.
"I'd like to see her get in the vault lineup," Shephard said.
"She's been a little hampered this year with shin splints. She's capable of doing a huge vault with a 10.0 start value."
Konsevick said Stine sometimes appears "a little bit, uncoordinated with some things" and seems to be lacking control, but is a dedicated worker set on improving.
And as important as her scores are to the team, her presence may be just as special.
"She brings a lot of character to this team," Hover said, "and a lot of laughs."
