Photo by: Karl Maasdam/Oregon State Athletics
Gym Beavs Welcome Four on National Signing Day
November 12, 2025 | Women's Gymnastics
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State gymnastics is excited to announce the addition of four new student-athletes who have signed to join the program ahead of the 2026-27 season.
"All four of these women bring remarkable skill, dedication, and character that will make an immediate impact on our program. Their passion for excellence and commitment to growth perfectly embodies what we value here at Oregon State," Head Coach Tanya Chaplin said. "I'm excited to see how they'll contribute to our team and continue to represent Beaver Nation with pride while flourishing both in the gym and in the classroom."
Sophia Henry / Blue Springs, Mo. / GAGE Center
Sophia Henry is a decorated Level 10 gymnast from Missouri who qualified for Developmental Level 10 Nationals three consecutive years (2023-25), consistently placing in the top 10 on beam and earning top 10 finishes on bars in 2024 and 2025. Henry captured back-to-back Missouri State All-Around Championships in 2024 and 2025, along with a Region 4 All-Around title in 2024 and runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2025.
A National Honor Society member and Foreign Language Honor Society inductee who has served on student council, Henry aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon, dermatologist, or engineer while also becoming fluent in French. Outside the gym, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, building things and traveling.
Said Henry on her decision to choose Oregon State, "I chose Oregon State because of the beautiful campus, amazing facilities, and the supportive coaching and team atmosphere."
McKinley James / Missouri City, Texas / Pearland Elite
McKinley James trained under coaches Tasha Beale and Nick Cedillo at Pearland Elite, where she has consistently elevated her skills throughout her career. James comes from an athletic family, with her father, Michael, having played professional basketball in the NBA.
Outside of gymnastics, she is passionate about giving back to her community through volunteer work and intends to major in business while pursuing a career in marketing and branding.
"God's plan not my own plan," James said of her decision to become a Beaver.
Jazlene Pickens / Pickerington, Ohio / Buckeye Gymnastics
Jazlene Pickens brings impressive gymnastics resume to the 2026 class. Having reached level 10 back in 2022, Pickens was the Hopes Champion on floor and making the Hopes National Team that same year. A 2023 junior elite qualifier, in 2024 Pickens qualified for senior elite as well as the American and Core Classics, and in 2025 once again qualified for the Winter Cup.
A National Honor Society member who aspires to become an oral surgeon, Pickens enjoys shopping and spending time with friends when she's not in the gym.
"I chose Oregon State because it felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus," she said. "The coaches are one of a kind and I feel like they can help me take my gymnastics to the next level, and the team atmosphere was amazing. I instantly knew I wanted to be a Beaver and am so honored and extremely blessed I get to make that dream come true."
Gabby Pierson / Canby, Ore. / World Champions Centre
A native of Canby, Ore., Gabby Pierson will return home after training at the prestigious World Champions Centre in Texas. Pierson had an outstanding 2024 season, finishing second all-around at the Texas State Championship and fourth all-around at regionals before qualifying for the Level 10 National Championships.
Her mother, Leslie Hammond, competed collegiately at Oregon State from 1990-93, and Gabby intends to major in elementary education with aspirations of becoming a teacher.
"I chose Oregon State because it felt like home," Pierson said. "I love the coaches, team, and family environment."
OUR MISSION:
Oregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).
"All four of these women bring remarkable skill, dedication, and character that will make an immediate impact on our program. Their passion for excellence and commitment to growth perfectly embodies what we value here at Oregon State," Head Coach Tanya Chaplin said. "I'm excited to see how they'll contribute to our team and continue to represent Beaver Nation with pride while flourishing both in the gym and in the classroom."
Sophia Henry / Blue Springs, Mo. / GAGE Center
Sophia Henry is a decorated Level 10 gymnast from Missouri who qualified for Developmental Level 10 Nationals three consecutive years (2023-25), consistently placing in the top 10 on beam and earning top 10 finishes on bars in 2024 and 2025. Henry captured back-to-back Missouri State All-Around Championships in 2024 and 2025, along with a Region 4 All-Around title in 2024 and runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2025.
A National Honor Society member and Foreign Language Honor Society inductee who has served on student council, Henry aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon, dermatologist, or engineer while also becoming fluent in French. Outside the gym, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, building things and traveling.
Said Henry on her decision to choose Oregon State, "I chose Oregon State because of the beautiful campus, amazing facilities, and the supportive coaching and team atmosphere."
McKinley James / Missouri City, Texas / Pearland Elite
McKinley James trained under coaches Tasha Beale and Nick Cedillo at Pearland Elite, where she has consistently elevated her skills throughout her career. James comes from an athletic family, with her father, Michael, having played professional basketball in the NBA.
Outside of gymnastics, she is passionate about giving back to her community through volunteer work and intends to major in business while pursuing a career in marketing and branding.
"God's plan not my own plan," James said of her decision to become a Beaver.
Jazlene Pickens / Pickerington, Ohio / Buckeye Gymnastics
Jazlene Pickens brings impressive gymnastics resume to the 2026 class. Having reached level 10 back in 2022, Pickens was the Hopes Champion on floor and making the Hopes National Team that same year. A 2023 junior elite qualifier, in 2024 Pickens qualified for senior elite as well as the American and Core Classics, and in 2025 once again qualified for the Winter Cup.
A National Honor Society member who aspires to become an oral surgeon, Pickens enjoys shopping and spending time with friends when she's not in the gym.
"I chose Oregon State because it felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus," she said. "The coaches are one of a kind and I feel like they can help me take my gymnastics to the next level, and the team atmosphere was amazing. I instantly knew I wanted to be a Beaver and am so honored and extremely blessed I get to make that dream come true."
Gabby Pierson / Canby, Ore. / World Champions Centre
A native of Canby, Ore., Gabby Pierson will return home after training at the prestigious World Champions Centre in Texas. Pierson had an outstanding 2024 season, finishing second all-around at the Texas State Championship and fourth all-around at regionals before qualifying for the Level 10 National Championships.
Her mother, Leslie Hammond, competed collegiately at Oregon State from 1990-93, and Gabby intends to major in elementary education with aspirations of becoming a teacher.
"I chose Oregon State because it felt like home," Pierson said. "I love the coaches, team, and family environment."
OUR MISSION:
Oregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).
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