Gymnastics Welcomes Five to the Incoming Class of 2027
5/17/2023
Brown head coach Brittany Harris has announced five additions to the Bears' gymnastics incoming Class of 2027.
The newcomers who will be joining the program this fall are Talia Blythe, Emily Ford, Alexa Shields, Lindsay Van Eyk, and Lindsey Yang.
“We're thrilled to welcome Talia, Emily, Lindsey, Alexa, and Lindsay to our program,” Harris said. "Each gymnast brings a unique skill set to the team and will help continue the legacy of Brown gymnastics. We can't wait to have each of these talented student-athletes on College Hill and be a part of our Bear family."
Scroll to find an in-depth look at each new Bear below.
Talia Blythe
5'8" | Manhattan, N.Y. | Riverdale Country School | Gotham Gymnastics
Before Brown: Level 10 regional qualifier all four years of high school…Level 9 Eastern Championships qualifier…Competed in club gymnastics for 11 years…Served as a Level 10 co-captain…Member of the Sustainability Club and Women in Sports Club at Riverdale Country School.
Personal: Daughter of Tess and Geoffrey Blythe…Has two older sisters, Kayla and Karenna.
Why Brown?: “Brown's open curriculum will allow me to explore my academic interests, and will give me opportunities to discover my true passions at an incredible institution. Brown’s welcoming environment offers a sense of community and belonging. I am honored and thrilled to begin my journey on the gymnastics team where I will be surrounded by amazing individuals.”
Emily Ford
5'4" | Barrington, R.I. | Barrington | Prestige Fitness and Gymnastics
Before Brown: Four years as a Level 10 gymnast…2022 Nationals qualifier…Five-time Rhode Island state all-around champion…Seven-time qualifier for the Region 6 Championships, including 2022 when she placed fourth on bars and fifth in the all-around…2019 Eastern Championships qualifier.
Personal: Daughter of Robin and Richard Ford…Has an older sister, Alaina...Born in Huanggang, Hubei Province, China.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it has the perfect balance of academics and athletics. It gives me the opportunity to compete as a Division I gymnast, while receiving an incredible education. As soon as I stepped in the gym, everyone was super kind and supportive, so I knew it was a team that I wanted to be a part of!”
Alexa Shields
5'5" | Houston, Texas | Memorial | Stars Gymnastics
Before Brown: Three-time Level 10 regional qualifier in 2021, 2022 and 2023…Named the 2022 Gymnast of the Year at Stars Gymnastics…Class valedictorian at Memorial High School in Houston…National Merit Finalist…National Honor Society member.
Personal: Daughter of Laura and Tom Shields…Has an older brother, Will.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of the exceptional academics and the freedom to pursue many passions with their open curriculum. The campus was absolutely beautiful and everyone I met was super friendly and welcoming. I am excited to continue my gymnastics career at Brown while also receiving an amazing education.”
Lindsey Van Eyk
4'10" | Arlington, Mass. | Lexington Christian Academy | Brestyan's Gymnastics
Before Brown: Competed as a level 10 gymnast for five years…Two-time qualifier for the Women’s Development Program National Championships…Tied for 8th on beam and finished 11th on floor at the 2022 national championships…Finished 12th on floor at the 2021 national championships.
Three-time qualifier to Level 10 Region 6 Championships:
2022: Vault (4th), Beam (1st), Floor (3rd), All-Around (2nd)
2021: Vault (4th), Beam (2nd), Floor (4th), All-Around (4th)
Three-time L10 Mass. State Champion on floor (2019, 2021, 2022)
2018 Eastern Championships National qualifier on vault, beam and all-around.
National Honor Society member at Lexington Christian Academy.
Personal: Daughter of Onna and Paul Van Eyk…Has a younger brother, Ryan.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because I will be able to pursue my dream of being a D-I gymnast while also receiving an amazing education and getting the opportunity to explore my interests through the open curriculum. I’ve been so welcomed every time I’ve visited and I’m excited to join this positive environment!”
Lindsey Yang
5'3" | Hillsborough, Calif. | Burlingame | Airborne Gymnastics
Before Brown: Two-time DP National Qualifier (2022, 2023)…Six-time Level 10 regional qualifier, finishing fifth in the all-around in 2023, and fourth in the all-around and second on beam in 2022.
Seven-time state qualifier…Placed fourth in the all-around at the 2023 state championships…Won three NorCal state titles in 2022 on bars, floor and all-around.
Spent six years as a Level 10 gymnast…Former USA Development National Team Member (2014-2016)…2013 TOPs National Qualifier.
Personal: Daughter of Lena and Dennis Yang…Has a younger sister, Ana.
Why Brown?: “Brown allows me to expand my interests through its unique open curriculum and world-class academics, as well as the opportunity to pursue my gymnastics career.”
The 2024 season will commence in January, with Brown's full schedule to be announced this fall.
The Bears are coming off another successful 2023 campaign that saw the team post its highest-ever National Qualifying Score of 194.315 to qualify for the USAG National Team Semifinals. Brown gymnasts achieved a total of five USAG First Team All-America honors, 19 All-GEC honors and eight All-Ivy honors. The Bears also posted two of the top five scores in program history, and Julia Bedell was named the GEC Co-Specialist of the Year and captured the USAG national title on floor.
