Gymnastics Welcomes Four to the Incoming Class of 2029
6/24/2025
Brown gymnastics head coach Brittany Harris has announced four additions to the Bears' incoming Class of 2029.
The newcomers who will be joining the program this fall are Rehna Saalinger, Lulu Ton-That, Sophie Tressler, and Wailana Whitford.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Rehna, Sophie, Lulu, and Wailana to the Brown Gymnastics family!” Harris said. "Each of these outstanding student-athletes brings a unique skill set, competitive spirit, and passion for the sport that will help strengthen and carry forward the proud legacy of our program. We can’t wait to see them thrive on College Hill and are thrilled to have them join our Bear family."
Scroll to find an in-depth look at each new Bear below.
Rehna Saalinger
5'2" | Vienna, Va. | McLean | Capital Gymnastics NTC
Before Brown: 2025 fourth place finish on beam at Nationals…2023 state, regional and Eastern National champion on beam, floor and all-around…2022 Virginia state vault, beam, floor and all-around champion while finishing third on bars…National Honor Society member…Received an Academic Excellence in English Award in 2021-22…Co-founded a youth-led non-profit called Build A Water Project to help underprivileged communities gain access to clean water.
Personal: Daughter of Vibha and Louis Saalinger…Has a sister, Tahlia.
Why Brown?: “The environment at Brown both in the gym and academically is one of positivity and community. The fun, yet hard working Brown gymnastics team was a perfect fit, and I felt at home when I arrived on campus.”
Lulu Ton-That
5'3" | Chicago, Ill. | Northside College Prep | Petersen Park Gymnastics
Before Brown: Graduated as the class of 2025 valedictorian at Northside College Prep…IHSA Academic All-State…Elected President of the Spanish Honor Society…Selected as the school’s 2025 Athlete of the Year… AP Scholar with Distinction.
Gymnastics: Competed for Petersen Park Gymnastics…State qualifier and placed on beam in 2022…State, regional and national qualifier in 2022-23, becoming the first National Qualifier from the Chicago Park District…As a senior in 2024-25, she finished runner-up at Nationals on beam, placed sixth on vault, and finished 16th overall in the all-around.
Cross Country: Had a prolific running career for Northside College Prep, which included four All-State XC performances by finishing in the top 25 at the state championship meet all four years, making her the only athlete in the 2A Division to earn all-state honors in each of her four years…Two-time City Champion.
Track: Won three individual Chicago Public League Championships (800m, 1600m, and 3200m) and was a part of the 2022 4x800m relay championship team during her career…Qualified for states in various events in 2022, 2023 and 2025 and earned all-state honors in 2022 in the 4x800m relay and in 2023 in the 800m.
Personal: Daughter of Hieu Ton-That ’93 and Maricruz Ponce de Leon ’95…Has an older sister Elia who is a member of the track/cross country teams at Columbia…Born in Providence, R.I.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown not only for the incredible academics and prestige that it shows on paper, but also the community and people that make it the beautiful, welcoming, safe, and exceptional place I know to be Brown. I can't wait to explore the Open Curriculum because it gives a student like me the opportunities and resources to pursue all of my passions without having to limit or minimize any. When I visited the school and had the privilege of getting a tour and being able to watch the practice, I instantly felt the warmth and support of the family-like culture that the team had cultivated. Brown has been my dream school for as long as I can remember, and to be able to continue doing the sport I love with an amazing team couldn't be more special to me. I see the passion and love for Brown in everybody who talks about the school and its endless opportunities for everyone, and I am so lucky to get to experience that same love and call Brown my home for the next four years.”
Sophie Tressler
5'5" | Andover, Mass. | Central Catholic | Yellow Jackets Gymnastics
Before Brown: Competed for Yellow Jackets Gymnastics…2025 National All-Star qualifier on bars…2024 National qualifier and regional bars champion…2022 Western Vault, Floor, and All-Around champion…National Honor Society member at Central Catholic High School…Earned 2024 Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic honors.
Personal: Daughter of Erin and David Tressler…Has two sisters Sarah and Margot, and a brother Ben…Her mother played soccer at Stanford (1995-98).
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of the unique academic opportunities it provides as well as its welcoming and diverse community. I am so excited to continue to do gymnastics with such a supportive team at a university that will allow me to grow as a person.”
Wailana Whitford
5'4" | Costa Mesa, Calif. | Mater Dei | South Coast Gymnastics
Before Brown: Competed for South Coast Gymnastics…Three-time state and regional qualifier as a sophomore, junior and senior…Placed third in the all-around, second on bars, third on vault, and fifth on floor at the 2025 state championships…California Scholarship Federation member…National Honor Society member.
Personal: Daughter of Pua and Billy Whitford…Has two siblings, Kekai and Kainoa…Her sister Kekai played volleyball at Loyola Marymount.
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because I believe the high level of academics, the Open Curriculum, and the campus life will help me achieve my future goals while having the opportunity to compete in Division I gymnastics.”
