Three Parkettes gymnasts recently signed letters of intent to compete at Division I colleges.

Breanna Verano (Temple University), Briella Unger (Duquesne University) and Jessica Reith (University of Washington) announced their decisions among friends, family and fellow gymnasts on Nov. 8 at the Parkettes Training Center in Allentown.

Verano, a senior at Parkland High School, had offers from Bowling Green and Southeast Missouri before choosing to stay closer to home and accept a full scholarship to Temple.

“Every time I went to other schools I kept comparing them to Temple,” Verano said. “I knew Temple was right for me. The first time I went there I knew.”

Verano started gymnastics 13 years ago and began competing 10 years ago. She said she loves everything about the sport, which is likely a big reason for her success.

“The adrenaline of competing,” she said of why she loves her sport. “Having fun in the gym when you’re practicing. Now that I’m a level 10 and I’ve come this far, it’s so much fun doing what I love. You find you’re love again for it after it gets hard.”

Verano heads to college as a two-time national qualifier. She finished sixth in the nation on bars in 2023.

“There are going to be some adjustments,” she said. “I hope to be successful in college. In gymnastics I hope I can put my name out there. I’m also excited to become successful with my major, sports management.”

Reith chose Washington over the Illinois, Maryland and Arizona.

“I’ve always wanted to go far away for college,” she said. “I love the city of Seattle. I really clicked with the team and I loved the campus. The resources they provide for students athletes there are just unbeatable. I feel really blessed and grateful to have this opportunity and to continue to do the sport I love.”

Reith’s gymnastics career started the way many do.

“My mom made me choose between dance and gymnastics when I was younger,” she said. “I just love flipping around. I was always climbing on things and flipping around the house.

“I fell in love with it instantly. The adrenaline rush and the feeling of flying through the air is unbeatable.”

A two-time national qualifier, Reith is excited for the next phase of her career and her education.

“Going into college I don’t have many expectations,” she said, “just to be a part of the team and contribute as much as I can and experience life as an NCAA gymnast. Once I’m there and I get the rookie season out of the way I’ll have more goals and expectations.”

Unger, a Parkland High School senior, will be competing in acrobatics and tumbling in college, a branch of gymnastics. The floor event is Unger’s strength and that’s what she will be able to focus on during her college career.

“I’ve always been a tumbler,” she said. “That’s has always been my thing.”

Unger also considered Belmont Abbey College and the University of Oregon, but felt at home when she visited Duquesne’s Pittsburgh campus.

“When I stepped foot on Duquesne’s campus it genuinely felt like home,” said Unger. “The coach was amazing. She was a big part in why I chose the school. The school just fit.”

Unger started her gymnastics career at three years old. She’s made it to states in all the years she’s competed and has been to regionals multiple times. She’s anticipated making her college announcement for a while and the day was everything she expected.

“It’s really so exciting, a little nerve-wracking too,” said Unger. “I’ve been here at Parkettes for so many years and I’ve watched so many signings. To finally do it myself is just truly amazing.”