Rutgers University has announced the addition of three new athletes to its gymnastics team for the 2025-26 season. Head coach Anastasia Candia confirmed that freshmen Vivienne Larsen and Abril Toscanini, along with sophomore transfer Jayda Lewter, will join a roster that returns 17 gymnasts from a squad that recently qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time in over a decade.
Vivienne Larsen, an all-around gymnast from Waxhaw, North Carolina, competed at Southeastern Gymnastics Center and Legacy Elite before joining Rutgers. She secured first place in the all-around for the Senior B division at the 2025 Greensboro Gymnastics Invite. Coach Candia said, “Coming to New Jersey from a notable home gym in North Carolina, Vivienne brings a strong work ethic and skills to match. Her bubbly personality and go-with-the-flow attitude have made for a smooth transition into the fast-paced college environment. You can find her dancing in the gym one minute and sticking a dismount the next. We are excited to see her bring this combination to the college stage!” Larsen stated, “I chose Rutgers because it felt like the perfect fit. The welcoming team, amazing coaches, great business program, and unmatched energy are some reasons to my many other things that made Rutgers feel like my next home.” She plans to study business.
Abril Toscanini, another all-around competitor from Orlando, Florida, trained at Orlando Metro and Legacy Gymnastics during her 17-year club career. She is a state champion on beam, a three-time national qualifier, and finished second in all-around at the 2024 Region 8 Championships. Toscanini was also recognized as an honor roll student and Student of the Month at Lake Mary High School. Coach Candia commented, “Abril has the potential to make an immediate impact in all events for Team 51. She has the skills and polish to translate really well into a college competitor. Even in the weight room, she is strong and putting in the work. Her preparation and attitude to succeed will help lead her to a first season On the Banks that she can be proud of!” Toscanini explained her decision: “I chose Rutgers University because it’s such a great environment and felt like home as soon as I was on campus. The gymnastics team and coaching staff are absolutely amazing.” She intends to major in sport management.
Jayda Lewter joins Rutgers as a redshirt sophomore transfer from Minnesota, where she did not compete during her first year due to redshirting. In club gymnastics at Legacy Gymnastics under Kari and Will Vaughn, Lewter posted notable scores including a 9.80 on vault and placed in the top-10 at regional competitions. Coach Candia said of Lewter: “Jayda has the ability to challenge her teammates, empower them and give them a good laugh all in the same practice. She’s itching to make an immediate impact on Team 51, and we look forward to her dynamic personality and power skills on the B1G stage. She comes to us with a year of knowledge on how a college season runs, so she is attacking preseason with that purpose.” Lewter shared her motivation: “I chose Rutgers because it’s a place where I know I can grow both as a student and as an athlete. The coaches made me feel supported and believed in my potential. As soon as I stepped on campus it automatically felt like home.” She is studying law.
The new athletes join a team looking to build on its recent success after qualifying for NCAA Championships last season for the first time since 2014.
