Published: 06/01/2025 - 8:00 AM
Willow Grove, PA — Sunday, 06/01/25 — The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is proud to announce that Julianne Rudgunas, a dedicated member of its Willow Grove Twisters Gymnastics Team, has been selected to receive the prestigious 2025 Outstanding Athlete Award at the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship in Green Bay, WI.
Presented annually by YMCA of the USA, this national honor is awarded to just two student-athletes across the country who exemplify academic excellence, strong character, and a deep commitment to their community through YMCA competitive gymnastics.
A graduating senior at Upper Moreland High School, Rudgunas has been part of the Willow Grove Twisters since 2015. Beyond her success on the mat, she has consistently demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, and a commitment to the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
As part of this recognition, Rudgunas will receive a $2,000 scholarship to support her education at the University of Vermont during the 2025–2026 academic year. “We are incredibly proud of Julianne for receiving this national honor,” said Darlene Malone, Association Gymnastics Director for the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. “This award is a testament not only to her hard work and dedication to the sport of gymnastics, but also to the positive impact she’s had on her team, our Y, and the greater Willow Grove community.”
Rudgunas isn’t the only one making headlines—under the leadership of Coach Mubarak “Mo” Simmons, the Willow Grove Twisters recently claimed the Level 8 National Team Championship, marking another major milestone for the program.