BERKELEY – California women's gymnastics had added another standout to its incoming class in Maleah Pearson, head coach Justin Howell announced today.

"We are thrilled to welcome Maleah to our Cal gym family. Maleah is fierce – she's a fierce student, she's a fierce competitor and she lets nothing stand in her way," Howell said. "That fierce mental toughness is exactly what it takes to succeed at Cal."
 
Pearson, out of Maple Grove, Minn., is a two-time state uneven bars champion (2016, 2014) with three JO National appearances. She took 13th on bars at the 2016 JO Nationals, and also claimed a regional title on the event in 2014. In 2013, Pearson won floor at regionals and took fifth on the event at nationals.
 
The Twin City Twisters gymnast was voted Best Bar Swinger by her club for the past two seasons, and picked up Best Floor Entertainer nods in 2012 and 2014. In 2013, Pearson was named Most Improved.
 
Outside of the gym, Pearson was named to the Maple Grove High School honor roll each trimester of her high school career. She plans to pursue a degree pertaining to biological sciences at Cal with the goal of working in the medical field.
 
Learn more about Pearson below:

High School/Club:
Two-time Minnesota State Uneven Bars Champion (2014, 2016)…Three-time JO Nationals Level 10 competitor in 2013, 2014 and 2016…13th on bars at nationals in 2016…Regional bars champion in 2014 and floor champion in 2013…Also took fifth on floor at Nationals in 2013…Coached by Mike Hunger and Sami Wozney at Twin City Twisters, where they claimed the Level 10 State Championships…Voted Best Floor Entertainer (2012, 2014), Best Bar Swinger (2015, 2016) and Most Improved (2013) at Twin City…Honor roll recipient for every trimester of her high school career
 
Personal:
Has also worked as a gymnastics coach for the Special Olympics…Hobbies include hanging out with friends and attending sporting events…Parents are Brent and Anne Pearson…Has two uncles who were also student-athletes (Jay Pearson – tennis, US Naval Academy; John Nalan – gymnastics, West Point) and grandfather Norvard "Skip" Nalan wrestled at Michigan
 
Major:
Undeclared – intends to pursue a degree pertaining to biological sciences