University of North Carolina Athletics
Gymnastics Adds Three Tar Heels On National Signing Day
November 12, 2025 | Women's Gymnastics
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina gymnastics and head coach Danna Durante announced the addition of three gymnasts from the class of 2026 Wednesday morning. Sophia Banky, Katie Cross and Sarah Savisky are set to join the program next fall.
Banky heads to Chapel Hill from Pickerington, Ohio where she previously competed with Buckeye Gymnastics. The all-around gymnast was a 2022 Eastern National Vault Champion, 2024 and 2025 DP National Qualifier, and 2025 Region 5 All-Star Team member. "Sophia is a bundle of energy and excitement! A powerful gymnast with extensive competition experience, she brings a team-first mindset and radiates positivity every single day. We're thrilled that Sophia said yes to Carolina," said Durante.
Originally from Newport Beach, Calif., Cross is set to join the Tar Heels after competing at Wildfire Gymnastics. As an all-around gymnast, Cross was a National Championships Qualifier in 2024 and 2025. Durante commented, "Katie combines beautiful gymnastics with tremendous power in every skill. An exceptional bar swinger, she's poised to make a major impact on that event. Her work ethic, coachability, and passion for Carolina are contagious, and we're grateful to be part of her journey!"
North Carolina native Savisky rounds out the class of 2026. The all-around gymnast has previously competed with Everest Gymnastics where she became a National Qualifier and State Champion. Durante added, "Sarah is a dynamic performer whose personality shines through everything she does—especially on floor and vault. She's a joy to watch and brings discipline and consistency to her training, aligning with the Carolina Gymnastics process. We're so thankful Sarah chose UNC!"
The incoming class of Tar Heels is prepped to continue pushing the program to new heights. "Sophia, Katie, and Sarah align perfectly with the core values of Carolina Gymnastics—hard-working, humble, and fun team players with exceptional athletic ability and a shared drive to elevate our program. Each brings a high skill level and an eagerness to keep growing and improving throughout their collegiate journey. We're thrilled to officially welcome them to the Carolina Gymnastics Family," said Durante.
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Banky heads to Chapel Hill from Pickerington, Ohio where she previously competed with Buckeye Gymnastics. The all-around gymnast was a 2022 Eastern National Vault Champion, 2024 and 2025 DP National Qualifier, and 2025 Region 5 All-Star Team member. "Sophia is a bundle of energy and excitement! A powerful gymnast with extensive competition experience, she brings a team-first mindset and radiates positivity every single day. We're thrilled that Sophia said yes to Carolina," said Durante.
Originally from Newport Beach, Calif., Cross is set to join the Tar Heels after competing at Wildfire Gymnastics. As an all-around gymnast, Cross was a National Championships Qualifier in 2024 and 2025. Durante commented, "Katie combines beautiful gymnastics with tremendous power in every skill. An exceptional bar swinger, she's poised to make a major impact on that event. Her work ethic, coachability, and passion for Carolina are contagious, and we're grateful to be part of her journey!"
North Carolina native Savisky rounds out the class of 2026. The all-around gymnast has previously competed with Everest Gymnastics where she became a National Qualifier and State Champion. Durante added, "Sarah is a dynamic performer whose personality shines through everything she does—especially on floor and vault. She's a joy to watch and brings discipline and consistency to her training, aligning with the Carolina Gymnastics process. We're so thankful Sarah chose UNC!"
The incoming class of Tar Heels is prepped to continue pushing the program to new heights. "Sophia, Katie, and Sarah align perfectly with the core values of Carolina Gymnastics—hard-working, humble, and fun team players with exceptional athletic ability and a shared drive to elevate our program. Each brings a high skill level and an eagerness to keep growing and improving throughout their collegiate journey. We're thrilled to officially welcome them to the Carolina Gymnastics Family," said Durante.
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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