Gymnastics Welcomes Three Newcomers

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers gymnastics head coach Anastasia Candia has added three newcomers for the 2025-26 season in freshman Vivienne Larsen, freshman Abril Toscanini and sophomore transfer Jayda Lewter.

The trio bolsters a roster that features 17 returners from a squad that qualified for NCAA Championships last season for the first time in 11 seasons.

Vivienne Larsen
Fr. | All-Around | Waxhaw, N.C. | Cuthbertson

Head Coach Anastasia Candia "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!"

Why Rutgers? "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."

Prior to Rutgers: Competed in club gymnastics for Southeastern Gymnastics Center and Legacy Elite ... placed first in all-around for Senior B division at 2025 Greensboro Gymnastics Invite.

Personal: Daughter of Sonia and Christopher Larson ... has one sister, Isabella ... has one brother, Nolan ... intends to study business.

Abril Toscanini
Fr. | All-Around | Orlando, Fla. | Lake Mary

Head Coach Anastasia Candia "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!"

Why Rutgers? "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."

Prior to Rutgers: Competed in club for Orlando Metro in 2024, Legacy Gymnastics from 2021-23 as well as ACE Gymnastics and Orlando Gymnastics as part of 17-year club career ... state champion in beam ... three-time qualifier for nationals ... placed second in all-around at 2024 Region 8 Championships ... an honor roll student in 2023, 2024 and 2025 at Lake Mary High School ... named Student of the Month in 2024.

Personal: Daughter of Veronica Cortez and Ariel Toscanini ... has two brothers, Giovanni and Lionel ... intends to study sport management.

Jayda Lewter

R-Fr. | Vault, Beam, Floor | Savage, Minn. | Prior Lake (Minnesota)

Head Coach Anastasia Candia "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."

Why Rutgers? "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."

Minnesota
2025: Did not compete ... redshirted.

Prior to College: Competed in club for Legacy Gymnastics under Kari and Will Vaughn ... posted a 9.80 on vault, 9.60 on beam and 37.525 in the all-around at Salto National Invitational ... placed in the top-10 in all-around and vault at 2023 Level 10 Regionals ... an All-Star Vault Specialist at Level 10 Nationals.

Personal: Daughter of Jill and Kenny Lewter ... has two brothers, Kamden and Kenneth III ... studying to become a lawyer.

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Schedule

Players Mentioned

Vivienne Larsen

Jayda Lewter

Abril Toscanini

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Women's Gymnastics versus Temple on Jan. 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Upcoming Event: Women's Gymnastics versus Brockport on Jan. 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Upcoming Event: Women's Gymnastics at Ball State on Jan. 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM

Upcoming Event: Women's Gymnastics versus Ohio State on Jan. 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Upcoming Event: Women's Gymnastics at Washington on Jan. 23, 2026 at 9:30 PM