Penn State athletes are used to competing under bright lights, performing in front of packed crowds, and having their every move analyzed. 

So naturally, it’s time to see how they would do on the dance floor. 

If Penn State athletes were cast on the hit show “Dancing With The Stars”, their seasoned pros would have plenty of Happy Valley stars to pair up with. From national champions to football stars, here are some Penn Staters we’d pair up for the hottest dance competition on television. 

Ezra Sosa & Emmy McCulley (Field Hockey)

Field hockey requires plenty of coordination, quick feet, and lots of control. That sounds like a solid foundation for Emmy McCulley to debut in the ballroom.

Not only would Ezra Sosa and McCulley have the best laughs and TikToks out of the group, but McCulley’s athleticism will also help her master any challenging choreography that comes her way. 

Val Chmerkovskiy & Nicole Hall (Women’s Hockey)

There’s something fitting about pairing Val Chmerkovskiy with an Olympian.

With a successful winning mentality and expertise in gliding around a rink, learning to tango across the ballroom floor should be relatively easy, right?

We’ll let Carrie Ann Inaba decide. 

Jan Ravnik & Alexis Ewing (Women’s Volleyball)

At first glance, volleyball and ballroom dancing might not have a lot in common. However, Alexis Ewing already has impeccable jumping ability, footwork, and body control needed to perform some complex moves. 

Jan Ravnik might just have a future jive star on his hands.

Britt Stewart & Mitchell Mesenbrink (Wrestling)

Mitchell Mesenbrink is used to having one-on-one battles where every movement matters. Dancing is practically the same thing, except there’s musicality, sequins, and you don’t pin down your partner. 

While Britt Stewart would have a big task in convincing Messenbrink to let loose, who else would be a better partner than the most patient pro on the show?

Daniella Karagach & Rocco Becht (Football)

Quarterbacks are used to reading defenses, adjusting quickly, and staying composed when things get chaotic. These qualities would make Rocco Becht a natural fit for the ballroom, as long as he can exchange his playbook for some dance shoes. 

Daniella Karagach would definitely bring some viral choreography that would be recreated on TikTok, while Becht would bring the competitive edge.

The only adjustment needed: making sure that his frame was top-tier for Derek Hough.

Pasha Pashkov & Ellie Monahan (Women’s Gymnastics)

Pasha Pashkov and Ellie Monahan might be the most natural-fitting pair on the list.

Gymnasts already possess flexibility, musicality, rhythm, and body awareness. The show has also had successful gymnasts before, including Olympian Shawn Johnson. 

We believe Monahan could definitely walk into the ballroom with a great head start. 

Rylee Arnold & Bryce Molinaro (Baseball)

Baseball players spend plenty of time waiting around between at-bats, so maybe Bryce Molinaro has been secretly saving all that energy for the dance floor.

After all, he does have the best Lady Gaga walk-up songs, so he’s definitely a man of good taste.

Who else is better to loosen up Molinaro than the bubbly Rylee Arnold? If she can dance with Harry Jowsy, she can dance with anyone.

Hailey Bills & Tony Rojas (Football)

Tony Rojas brings elite athleticism. Hailey Bills brings dynamic competition dance experience.

Together they would make a great duo.

Sharna Burgess & Jackson Smith (Men’s Hockey)

Jackson Smith already knows how to compete at the highest level, as a draft pick for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.

But only Sharna Burgess can help him transition from the ice to the hardwood floor. Burgess has won the competition before, so she knows exactly what it takes to succeed in sequins. 

If Smith brought his A-game, which we all know he possesses, this duo could very well land themselves in the show’s top three.

Alan Bersten & Charlotte Costich (Cross Country)

Cross country runners know all about endurance. A two-minute cha-cha routine? No problem.

Charlotte Costich might not be worried about running out of energy, but keeping up with Alan Bersten’s choreography and known lack of patience could be a different story.

Jenna Johnson & Jackson Saroney (Men’s Golf)

Golfers are known for patience and precision, two fabulous qualities for those competing in a dance competition such as Dancing with the Stars.

Paired with a fan favorite and season pro like Jenna Johnson, Jackson Saroney could be the next Joey Graziadei.

Adele Zaikman & Joe Buckley (Men’s Soccer)

Both Joe Buckley and Adele Zaikman are young and still relatively new to this level of competition, which could be an interesting pair.

Zaikman would only be in her second season as a professional, while Buckley is still developing his game at the collegiate level. 

Soccer players already have quick footwork, so Buckley has at least one advantage going into the competition. However, Zaikman would have to work extra hard to make Buckley dance more than just kick his feet.

Witney Carson & Hunter Aquino (Men’s Lacrosse)

Hunter Aquino is arguably one of the best stars on the men’s lacrosse team. He brings impressive athleticism, speed, and skills that make him an exciting player to watch.

Witney Carson is a fan favorite who has won the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy twice.

The combination of competitiveness, attention to detail, and leadership skills could make this an epic pair to compete each Tuesday.

Mark Ballas & Maggie Driver (Women’s Lacrosse)

Maggie Driver brings the energy, Mark Ballas brings the choreography, and Penn State fans bring the votes.

Brandon Armstrong & Kayleigh Herr (Women’s Soccer)

Soccer and dance both require quick footwork and balance. Kayleigh Herr already spends 90 minutes navigating Jeffrey Field, so a contemporary routine shouldn’t be too difficult.

The most important skill to master will be movement quality and arm placement, two details Bruno Tonioli will care most about when he casts his vote.

Emma Slater & James Peoples (Football)

Finally, we have James Peoples. 

Peoples’ speed and quick cuts could help Emma Slater move across the ballroom with confidence while featuring impressive lifts. However, he would need to work hardest on rhythm and stay light on his feet.

This is where Slater’s previous Mirrorball win with NFL star Rashad Jennings comes into play. She knows exactly what to do to get this football player into the end zone.

Now that the full cast is revealed, all that’s left is for “Dancing With The Stars” to make the call.

Deena Katz, these Penn Staters are ready for you!