Newcomer Feature: Andrea Maldonado

AMES, Iowa – Andrea Maldonado joins the Cyclones as a junior after completing her first two academic years the University of Puerto Rico. She enjoyed her time back in her home country, but after Hurricane Maria struck the island, nothing was the same.

"It was really hard to go back to the educational system that we had," Maldonado said. "Often the lights would go out or there would be no water. The island was destroyed after the hurricane. We had to do a lot of extra stuff like cleaning instead of studying."

The hurricane wiped out the school's department of communications, and after spending a year on the island in less-than-ideal conditions, Maldonado knew she needed a change. That change brought her to Iowa State, a school she had looked at before graduating high school. After two years had passed, Maldonado finally got to attend her dream school as a LAS major with minors in Journalism and Theatre.

"Everyone was really excited that I finally got to study here," Maldonado exclaimed. "It was one of my dreams and everyone was really supportive."

Her family warned her about the frigid winters that happen in Iowa, but they also noted the fun times she would have in Ames. This time was a little different for her though. This time, she went against her initial thoughts about competing in collegiate gymnastics and decided to join the Cyclones.

Even though she has yet to suit up in the Cardinal and Gold, Maldonado has already made headlines with her ambitious attempt at performing her own skill. At the Apparatus World Cup in Cottbus, Germany, Maldonado became the first female gymnast to land a front handspring layout triple twist in international competition, now known as the 'The Maldonado.'

"Nilson [Medeiros] said 'let's do this; let's practice it," Maldonado said. "It took me four weeks to manage it and feel comfortable, and then it just happened. I will forever remember it as the best moment of my career."

Maldonado is joined by her sister, Alondra Maldonado. After a lot time being apart while Alondra lived with their mom and Andrea with their dad, they have reunited together in Ames.

"[Alondra] has a strong character, but she has become my best friend," Maldonado noted. "I think we took a big step by moving in together and deciding to work together in everything we do here. She is a beautiful person and she understands everything I am doing and why I am doing it."

Now settled in Ames with her sister by her side, Maldonado is ready to get the season underway and start to build her legacy as a Cyclone.

"I want to be the best I can for my team," Maldonado commented. "I want to experience this side of gymnastics. I feel like my goal here is to have fun, to connect with everyone, and I already feel home, but I want to make that feeling permanent. When I leave here, I want everyone to remember me as a really great person and I want to remember everyone else as my family, as my sisters."

Maldonado and the Cyclones open competition on Jan. 11 in Arizona. The season at Hilton Coliseum begins on Jan. 17 against West Virginia.

Iowa State University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors