Meet the Cyclone Gymnasts: Courtney Middelkoop

AMES, Iowa - After 14 years of practicing gymnastics, Courtney Middelkoop is excited to be a part of the 2015 Cyclone gymnastics team. Though she got off to a slow start in her gymnastics career, Middelkoop was able to fulfill her childhood dream of being a collegiate gymnast. Her hard work and patience have gotten her this far, and will undoubtedly continue to help her reach her goals.

The Richardson, Texas native started getting into gymnastics when she was only four years old. She was an energetic child, which is what motivated her parents to put her in the sport, “My family has always been a huge support for me. I don't think I would be where I am today if it weren't for them.”

Middelkoop practiced for 14 years at Richardson Gymnastics in Texas, where she was the 2010 Richardson Gymnastics Team Gymnast of the Year.

Her time at the gym influenced her in many ways, including what events she has come to prefer, “I love bars. My main coach that I had growing up; I had her since I was in classes and I had her in optionals. She loved bars and that was one of her main focuses. So I guess that's why I always enjoy doing it.”

Middelkoop learned how to manage her time from a young age. Like all gymnasts, she had to balance gymnastics and school on an everyday basis. During her high school years, she went to Canyon Creek Christian Academy, a small Christian school, which she said helped since they were able to work with her and understood her commitment to gymnastics.

Her time spent practicing paid off, not only with her fulfilling her dream of becoming a college gymnast, but also throughout her days in club gymnastics. During her time in Level 10, Middelkoop qualified for the State and Regional Championships three times in 2012, 2013, and 2014. She was also invited to compete at the Junior Olympics National Invitational Tournament in 2013 and 2014, where she place 14th all-around both years. She also placed 5th on bars at the 2012 Level 10 Regionals and 4th on bars that the 2014 Junior Olympics National Invitational Tournament.

Competing wasn't always easy for her though, especially towards the beginning of her career, “I'd say I was a late bloomer. I didn't always have the big skills when I was little. So it was harder for me to get looked at for colleges because they wanted to see the skill level when you were a freshman or sophomore. I would say I've gotten better throughout the years and I just keep progressing my skill level.”

Her dedication and patience were worth it in the end, as Middelkoop is happy to have found her home here as Cyclone gymnast. She is excited to be a part of such a close knit-team, and to see how far they will go this season.

“I think our team has a lot of potential. I love being a part of a larger team, because back home I only had about two other Level 10 gymnasts that I competed with. So being around a team that all has the same passion and a similar skill level has really helped me to grow as a gymnast. I think our team has a lot of potential, so I'm excited to see how far we'll go with that.”