Meet the Cyclone Gymnasts: Allie Hansen

AMES, Iowa – Allie Hansen may not have always loved gymnastics, but she loves being a Cyclone. From the team chemistry to traveling, the sophomore has nothing but positive things to say about being an Iowa State gymnast.

The Orland Park, Illinois native didn't love being in gymnastics at first. Hansen's mother decided to put her in the sport when she was around three because of how active she was as a child. At first she didn't like it at all and would even cry before practices. She started to find her love for gymnastics around the age of six, which was when she really started to excel as a gymnast and her coaches began to recognize her talent and potential.

Throughout her gymnastics career, Hansen has always had the support of her older sister. They started together, but her sister ended up quitting while they were still in club. Even though they aren't in gymnastics together anymore, Hansen still considers her sister a role model, “She's a fighter. She didn't necessarily want to quit, but she also wanted to do cheerleading and all of that. She's definitely a hard worker and I look up to her a lot still to this day.”

Hansen trained under Glen Willmeng at United Gymnastics Academy for 12 years before coming to ISU. During her time there she qualified for the Junior Olympic National Championships twice in 2010 and in 2009, when she placed 17^th all-around. She also claimed a regional title in 2009, on both bars and the all-around. She considers making it to Nationals her junior year of high school her greatest accomplishment.

During her first season at Iowa State Hansen competed twice at meets, including competing for the first time on vault at the NCAA Regionals. This year she has competed on beam for the Cyclones in eight meets, and has made appearances on floor, uneven bars, and vault. She has recorded a personal best 9.825 on beam twice at home this season, once at Beauty and the Best and once against Centenary College.

Although she doesn't have to do much to mentally prepare for meets, Hansen considers mental setbacks to be her greatest challenge when competing, “I've actually been getting better with it. I talk with the coaches a lot to help me. I just ask them to say something motivational or I'll ask the girls to cheer for me and that works too.”

Having such a supportive team is one of the things she likes most about Iowa State gymnastics. She's excited that she gets to travel with her teammates and compete against all different teams from around the nation.

“I love the team environment. It's great; we all get along even though we're all different and have different personalities. It's awesome to see everyone come together.”