Meet the Cyclone Gymnasts: Lily Hardman

AMES, Iowa - For Lily Hardman, being an Iowa State gymnast is a dream come true. Since the beginning of her career, the sophomore has loved gymnastics and has always wanted to compete for a collegiate team. Now that she's here, Hardman is excited to continue competing in gymnastics and to be a part of the Iowa State gymnastics team.

“I couldn't have asked for anything more than being here at Iowa State. I'm proud to be here and excited to represent this school.”

As a child, Hardman was always running around and climbing on furniture. When she was three, her mother decided she needed to put her energy into something active. Hardman got involved in dance, cheer gymnastics, soccer, and swimming. In the end the only thing that stuck with her was gymnastics.

Hardman liked being known as a gymnast growing up. She thought the sport was fun and liked that she was stronger than some of her other classmates. It also presented challenges for the Sterling, Virginia native. She had to make sacrifices, missing out on football games and hanging out with friends. But in the end, she is happy with her decision to stay dedicated to gymnastics.

“It was tough, but I definitely wouldn't change anything at all. I loved it. I loved the family that I had inside the gym and the characteristics it helped me build throughout the years. I think it turned me into a good person. I taught me to go for things and stick with them and to work hard. I wouldn't have changed it; I love being a gymnast and where it's taken me.”

Support from her family and other gymnasts helped her stay committed. Hardman names her mother as one of her biggest supporters. She also looked up to other girls in her gym who went on to be collegiate gymnasts. Seeing other girls reaching that level and being able to represent their schools made her want it that much more.

“I think everyone who grows up in the world of gymnastics realizes that it gets smaller and smaller as you get older. Most girls quit for other things or don't want the commitment anymore. I think making it through that finish line and getting recruited here is my greatest achievement.”

Before coming to ISU, Hardman competed with Capital gymnastics NTC for 12 years under Alex Vorobyov, Tatiana Perskaia, and Marina Gerom. She qualified for regionals three times in her club career and placed third on bars in 2011 and 2009. In 2012, she placed eighth in the all-around at the Virginia State Championships.

So far during her time here at Iowa State, Lily Hardman has not competed in a meet due to injuries. Three weeks into the 2014 pre-season, she tore her ACL for the second time and hasn't been able to compete since. She's using her injury as motivation to work hard and come back strong next year.

“It's the thrill of making a new skill or hitting a routine or feeling yourself get better and stronger. It's awesome to see yourself improve over the years and to be able to look back and see how far you've come. It's something you don't want to give up. It's an honor to be here and to be able to continue gymnastics at Iowa State and represent the school.”