Meet the Cyclone Gymnasts: Cassie Diaz

AMES, Iowa - Growing up as a gymnast was a family affair for Cassie Diaz. From the time she was three-years old, she was practicing the sport at her mother's gym, Twister Gymnastics in Los Angeles. She continued he gymnastics career with her mother's gym throughout her life until coming to Iowa State for her freshman year of college.

"Growing up as a gymnast was difficult, as I'm sure any athlete will tell you," the Downey, California native admits. "We missed a lot, but there are other things we've gotten to do that other people haven't. I wouldn't change it. My mom has always been a huge supporter for me. She's always there to make sure I have what I need. I know that she really wants me to succeed."

That support has lead to an impressive club gymnastics career. Under Kort Burg and April Brandon at Broadway Gymnastics she has earned multiple accomplishments as a Level 10 gymnast. She took home three top-ten finishes at the 2014 California State Championships and earned a spot at the Level 10 Region 1 Championships twice in her career, placing ninth on bars in 2015.

"The thing I liked most about Iowa State while being recruited was the coaches," Diaz explained. "I liked that fact that they didn't just like me for my gymnastics. They liked who I am as a person and cared about me personally. That was huge for me."

This caring attitude became very clear to the California resident throughout the recruitment process. Both Diaz and her mother got to know associate head coach Katie Minasola when she visited their hometown on a recruiting trip. Diaz remembers sharing some of their family traditions with Minasola at her home.

"When Katie came to our Region 1 camp she had a little extra time," Diaz said. "My mom brought her to our house and Katie was just talking about how much she loved Mexican food. So my mom made her some homemade tortillas."

For the coming season, Diaz is most excited to continue growing her bond with her Cyclone teammates.

"My favorite thing about this journey has definitely been my teammates," the freshman expressed. "I'm really just excited to be out on the floor with all the other girls. It's like a dream that I've always had. Coming to Iowa State has definitely been my greatest achievement so far in life. It's an amazing school and getting to compete here is an incredible opportunity."

Diaz will attend the first meet of her collegiate career on Jan. 6, 2017 at a "Beauty and the Beast" against Arizona State. Be sure to check cyclones.com to keep up with Cyclone Gymnastics schedule and purchase tickets.

Iowa State University Athletics

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