Freshman Feature: Natalia Ros Vaquer

AMES, Iowa – Natalia Ros Vaquer isn't like the new incoming freshman class. She was a mid-year enrollee for the Iowa State gymnastics team last season and has already competed for the Cyclones. Even though Ros Vaquer isn't a freshman by eligibility, she deserves the proper introduction to the Iowa State fan base.

Ros Vaquer, like teammate Ana Palacios, grew up in Spain and started gymnastics when she was just five years old. Even though her mom participated in gymnastics, Ros Vaquer admitted that wasn't the main reason why she was introduced to the sport.

"I was a very productive child," she exclaimed. "She just really couldn't control me and said alright you're going to do gymnastics."

As her career in gymnastics continued, Ros Vaquer would compete in elite level gymnastics for her home country. She landed at Iowa State because of a Spanish agency and the friendship her elite level coach had with Iowa State assistant coach Nilson Meredios Savage.

An adjustment from Spain to the United States might seem like a massive change to most, but Ros Vaquer said she understands why she's is here.

"It's a transition and it's a chance for me," she exclaimed. "It was a goal to come here and a very good opportunity not everyone can have. I have made big changes from the first semester to this one and I just opened myself to my team and my friends. I am just happy to be here."

Even though Ros Vaquer was a mid-year enrollee, she only competed twice in competition. She confessed she learned a lot from her experiences last year.

"I made the mistake of not taking care myself," Ros Vaquer reflected. "All these things were new to me and I wanted to try them. These mistakes stopped me from doing gymnastics because I was out-of-fitness and that also added injuries."

With new goals on her mind, Ros Vaquer is reminded why she loves competing here at Iowa State.

"The feeling here is different because it isn't competing as an individual you're competing with your team," she added. "It's awesome how your teammates push you up, and the satisfaction you have after all the hard work you did."

With Iowa State's first competition quickly approaching, Ros Vaquer mindset has changed from last season.

"I'm more prepared, she said. "I'm working pretty hard and taking good care of myself to be healthy and stronger. I think that's the main thing."

Cyclones fans can see Ros Vaquer and her teammates during the first home meet on Friday, January 18. Iowa State will be competing against Illinois State with the meet starting at 6:30 p.m.