Freshman Feature: Kelsey Boychuk

AMES, Iowa – Kelsey Boychuk crossed paths with one of the Iowa State coaches about eight years ago in Colorado. Boychuk's first club gymnastics coach was Iowa State assistant coach Nilson Medeiros Savage.

At a young age, Boychuk was tasked with choosing if she wanted to continue with gymnastics or dance. She eventually picked gymnastics and knew she had to make Nationals if she wanted a to compete in college gymnastics.

"Qualifying for Nationals was very big for me because in my first year in Level 10 I didn't even make it to Regionals," she explained. "I kind of just realized if I wanted to get into college gymnastics, I would have to make it to Nationals and the last three years of Level 10 I made it. "

At one point during her junior year in high school, Boychuk said she wanted to quit gymnastics.

However, her appearances at JO National helped gain the attention of Iowa State and she realized this was the spot for her to continue her gymnastics career.

"I came on a visit here with one of my teammates and both of us just felt the family atmosphere, she explained." "Even though we didn't know anyone, everyone clicked very well, and we just had a lot of chemistry."

Boychuk comes to Iowa State with expectations for herself and the success of the team as well.

"I want to compete vault," she said. "Then I would want to get a on floor at some point this season. But right now, my main focus is on vault and getting that where it needs to be. I also think the biggest thing right now is making it to Regionals as a team. We need to be getting scores at the beginning of the season and not fixing little things at the end of the season."

Iowa State kicks off their season in Cancun, Mexico on January 4, but Cyclone fans can get their first look at the team in person on January 18 at Hilton Coliseum against Illinois State.

Iowa State University Athletics

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