Freshman Feature: Maddie Diab

AMES, Iowa – Maddie Diab stepped foot onto Iowa State's campus with deep roots in gymnastics. She has two older brothers, both of whom have competed for University of Illinois along with two younger siblings that have a growing passion for the sport. Her mother, Jenny Diab, was a gymnast at the University of Wisconsin while her father, Mark Diab, is an Iowa State Letterwinners Club Hall of Fame inductee and a two-time NCAA champion on still rings.

With all this family support, perhaps it is not surprising that she ended up as a Division I gymnast at Iowa State. Diab's family may have introduced her to gymnastics, but she paved her own path on the way to wearing the Cardinal and Gold.

"My whole family got me into gymnastics, but I fell in love with the sport on my own," Diab noted. "I always loved competing."

Diab chose Iowa State because of the atmosphere she felt on campus and in the gym. She talked about her experience meeting the coaching staff and team, and how on her visit she was able to see the team's bond with one another. Now that she is in Ames, she is continually pushing herself to keep improving, already having learned new E-level skills.

"I think the girls have pushed me to be better in my weaker events," Diab said. "I have definitely got close with a lot of the girls and stepped out of my comfort zone."

Diab is a three-time Illinois High School Association champion in the all-around and helped lead her team to four state titles during her time at Glenbard West High School. She finished her high school career on a high note with ten career individual titles and earning the title of Senior Gymnast of the Year.

In addition to representing her high school, Diab competed in Junior Olympic club gymnastics at Premier Gymnastics Academy, which her parents own. After two successful years of level 10, Diab qualified to the 2018 J.O. National Championships in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she achieved her career high all-around score of a 37.70.

"I am really excited to compete and really excited to see what happens in the next four years," Diab expressed. Be sure to keep an eye out for this incoming freshman and the depth she brings to this team, especially on vault and floor.

Iowa State University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors