For freshman Madison Kurtz, gymnastics is more than just a pastime. Kurtz began participating in gymnastics since she was two years old.

“I love the fact it’s something really different you can do, that not a whole lot of other people can,” Kurtz said.

Kurtz said that she had no idea what to expect when she joined the team this year, and it was a completely different experience compared to her former gymnastics career.

Kurtz said her favorite part of gymnastics is knowing she has worked so hard to learn difficult tricks, and then performed them.

Athletes always have strong and weak points. Kurtz said that her strong points are performing floor and the vault. However, Kurtz is able to recognize what she needs to work on.

“I’m definitely least confident on beam, but that confidence on that event is something we’ve all been working to gain,” Kurtz said.

Although gymnastics is a big part of Kurtz’s life, she takes time to enjoy other activities.

Kurtz said when she is not preparing for upcoming meets, she likes to spend her time relaxing and do the things she enjoys.

Kurtz is still early in her high school career, but it is never too soon to be considering future goals.

“As for taking gymnastics past high school, it’s not a major goal of mine, but if opportunities happen to come along in the future, they would be options I’d definitely consider,” Kurtz said.