Kristen Quick is a senior who recently committed to the University of Maryland for Division 1 gymnastics. Quick has been doing gymnastics for thirteen years at Waller’s GymJam, and has always wanted to continue into college.

“I chose University of Maryland because I wanted to go to the east coast and I wanted a good balance between gymnastics and academics. I have always wanted to do college gymnastics because gymnastics is my passion and being part of a team is the greatest gift” Quick said.

Quick started gymnastics at four years old and has continued ever since. She has now progressed to Level 10, which is the highest level. One of her largest accomplishments in gymnastics was qualifying to the Junior Olympic Nationals in 2017.

However, in 2018 Quick learned that she had two stress fractures in her back, as well as a fracture in her knee. These injuries caused her to miss out on the entire season of 2018. When she came back to gymnastics after these injuries had healed, Quick broke her ankle, which caused her to take more time off to let her injury heal. These injuries caused Quick to not be completely ready for the 2019 season.

“I was basically out for a lot of my high school career. When I found out I broke my knee and back I felt completely heartbroken because the recovery is very long for spine fractures. It really made me realize just how much I loved gymnastics because I was unable to do it,” said Quick.

Quick rejoined her team in time for the 2020 season, which was unfortunately cut short due to coronavirus. While sad that her time at GymJam has come to an end, Quick is excited for the next four years in her gymnastics career. 

“I will miss my friends and coaches, but I’m looking forward to meeting new people and having a fresh start,” said Quick.