Aspiring NCAA gymnast question - is it too late?

[Semichee]

My daughter just turned 12 on Saturday. She started competing in gymnastics at 6yo in USAIGC. She quickly advanced year to year and would be USAIGC Silver this season. However, her coaches resigned and we had to move gyms in September. Long story short, since it was so late in the year, the only option was to get her on an xcel team. She joined a new platinum team but unfortunately all the other girls turned out to be more Gold level so she’s been forced to compete Gold. This month she is moving up to Platinum as some of her teammates are finally ready. She’s about a level 5 in USAG.

Is it too late for her to achieve her dream of becoming an NCAA gymnast? She’s very talented, coachable and dedicated to gymnastics. I’m just wondering if there’s enough time for her to advance through all the levels to get to where she needs to be by whenever she needs to qualify.

Any insight is most welcome and thank you in advance for all your help.

 

[Snowfan]

I know nothing about training and expectations of a gymnast advancing but when I read this the first thing that came to mind was Daine do Sontos. She started at 12 and 8 years later she was a world champion on floor. So just some food for thought.

 

[RedBirdie]

You'll probably have better luck on Chalk Bucket getting an answer to your question.

However.....yeah, 12 year old Xcel Platinum is not on track to compete NCAA. These days, even D3 teams are comprised of level 10s and exceptional level 9s.

 

[Kara]

Look into college club gymnastics.

 

[KristyJ]

It's not too late for her to have fun doing her best and see where that lands her a few years down the road. That said, xcel seems like a less likely path for a gymnast to take to that level and you might want to look into options in the area.