Delaney Mead, a talented senior from Kingston, celebrated a significant milestone in her athletic career as she signed her National Letter of Intent during a heartfelt ceremony on Wednesday, flanked by her proud parents, Cory and Shannon, at Kingston High School. The promising gymnast has secured a full scholarship to join the University of Arizona’s renowned gymnastics team, a dream come true for the young athlete.
Growing up in Kingston, Mead developed a deep love for adrenaline-pumping experiences, finding thrills not just in roller coasters and twisting water slides but also in the world of gymnastics, a sport that mirrors that exhilarating rush. “My parents put me in it to get my energy out,” said Mead, who embarked on her gymnastics journey at the tender age of three and transitioned to competitive gymnastics as an elementary school student. “I like the thrill.” This passion for gymnastics has been a constant in her life, driving her to excel in the sport.
In pursuit of her dreams, Mead has committed to continuing her gymnastics career at the collegiate level, having made a decision last fall to join the Arizona Wildcats after considering competitive scholarship offers from other strong Division I programs, including Oregon State and Minnesota. Her commitment reflects not only her skill but also the dedication that she has shown throughout her gymnastics journey.
Mead’s decision to attend the University of Arizona came after a thorough evaluation of her options, with the Wildcats consistently at the forefront of her mind. “Arizona was always in front from the start,” Mead affirmed, highlighting her excitement about this new chapter.
Before her commitment, Mead dedicated 11 years of hard work to her craft at Cascade Elite West in Silverdale and has recently transitioned to training at Cascade Elite Gymnastics in Mountlake Terrace. Her skill and determination earned her a spot in the USA Gymnastics National Championships, where she proudly secured a third-place finish on the uneven bars, sixth on the floor, and ninth in the all-around in 2023.
As a Level 10 club gymnast since 2020, she has trained rigorously, committing to five days a week of intensive practice that demands both mental fortitude and physical prowess to keep pace with the rigorous training. “It is year-round,” she explained, emphasizing the relentless commitment the sport requires. “There’s no break. Usually when I take vacation time off, like two weeks off, it takes a few weeks to get back into things.”
In pursuit of her athletic aspirations, Mead encountered a significant challenge when a foot injury sidelined her from March to August, creating a pause in her gymnastics journey. During this difficult period, she battled uncertainty about her athletic future, but her passion for gymnastics remained steadfast. “At the end of the day, my love for gymnastics was still there, and I knew it,” Mead reflected. “I just had to find it again.”
With her injury behind her and her body back in peak condition, Mead is eager to graduate high school and embrace the exhilarating experience that collegiate gymnastics promises. “During club, it’s more of an individual sport than a team sport,” she noted, expressing her anticipation for the camaraderie and shared experiences that lie ahead as she transitions into the team-oriented environment of college gymnastics. “So going into college, it’ll be more of a team sport and (I’ll enjoy) just being surrounded by people who are also like me and have the same experiences as me.”
What challenges did Delaney face during her transition to competitive gymnastics, and how did she overcome them?
**Interview with Delaney Mead: Kingston Senior and Future Gymnast at the University of Arizona**
**Editor:** Delaney, congratulations on signing your National Letter of Intent! How does it feel to have this milestone officially in place?
**Delaney Mead:** Thank you so much! It feels incredible. Signing that letter felt like the culmination of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into gymnastics over the years. I’m really excited about what lies ahead at the University of Arizona.
**Editor:** You’ve had quite the journey in gymnastics, beginning at such a young age. Can you share what sparked your passion for the sport?
**Delaney Mead:** Absolutely! I started gymnastics at three years old. My parents signed me up to help me channel my energy, and it turned into a love for the thrill of the sport. I’ve always enjoyed things that get my heart racing, and gymnastics provides that adrenaline rush in a unique way.
**Editor:** Transitioning to competitive gymnastics must have been a big step. What challenges did you face during that transition, and how did you overcome them?
**Delaney Mead:** It was definitely a challenge! The competition is fierce, and I had to learn to manage pressure while balancing training and school. I stayed focused on my goals and leaned on my coaches and teammates for support. They really helped me through those tough times.
**Editor:** You had various options for college gymnastics, but ultimately chose the University of Arizona. What were the deciding factors for you?
**Delaney Mead:** I felt a connection with the coaching staff and the team from the start. Arizona was always on my radar, and during my visits, I felt like I could see myself there. The program has a strong reputation, and I believe it’s the perfect place for me to develop as an athlete.
**Editor:** Looking forward, what are you most excited about as you prepare to join the Arizona Wildcats?
**Delaney Mead:** I’m really looking forward to the team environment and training at a higher level. Competing at NCAA meets is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to learn from my coaches and grow as a gymnast. Plus, experiencing college life will be an adventure in itself!
**Editor:** Lastly, what advice would you give to young gymnasts who aspire to reach collegiate levels in their sport?
**Delaney Mead:** Stay dedicated and don’t give up, even when things get tough. Find passion in what you do and remember to enjoy the process. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you and believe in your dreams.
**Editor:** Thank you, Delaney, for sharing your journey with us, and best of luck at the University of Arizona! We cannot wait to see all that you accomplish there.
**Delaney Mead:** Thank you! I appreciate it!
