From discovering a love of tumbling at a cheer clinic to achieving a dream come true with a commitment to Michigan, Shea Orlando’s journey is defined by determination, resilience, and big goals. Here, she reflects on standout moments like qualifying for the Nastia Liukin Cup, overcoming injury setbacks, and earning a spot on the level 10 National Team—twice. With her sights set on a college career full of new experiences, she shares what motivates her, who inspires her, and what she’s most looking forward to as she prepares to don the iconic Block M.
Club gym: Metroplex Gymnastics
College team: Michigan
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?
My passion for gymnastics began when I was seven. My parents enrolled me in a cheer clinic, and I quickly fell in love with the tumbling aspect. I asked to try a gymnastics class, and as I grew mentally and physically in the sport, my love for it deepened.
What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?
Qualifying for the Nastia Liukin Cup has definitely been a highlight! It had been a goal of mine for a long time. After a late start to the season due to injuries, I wasn’t sure it was attainable. When I finally qualified at my first meet of the season, it made the achievement even more special!
Additionally, getting to commit to Michigan has been not only a highlight of my career but a dream come true!
What current goals are you most excited about?
I can’t wait to get back into the gym and work upgrades this summer!
Why Michigan?
Ultimately, I chose Michigan because it had what I was looking for in academics and athletics, as well as team values. The support from the coaches and team, both as an athlete and as a person, really stood out. I felt like I could become the best version of myself there.
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?
One of my first coaches, Tatiana Shegolkova, has had the biggest impact on my gymnastics career. She believed in me from the beginning and taught me the foundational techniques and basics I’ve built on over the years.
Was there a specific moment or competition when you realized college gymnastics was within your reach?
When I first came into Metroplex to try out, I was inspired by the college banners of past gymnasts that line the walls. Seeing those made me believe one day I could achieve the same thing!
What’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in gymnastics, and how has overcoming it shaped you as both an athlete and a person?
I’ve been pretty lucky with injuries overall, but this past summer and fall, I dealt with an elbow injury that kept me out of training for a while. It was tough not being able to prepare the way I wanted heading into the season, and I’d never really been restricted with my training like that before. Once I finally got back, I broke a couple of ribs after a fall on beam. It was frustrating, getting injured again after putting back together all my routines, and I was worried that my goals were out of reach. But coming back taught me a lot about myself as an athlete and a person, and gave me more trust and confidence in my abilities.
What’s a personal gymnastics achievement you’re especially proud of that might surprise people?
When I was in level seven, I made the National Judges Cup team representing Texas. I was at a very small gym at the time, and it was my first experience competing outside the regular season. It really helped prepare me for meets like Westerns and Nationals.
You’ve been a member of the level 10 National Team twice. Can you tell us about that experience? What did you learn from the opportunity?
Being part of the DP National Team for the past two years has been incredible. It’s such an honor to stand alongside the best level 10 athletes in the country. The summer camps allowed me to connect with amazing athletes and learn from incredible coaches. The experiences are something I’ll never forget!
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience, both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
I’m excited to be on campus and have more of an in-person experience. I’ve done online school since fifth grade, and while it works well with my schedule, I miss some of the things the in-person aspect of school brings. As for gymnastics, I can’t wait to compete as part of a team and contribute to something bigger. I’m excited to wear the Block M and feel the school spirit!
What’s something on your college gymnastics bucket list?
I hope to return to Fort Worth and compete at nationals with my team. It would be amazing competing so close to my hometown!
Quick Hits
Vault, bars, beam, or floor?
Floor
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore?
Haleigh Bryant, Natalie Wojcik, Trinity Thomas, and Peng Peng Lee!
What’s your most-used emoji?
This one!
What’s one of your gymnastics pet peeves?
Chalk under my nails
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
I always wear the same leotard the day before a meet!
What’s a hidden talent people may not know about?
I’m really good at doing the worm!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to go into building and designing houses—becoming an architect!
What’s your favorite leotard your college team has worn?
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Article by Katie Couldrey
