In this week’s Recruit Spotlight, get to know Sydney Fazio, the first commit in the class of 2027, who recently committed to Nebraska. From flipping around her living room at age two to qualifying for nationals, Fazio’s journey has been as much about building confidence and mental strength as it has been about perfecting her skills. Now, she’s eager to take on the next chapter—diving into weightlifting, nutrition, and collegiate competition while bringing energy, positivity, and focus on mental wellness to her new team.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: Premier Gymnastics West
College team: Nebraska
Hometown: Oswego, Illinois
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?
When I was 2 years old, I would jump from couch to couch, doing handstands and cartwheels all around the living room. That’s when my mom decided to put me in gymnastics to “calm me down.” I still remember my very first day. I remember how much fun it was to finally put all of my energy into something so exciting.
Before that, I had tried dance and softball, but my mom said I didn’t seem interested. She told me that when I came out after my first day of gymnastics, I said, “I loved it.” As I got older, I would go to open gym and play around with new skills, and that feeling of being in the air is like no other.
What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?
Definitely committing to Nebraska, my top school. I’m so excited for my future and to compete at the collegiate level. This has always been a dream of mine, and seeing that my hard work is paying off really shows that dreams do come true if you believe in them enough. It has given me so much perspective and gratitude.
You qualified to nationals for the first time last season. How was that competition experience, and how did it feel to qualify?
Qualifying for nationals was both scary and fun at the same time. The experience was truly like no other. It felt surreal to compete in a setting like nationals and to meet new people while having fun. Competing was an amazing experience.
What goals are you most excited about this season?
I’m excited to just continue to grow as a gymnast and really gain more confidence this year. That is one of my main goals—to be more confident when competing. I’m also so excited to compete my upgraded vault this season, a Yurchenko one and a half. I have been working on this since last year, and I am excited to show it off this season.
What’s something outside of gymnastics that you’re really passionate about right now?
I’m really passionate about painting. It’s something I’ve always done. I find it relaxing and such a great way to express emotions that cannot be put into words.
You were the first commit in the class of 2027. What made you so sure Nebraska was the place you wanted to spend your college career?
I knew Nebraska was the place I wanted to be as soon as I stepped on the campus for camp this summer. When I met the team, they were so welcoming, and the coaching staff is like no other. I truly fell in love with their coaching philosophy and how they treat their team like a family.
Academically, I loved seeing how well-rounded the school is and all the resources they have to support students. My family fell in love with the school, too—being from the Midwest, my parents felt it was a great fit. They bonded with the coaches right away. Nebraska has created such a supportive environment, which is exactly what I was looking for in a school. I genuinely love everything about Nebraska and the team, and I can’t wait for my freshman year.
Is there anything you’d love Huskers fans or fans of NCAA gymnastics to know about you or your gymnastics before you get to campus?
That I like to laugh and be supportive of my team. I will cheer louder than anybody in the room. I love to keep the energy up and bring good vibes.
Looking back on your gymnastics journey, who has had the greatest influence on you?
I have been lucky to be surrounded by a great coaching staff and a supportive home gym at Premier West. One of my greatest influences is my coach, Matt Delk. Coach Matt has been my biggest supporter from day one, always there for me on both the good and bad days. He has helped me stay motivated and guided me through it all, building my confidence in both myself and in gymnastics.
Can you share the moment you first believed competing in college gymnastics was truly possible for you?
Honestly, qualifying for nationals was when it truly felt like I could compete in college. I had a strong performance at regionals and started to gain interest from some colleges. When I went to nationals and saw all the college coaches in attendance, it really hit home that this could be my future.
What’s one of the most difficult obstacles you’ve had to navigate in gymnastics, and how has working through it changed you—both on the mat and in life?
Gymnastics can be mentally challenging, requiring confidence and the ability not to let negative thoughts get in the way of your progress. This has been an obstacle I have faced and continue to work on. With social media, it’s easy to start comparing yourself to others, which can shake your confidence and impact your performance.
I work with a sports therapist, whom I meet with monthly. She has helped me grow not just in gymnastics, but in other areas of my life as well. Working with her has completely shifted my mindset when it comes to gymnastics. It has helped me realize that you won’t be perfect all the time, and it’s OK to make mistakes as long as you learn and grow from them.
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience—both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
I’m so excited for the weightlifting and nutrition side of college. I was impressed with all the resources Nebraska dedicates to its athletes. I’m eager to see how these resources will help me grow and stay healthy as an athlete.
I’m also really looking forward to being part of the team and spending time with my teammates, watching college football games with friends, and experiencing that atmosphere. I’m also excited to be on my own and become more independent.
Rapid Fire Questions
Vault, bars, beam, or floor? Vault
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore? Emma Spence, Sierra Brooks, Jordan Chiles, Trinity Thomas
What’s your most-used emoji? 
What’s one of your gymnastics pet peeves? Having chalk on my hands without grips on
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I have a stuffed animal from when I was little called Wolfie, and I bring him with me to all of my meets.
What’s a hidden talent people may not know about? I can paint.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to either be in the FBI or be a forensic analyst.
What’s your favorite leotard your college team has worn? This one!
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Article by Katie Couldrey
