Recruit Spotlight: Kendall Morgan

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For Kendall Morgan, gymnastics has always been more than a sport—it’s been a source of stability, growth, and self-discovery. The West Palm Beach native and American Twisters standout has built a name for herself through quiet confidence, powerful vaulting, and a calm focus under pressure that earned her a spot at the 2025 Nastia Liukin Cup. After a thoughtful recruiting process that included offers from several top programs, Morgan found her home at Missouri, drawn to its supportive culture and peaceful atmosphere. With her sights set on a national title and a return to in-person school life, the class of 2026 Tigers commit is ready to take the next step in her journey.

Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Club gym: American Twisters

College team: Missouri

Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida

How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?

Gymnastics became my constant. I woke up every day excited to train, and that’s when I knew it was more than a sport. It was my passion.

What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?

My biggest highlight is seeing my own growth from nationals 2024 to nationals 2025. I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted the first time, but coming back stronger and performing better the next year was one of my happiest moments.

You ended up choosing between UCLA, Florida, Michigan State, and Missouri. What was it about Missouri that clinched the deal?

Choosing Missouri came down to how peaceful I felt there. I’ve never been focused on the size of a school. I just wanted somewhere that felt like home. The city outside of campus had a calm, quiet feel that I really gravitated toward, and inside the gym, the atmosphere was truly top-tier.

What was your favorite activity you participated in on any of your recruiting visits?

I’d say getting to play pickleball with the entire team at Missouri. It was super fun, and the girls were hilarious.

Before your recruiting process, did you have a ‘dream school’ in mind?

Yes, I had UCLA in mind when I first realized I had the opportunity to go the collegiate route. At one point, I thought big city life was for me. But when I experienced it, I realized that I value peace and simplicity more.

You had a longer recruiting process than most of your fellow 2026 classmates. What went into that decision, and do you think it was ultimately beneficial to take your time?

My recruiting process was a bit longer due to schooling purposes, but once I was able to move forward, I wanted to take my visits in the fall and experience each college fully. I took the time to get to know every program personally and thoroughly so I could make the best decision for myself.

What goals are you most excited about this season?

I’m excited to just be better than last year and win state with my fellow Twisters. I feel like we’re hungry for it, and we want it bad. We’re pushing each other in the gym every day.

You added a Yurchenko one and a half to your competition repertoire last season. Was that an upgrade that had been in the works for a while?

Yes, I started working the Yurchenko the moment I got to twisters, and my coach was set on the decision that I was definitely going to compete it. It was just a matter of when I was going to be ready.

Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?

My Twisters teammates have made the biggest impact. Watching them drives me to want to be better every single day. When moving to Twisters, I was at my breaking point, and I thought I was going to quit gymnastics. But when I got there, the coaches saw something I didn’t, and they brought it out.

Was there a specific moment or competition when you realized college gymnastics was within your reach? Can you tell us about that experience?

When colleges would come to my gym to watch us practice. I was amazed that they got to watch me in my element, so I knew it was possible for the future.

You were a Nastia Liukin Cup qualifier this past season. Everyone always talks about it being a really special atmosphere. How did you find it, and how did it differ from regular-season level 10 meets?

Leading up to Nastia, everyone asked me if I was excited. I never really get excited about things, but I just knew I was going to go out and compete as if I was a regular level 10 meet on podium. It didn’t frighten me the way I thought it was going to, so it all worked out.

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?

One of my toughest challenges was not being able to take visits and commit in the fall of 2024. Everyone’s stories are different, and I just had to be patient and wait for my time.

What’s a personal gymnastics achievement you’re especially proud of that might surprise people..

My ability to stay calm under pressure no matter how big the meet is or what’s on the line. I’ve learned to focus. I trust my training and move forward with confidence.

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 take my team to a nattys title, and most of all, I’m excited to be a student on campus. I’ve been homeschooled since the third grade. I want to feel the enjoyment of walking to class to class with a backpack on my shoulders again.