For Mishawaka, Indiana, native Giselle Guenther, gymnastics has always been more than a sport. Her journey has been marked by memorable moments, including qualifying for the level 10 national championships in both of her seasons at that level while also working to overcome the sport’s mental challenges. Nearly two years ago, Guenther reached a major turning point, making the difficult decision to leave home, live with a host family, and train in Cincinnati. The move helped shape her into the athlete she is today. Now, after recommitting and joining Arkansas a year early, Guenther is looking ahead to competing on the SEC stage with big goals in mind.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy (CGA)
College team: Arkansas
Hometown: Mishawaka, Indiana
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics? Can you remember the moment or feeling that made you realize it was your sport?
I fell in love with gymnastics because I was constantly challenged by it. Even as a little kid, I loved learning new skills and seeing what my body was capable of. I don’t remember one specific moment, but I remember looking forward to every practice and never wanting to leave the gym. The combination of hard work, creativity, and excitement made me realize this was the sport I wanted to dedicate myself to.
What’s one moment in your gymnastics journey you’ll never forget? Whether it’s a big win or a quiet milestone, what made it special?
Last year at my first level 10 nationals when I hit four for four and stuck my Yurchenko one and a half! Getting to celebrate that moment with my coaches after so much that went into it was so special!
What skill took you the longest to master, and how did it feel when you finally nailed it?
Definitely my Tkatchev on bars! At my old gym, I had to come into the gym an hour early every day to train a release on bars because of coaching, so it took me about two years to catch it. Once I got to CGA, it only took me a few months, and once I got it, I was able to catch it almost every time!
You originally committed to Auburn but reopened your recruitment after the coaching change. What was that process like, and what ultimately made Arkansas feel like the right fit for you?
It was definitely a very hard decision and a very difficult one for me to make. But I completely fell in love with Arkansas; every phone call with them made me fall in love even more! They were completely honest with me throughout the whole process. Once I got to campus, I felt so at home, and the girls on the team made me feel so loved. I felt like I was already one of them! The coaches were such a huge factor. They have so much faith in me and what I can bring to the team, and they have such big goals for the Gymbacks and the program here. I just can’t wait to be a part of it!
Arkansas is known for having a loud and energetic home environment at competitions. What are you most excited about when it comes to joining the Razorbacks a year early and competing in the SEC?
HONESTLY, EVERYTHING!!! I am so excited to get on campus and to experience the energy of an SEC school and the fans they bring! Joining a year early is giving me the opportunity to develop as an athlete with these amazing coaches. I am excited to start learning, growing, and getting to contribute to the Gymback family!
Speaking of joining a year early, what went into that decision, and why did you choose to graduate early?
This was honestly a harder decision than picking a school! I had a few opportunities to go a year early the first time I went through the recruiting process but had different opportunities at Auburn. Making the switch and Arkansas giving me an opportunity to go a year early put that idea back in my head. I am already finished with school, so it just made sense. I get amazing coaching at Arkansas, and my class is so amazing. The girls are ready to work and win a national championship, so I couldn’t wait to get there and contribute to that!
You had a breakout season in 2026 and have grown as an athlete over the last couple of years. What do you think contributed most to your improvement?
Almost two years ago, I moved away from my family to train at CGA. It was a very hard decision, and a lot of thought went into it. In the end, it was the best decision for my future. I have grown SO MUCH since making the switch! Getting the coaching I have now and getting to train with such amazing girls—we’ve built such a family here—has made me such a better athlete. I have also grown so much mentally and physically. I wouldn’t be where I am without my gym and the coaches here!
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?
Rachael, my club coach! She has truly poured so much into me! I have never had a coach who has worked so hard on the little details and given me so much love and support. She has truly made such an impact on my life, and no coach will ever compare to her and all she has done for me. She helped me so much through the recruiting process. So much credit goes to her!
Gymnastics is full of highs and lows—what’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and how has overcoming it shaped you as both an athlete and a person?
Definitely the mental side of the sport! No one talks about how hard it is to hype yourself up and get through the hard days in the gym. We do a lot of sports psych at our gym, and that has definitely helped me a lot. I’ve learned to use my words on every skill, so I go into each practice and meet with confidence knowing I am capable of accomplishing everything I put my mind to.
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience–both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
In my personal life, I am excited to get connected to the FCA program and the AIA ministry on campus! My faith is such a big aspect of my life, so I am very excited to have relationships with others who have a relationship with Christ! As a gymnast, I am looking forward to the challenges college gymnastics brings. I can’t wait to compete against the best gymnasts in the NCAA! I am so excited to compete on the big stage and show little me that I can do everything I put my mind to!
What’s something on your college gymnastics bucket list?
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!! Our team has big goals, but we don’t have those goals because we think we can get there. We have those goals because we know we can get there! Personally, I want to win a national vault title and would love to compete in the all-around in the future!
Rapid Fire Questions
Vault, bars, beam, or floor? Vault!
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore? Avery Neff, Kyla Ross, Trinity Thomas, and Audrey Davis!
What’s your most-used emoji? 😊
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I pray before every meet and listen to worship music.
What’s one of your gymnastics pet peeves? Complaining, because you have the choice to be there!
What’s a hidden talent people may not know about? I am good at football (my dad was in the NFL).
What do you want to be when you grow up? College gymnastics coach
What’s your favorite leotard your college team has worn? This one!
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Article by Courtney Varrichio
