Recruit Spotlight: Kendall Torrens

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Kendall Torrens has never been one to back down from a challenge—whether it was being the fearless kid eager to try new skills or pushing through a string of injuries with determination and faith. A standout from Empire Gymnastics Academy, Torrens has racked up major accolades, including two perfect 10s on floor and a national title, all while staying grounded by the love of her family, her coaches, and the sport. Now, the future Sooner is ready to bring her fire and flair to Oklahoma, a program whose championship culture and team-first mentality felt like home from the start. We caught up with Torrens to talk about her biggest goals, what makes Oklahoma the perfect fit, and why June 15 changed everything.

Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Club gym: Empire Gymnastics Academy

College team: Oklahoma

How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?

My older sister was in it first. I loved it, so then I started, too! I was a fearless kid and loved anything and everything about gymnastics. I always wanted to be the first person to try something new, and I still do!

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

One of my proudest moments was earning two perfect 10s on floor—one in level 8 and the other in level 10. I was incredibly proud of the hard work it took to get there and deeply grateful to my coach and choreographer, Betty, whose exceptional guidance and choreography made those achievements possible. Another would be getting first on floor at nationals and committing to Oklahoma!

What goals are you most excited about for your senior season?

I just want to have FUN! To live in every single moment and take it all in. To not take things for granted.

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

I have two: The first is my mom! She has been there every step of this long journey. Being a single mom isn’t easy, but she has made it look so easy when I know it’s not. She has never missed a meet and is always there for me to tell when I get a new skill, even though she has no clue what I’m talking about!

The second would have to be my coaches, Chris, Betty, and Marcus. They have each impacted me in so many different ways and have never given up on me. They have seen me grow into the person I am today, and they’ve been a huge part of that and in my success!

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

JUNE 15! I say this because growing up, I knew of college gymnastics and of course that was the end goal, but I never watched it because I didn’t have the channels. My friends would always come to practice and talk about the college meet that happened the night before, and I had no clue what was happening. All I knew was that I LOVED the sport I was doing, and that was good enough. Not watching wasn’t a big deal. June 15 was the day that truly made me have hope, and it also opened my eyes to so many more possibilities I wasn’t expecting!

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 would definitely say all my injuries. One year, I had fracture after fracture after fracture and did what I could do during that period, but it wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to do anything and everything, but I knew I couldn’t. Then seeing all my teammates getting better and getting new skills just made me more upset and frustrated. Though in the end, patience was key because when I was cleared, I was even better than I was before I got hurt. I got skills I couldn’t get before, and my lines were cleaner than ever before. I was stronger! I learned to believe in the process and in God’s plan, even though it’s not what you wanted to happen, because he always has plans for you, no matter if it aligns with yours or not!

Oklahoma has built a powerhouse legacy in college gymnastics, and you’re now part of a class that will help carry that forward. What made Oklahoma the right fit for you, and what does it mean to be joining a program with such a strong championship culture?

Oklahoma truly just has the fire within I was looking for. The overall culture and the family aspect of being ONE team meant a lot, and I found it there! The opportunity to be part of a program that has the same goals as I do… I couldn’t pass up! The staff is truly incredible, caring, genuine, and loving. I’m truly grateful to be surrounded by such exceptional coaches who continue to inspire, challenge, and support me throughout my collegiate journey. I felt like I fit into the program, and the environment made it an easy decision.

What are you most excited to experience in college, both as a gymnast and in your personal life?

There’s so much I’m looking forward to as I begin this next chapter. Becoming part of such a driven and supportive team means the world to me, and I’m excited to build friendships that will last well beyond the gym. I’m also genuinely looking forward to being back in a traditional classroom. After being homeschooled since third grade to accommodate my training schedule, the structure and energy of an in-person academic environment feels like a new adventure I’m ready for!

What’s something on your college gymnastics bucket list?

Definitely win a national championship with my incredible team! I aspire to earn a perfect 10.0 along with winning SEC and NCAA titles during my time at OU. Earning any kind of award as a freshman would be a dream come true and an unforgettable start to my collegiate career.

Rapid-Fire Questions

Vault, bars, beam, or floor? Bars or floor

Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore? Maggie Nichols, Trinity Thomas, Sunisa Lee, and Shawn Johnson or Aly Raisman. Honestly, it was hard to pick. There are so many incredible gymnast out there!

What’s your most-used emoji?