For more than a decade, Republic senior Taylor Houchin has spent about 20 hours a week in the gym. She’ll be doing that for four more years after she heads to college at the University of Nebraska, where she has committed to be part of the school’s gymnastics team.
“Gymnastics, to me, is a very significant part of my life,” Houchin says. “It’s not just about winning or losing. It’s about what I learn from it, and what I take from it. The scholarship part of it is amazing. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity.”
Houchin trains at Gold Medal Gymnastics in Republic. She’s a five-time all-around state champion, a three-time regional champion, and a four-time national qualifier. And she’s done it all in relative obscurity, mostly because gymnastics isn’t a state-sanctioned school sport. Despite that, her college signing Thursday was packed with family members and friends who were there to celebrate her success.
“It’s really amazing—all my support. My family has always been there and it’s so awesome,” Houchin says. “And other people from my school, even–this isn’t even a school sport. So it makes me really happy to see them all here, too.”
Houchin’s coach, Cash McGowan, says her perseverance is part of what makes her successful.
“A lot of sports have seasons and off-seasons. The unique thing about gymnastics there is no off-season. You train countless hours to get ready, then you train countless hours to perfect,” he says. “Taylor’s had to persevere through multiple injuries and coaching changes. For her to be able to stay motivated and focused on her goals is a true testament to her will.”
Houchin says she received letters from several university gymnastics programs, but ultimately settled on the University of Nebraska after meeting an assistant coach and taking a visit to the campus.
“I was introduced to the assistant coach at a gymnastics camp and I just liked the way he coached. He was very kind and helpful at the same time,” she says. “I really liked the campus a lot. It was really cool there. All the teammates that I’m going to have were really awesome. They offered me and it felt silly not to say yes.”
But for Houchin, the allure of Nebraska goes beyond the gymnastics mat.
“For me, it’s the self-value they have. They’re really big about not only being a good gymnast, but being a good person. I like doing good things not only for me, but for other people,” she says. “They always volunteer and always help out with the community. That really spoke to me.”