By Blake Chadwick 

It’s not every day that a freshman gets recognized for their work in the sport, but Gracyn Deines from Wichita Trinity Academy has caught that attention. 

Deines has been doing gymnastics for 11 years and is a gymnast for 316 Platinum Gymnastics. 

Despite her youth in the sport and in life, she knows what she brings to the table. 

“My strengths are athleticism, time management, my faith and staying focused. My weaknesses are battling injuries, even though every gymnast does,” Deines said. 

Deines, a Level 8 gymnast, spends a lot – if not all of her free time – at gymnastics practice. Level 8 gymnasts have to master the floor, balance beam, uneven beams and vault. For the last six years, Deines has spent 20+ hours in the gym every single week to reach Level 8. 

“I think being a high-caliber gymnast takes God-given ability, determination and having good coaches,” Deines said. 

She admits that she has her sights set on becoming the best gymnast – but even more so, a good person. 

“I have had to learn to be organized and stay focused, which will help me later on in life,” Deines said. 

Deines calls herself a “powerful gymnast, with graceful movements” and harps on the fact that she isn’t content with where she is and wants to continue her gymnastics journey of getting better every single day. 

“I have to train higher skills this summer,” she said. “I would love to compete at the collegiate level some day and as far as where, it depends on how well I do the next three years.” 

For Deines, the grind doesn’t stop and it doesn’t get easier. But she knows that her preparation and hard work will get her where she wants to be one day.