Julia Waight is a freshman from Naperville, Illinois, majoring in Kinesiology. She is a two-time Junior Olympic National qualifier to go along with numerous top-10 Level 10 finishes at the State and Regional levels.

Why did you choose Illinois?

Illinois was one of the first of many college visits for me. From that point, it had stayed at the top of my list throughout my college search process. After being offered the opportunity to join the gymnastics team and receive an education from such a great school, I knew that I was meant to be here.

What are you looking forward to most about college gymnastics?

 I just want to show up at each meet and show everyone how awesome we are. This team is capable of such great things, and I am really looking forward to setting records as a team!!

When you were five years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?

 When I was five, I wanted to be "an explorer." I was really into saving animals and always wanting to be outside.

When did you first get into gymnastics?

 My mom took my sister and me to little kid classes at a gym near our house when I was three. I was kind of crazy and would never listen, but I eventually started pre-team practice, and here I am. 

Who has taught you the most about gymnastics?

 My club coaches have taught me the most about gymnastics. They have primarily taught me that when my gymnastics career comes to an end, my level of talent won't matter. What will matter are the lessons I have learned and the character that I have built throughout this aspect of my life.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

 The most influential people in my life are my family members. My mom teaches me to believe in myself, my dad teaches me the value of hard work, and I can count on my older sister to give me life advice about basically anything.