Athlete Spotlight – Natalia Bovone

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was able to chat with [player_tooltip player_id='4531' first='Natalia' last='Bovone'], a Level 10 in the class of 2028 from Airborne Gymnastics in California. Natalia shared her insights on her start in gymnastics, what keeps her motivated, her recruiting process, and more!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What first got you interested in gymnastics?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>My neighbor was a college gymnast and would come over almost every day and teach me different skills. She said I had a natural talent for the sport, so I decided to sign up for an introductory gymnastics class. After going to class for a couple of months, I realized I had a special talent for the sport. I then moved to a more competitive gym and started competing in meets.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What has been your biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics is that it has ingrained a work ethic in me in that helped me in many aspects of my life. It has allowed me to overcome many obstacles because I know now that if I work hard enough anything is possible.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is your favorite event and why?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>My favorite event is to compete in is Floor because I feel like I can express myself most in that event.&nbsp; It allows me to show off my personality and skills.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What keeps you motivated when things get difficult?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>When things get difficult I think of the positive. Something that keeps me motivated is thinking about little me and how much she loved and wanted to do gymnastics in college. Another thing that keeps me motivated is my family. They have believed in me since I was little, especially my siblings. Whenever gym gets tough and I feel like giving up, I will always talk to them because I have always looked up to them, and they both give me the best advice. My sister and brother always remind me of the accomplishments I have made with this sport and how far I've come to become the gymnast I am today.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who has had the biggest impact on your gymnastics career?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Someone who has made the biggest impact on my gymnastics is Coach T. The first time I met him he saw the potential I had. He believed in me when others did not. He is an amazing communicator and gives amazing feedback. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How do you balance school, gymnastics, family and friends?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I balance gymnastics, family and friends because I have gym Monday through Friday, so on Saturday and Sunday is when I spend time with friends and family. This balances out my social life and gym life very well.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is something gymnastics has taught you that you use in life outside of the gym?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Dedication. Gymnastics has taught me how to be dedicated and follow through with things.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What has your college recruiting process looked like?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I send emails once or twice a week of my progress in the gym. I try to post twice a week to show my consistency in the gym and all my upgrades I have been working on. I am proving myself that I am good enough for these colleges and I cannot wait to compete and get the scores I need to show the college coaches what I am worth.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What's something our readers should know about you?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I am a very outgoing person. I love being around my teammates and spending time with them. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends on the weekends. In the summertime, I love going to Lake Tahoe to wakeboard. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Natalia is a beautiful gymnasts with impeccable form and big skills. She should be on every NCAA team's radar and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->