Athlete Spotlight – Kendall Denton

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I recently connected with Kendall Denton, a class of 2029 Level 10 gymnast from Dynamo Gymnastics. Kendall shared her thoughts on what keeps her motivated in the gym, how she manages time between gym and home life, and what she is looking forward to this season and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How did you get your start in gymnastics?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I started gymnastics when I was 6. I actually played t-ball first. I used to run out into the outfield doing round-offs with my glove on and my Mom would say 'what do you think about trying gymnastics?' After that first try out /introduction, I was hooked and gymnastics became my passion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What skill or event do you enjoy the most?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I really enjoy doing double layouts on floor. But my favorite event is beam/vault. On beam, &nbsp;I love the feeling of learning new skills and finally connecting everything together, and I'm up for trying anything. It's such a good feeling when all the hard work pays off.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What keeps you motivated?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My biggest motivation is knowing that there's always room to improve. I have big goals for myself, especially competing in college, and I know that every day in the gym gets me one step closer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How have your coaches and teammates helped you get to where you are today?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My coaches have pushed me to be better, even on the days when I doubt myself. My teammates are always there to encourage me and make the hard days easier. I'm really thankful to have people who believe in me and want to see me succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How do you manage your time between gymnastics, school, friends, and family?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It can definitely be challenging because gymnastics takes up so much of my time. I am homeschooled, so that affords me more flexibility. I've learned to stay organized and make the most of my free time. My family is really important to me, so I try to spend as much time with them as possible.</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>One of my biggest accomplishments was qualifying for the Nastia Liukin Cup. I was dealing with an unknown fractured back at the time, kept pushing and ended up only competing bars, but I still finished fifth among some of the best gymnasts in the country. That experience taught me a lot about determination and not giving up when things get hard. Overcoming my injury was a big accomplishment, too. I did not get to compete most of the 2025 season and was out for 6 months. I put in the work of PT, strength training, and stretching and came back for the 2026 season and was utterly proud of the season and results I had. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is your favorite thing to do when you're not in the gym?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I love spending time with my family and friends. I do coach at our gym a couple nights a week. It is so rewarding to help the younger gymnasts and see the passion in them. Being that I'm in the gym so much, I really enjoy the little things like relaxing, spending time on our farm, hanging out with friends, and making memories with the people I love.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How do you handle a bad turn, routine, or competition?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I try to remind myself that one bad routine doesn't define me as a gymnast. Of course, I get frustrated sometimes, but I try to learn from my mistakes and come back stronger. Gymnastics has taught me that having a positive mindset is just as important as being physically strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What are you most excited for this season and beyond?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm excited to see how much I can grow this season, learn new skills, and hopefully reach some of my bigger goals. I'm also really looking forward to the opportunity to compete gymnastics in college and see where this sport takes me. I want to coach in college and be a positive role model to others.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is something our readers should know about you?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Something people should know about me is that my faith and family are a huge part of who I am. Gymnastics is something I love, but it doesn't completely define me. I'm a pretty determined person, and when I set my mind to something, I work really hard to accomplish it. I'm thankful for the opportunities God has given me and the people who support me along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kendall is a powerful gymnast that is so fun to watch. All of us at PrepGymnastics are excited to follow her this season and can't wait to see what she can accomplish! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->