Sierra Gronquist '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello! My athletic background began as a competitive gymnast. I have been doing gymnastics since I was two years old, but as a freshman, I decided to join the track and field team at my school. I had always really enjoyed running, so I thought it would be fun to try it out, and I ended up falling in love with track. My main events are pole vault, hurdles, and relays, but I also sometimes compete in sprints. During the fall of my sophomore year, I competed in cross country to keep in shape and improve my cardio endurance for track. However, at the end of November 2021, I completely tore my Achilles’ tendon in gymnastics doing a tumbling pass on floor. I was absolutely devastated because my sister had the same injury which ended her gymnastics career. However, I am a determined athlete, and decided to have it surgically repaired. I was super scared, but I went through with the surgery so I could have a chance to do track in college. Although I have been told it will take a year to fully recover from the injury, I have been diligent in going to physical therapy and doing my home therapy daily. I have been staying in shape by swimming, conditioning during track practice, and doing pole vault drills. After three months out of gymnastics, I was able to return to partial training. I will do absolutely everything to fully return to my sports as soon as possible. One of my best attributes is that if I want to do something, I never give up. I always try my best to achieve my goals. Setbacks, like my injury, will only make me a stronger individual and athlete.