Karlie Franz of Hunts Gymnastics, has always been an exceptionally talented gymnast, but she has really come into her own in the last few years. The power that she exhibits on all around the gym is just remarkable. Karlie, who has been a level 10 for a few years now, made her first JO Nationals in 2017 and certainly left her mark on the competition. Karlie was part of the Junior F team that topped the podium in Indy, not bad for her first time on the National Stage. Karlie, who is known for her incredible tumbling, will be showcasing some new skills in 2018 as she looks to make a run at another JO National Team. Karlie is one of my favorite athletes to watch, not only is she a wonderful talent, but she is an incredible teammate and all around nice person. Lets get to know Karlie as she embarks on another season with Hunts Gymnastics Academy. I cannot wait to see what the next few years holds for this young lady.

How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I was a very active child always climbing and flipping in the house. My parents wanted to find somewhere I could safely tumble. I was 3 years old when I started gymnastics.

What is your favorite event? My favorite event is floor

Favorite skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to train and compete is a Yurchenko full

Dream Skill? My dream skill is a pike double Arabian

What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is knowing all of the hard work & dedication that the sport requires, and getting to see it pay off during meet season

What college do you plan on attending? I plan on attending Kent State University! Go Flashes!

What is your favorite meet to compete at? The Pink Invitational meet in Philadelphia. The proceeds from this meet go directly to caring for the physical and emotional needs o f breast cancer patients in the local and gymnastics communities.

Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment so far in gymnastics has been receiving a full ride scholarship to a D1 college

Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? The gymnast that I most admire is Mary Lou Retton. She was the first ever American woman to win the all-around medal at the Olympics in 1984. My Grandpa played basketball with her Dad at West Virginia University

What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series: The Best in 60. I really like to watch the highlights from all of the different meets.

What is your go to playlist or song before meets? Any upbeat music is great to listen to before a meet.

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If you were trapped on a deserted island what 3 things would you take and why? I would take my bed because I love to sleep, a huge water bottle so I would be hydrated and my cousin Zachary because he is an avid fisherman & hunter so that we would have plenty of food.

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? If I could be any animal, I would be a lion because they are strong, fast & fierce

Who is your favorite super hero? My favorite super hero is Wonder Woman because she is strong both mentally & physically and can keep a calm mind under pressure.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I pray, visualize my routines and listen to music prior to a meet

What do you like to do outside of gymnastics? I like to cook and bake, swim, ride my bike, walk my dogs and hang out with my family & friends

Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment My most embarrassing moment was at the Regional meet in Bourbonnais Illinois in 2016. I did a Yurchenko layout and fell flat on my bottom.

If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? I would most likely dive or try pole vaulting if I wasn’t a gymnast.

Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect athletes of any sport that give 100% everyday and never give up on reaching their goals – sacrificing ordinary occurrences in life in order to reach their dreams

What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? My coach Shannon tells me “to do my best and to have fun – to do what I know how to do and to be confident.” Shannon Hunt, Hunts Gymnastics Academy

 Bonus question: When I was 7 months old, I was adopted from Russia.