Maile'ana Kanewa was an outstanding gymnast from the Oklahoma Sooners from 2012-2016.

After a career-threatening injury as a freshman, Kanewa returned to become a strong contributor on vault and floor. In 2014, she helped lead the Sooners to their first-ever national championship.

FloGymnastics recently caught up with Kanewa to talk about her life after gymnastics.

FloGymnastics: What have you been up to since graduating in 2016?

Kanewa: I graduated in May 2017 with a degree in human relations. I have started graduate school at OU and plan to graduate in 2018 with a master's in human relations. 

When you look back at your career at Oklahoma, what moments stand out to you the most? 

There are two big moments that stand out to me and are both special to me. Of course being a part of the first-ever team to win a national championship at OU will be something I will always remember. The second being coming back for injury my freshman year after being told one month before by doctors that I might not ever do gymnastics again, to getting into the vault lineup and winning the vault title against UCLA. 

You had an injury at the end of your career. Talk to us about that injury and how your role on the team changed during your senior season. 

Yes, I had five surgeries in my time at Oklahoma and unfortunately had a career-ending injury. It still hurts the way that I had to end my career, but it was the greatest opportunity of my life. Although I was hurt, I was able to contribute on the emotional end and pick up others when they needed it. I never broke my spirit, and I was there to help the team. Being injured really made me appreciate the opportunity that I was given and I am so grateful I was able to contribute to the lineup in my time at Oklahoma. In my fifth year, I was able to be a student coach and help on floor (2016-17 season) and I really liked that experience. 

What do you miss most about gymnastics and being an Oklahoma Sooner?

Everything! I miss getting ready for meets with my teammates. I miss the great parent support and their awesome dances before meets. I miss working out in the gym every day with my teammates. I also miss the family feeling from the entire OU family.

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the way that I still contributed to my team when I was injured. I never broke my spirit and never gave up. I was able to push through multiple injuries and come back to help the team. I stuck out my four years and had a positive attitude about everything.

What is next for you personally?

This upcoming year I plan to work for the Sooner Club focusing on the funding for season-ticket holders. I will work with donors and learn how the funding and development works. I will be working in an office and getting to see a different side of college athletics that will be great experience for the future. 

What are your future goals?

Honestly, I want to be the next KJ [Kindler]! My ultimate goal is be a head coach at a DI school. I know it will take time to climb up that ladder and I am excited for that. 

Anything else you would like to share with us?

I am really excited for the team now. They are in the gym working hard. I am excited to be a fan now and hold a special place in my heart for my time as a Sooner gymnast. I want to still be involved and be a great alumni athlete.


Stay tuned to FloGymnastics for more interviews with your favorite NCAA graduates. 


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Catching Up With Former Gator Mackenzie Caquatto
Catching Up With Former Auburn Tiger Megan Walker Thigpen
Catching Up with Former Michigan Wolverine Joanna Sampson