A college gymnastics season is known to be physically taxing, as the gymnasts compete every weekend for 11 weeks and then begins post season. But for the Kentucky Wildcats, last season took a heavy emotional toll as well. Senior Shelby Hilton was competing on the floor exercise on February 27th against Florida and took a nasty fall. Miraculously, Hilton suffered no injuries, but doctors at Shands Hospital diagnosed her with Medulloblastoma—a brain tumor normally found in children under ten. The girls on the team immediately banded together to compete for their teammate and sister, writing Shelby Strong on their wrists before every competition. 

Marissa Beucler, a Junior last year, said it was terribly difficult to hear the news about Shelby, but it brought the team closer. After the incident, the team decided to fight to keep the season alive. “We were competing for Shelby. I know it gave us a whole new strength.”

But the season still didn’t conclude the way the Wildcats were hoping. Beucler said, “Our major goal last season was to qualify for nationals. We went to regionals and with the way that it ended up, I think every single individual on the team was disappointed.” Because of this, Beucler said there is still a fire burning that will carry on through summer training, preseason and into next season. 

Everyone has the same goal in mind. NCAA Nationals. While all summer training is voluntary, Beucler is excited that every single team member is on campus taking classes and putting in time at the gym. But Beucler noted that it’s also about becoming a family and spending time building relationships. She said, “It’s so awesome being able to all train together and build bonds that are going to be stronger than ever.”

The Wildcats have voluntary morning weights and afternoon gym workouts. Everyone is focused on upgrading skills, including Beucler who is training a full in on floor as well as a Yurchenko 1 1/2 on vault. 

The freshman have arrived on campus for the summer and are all moved into the dorms. Beucler said she is very hopeful that these girls will jump on board with what the team wants to accomplish. She said, “Alex, Aubrey, Whitney and Katie are all really impressive and will make a great impact on the team.”

As a senior, Beucler is embracing her role as a leader on the team and realizes the many responsibilities that come with it. She is committed to holding her teammates accountable, especially in the gym. “I have to keep people moving, and if they are getting down, I have to keep them upbeat and positive.” Beucler is ready to show the nation what the Wildcats are made of and to thrive in the incredibly competitive SEC Conference.


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