The Day I Signed A National Letter Of Intent

Nov 13, 2013 by Jill Hicks

Many, many years ago.........I was a senior in high school from SCATS, an Elite gymnast burned out on the sport and just wanted to be a “normal kid”. My parents thought otherwise!

I went on several college visits. Deep down inside I was determined to be done with gymnastics and besides I knew no one who did college gymnastics and I had never even seen a college meet.

My plan was to graduate, go to Europe with friends and then maybe think about college. The NLI sat on our kitchen table all summer. The Oregon State head coach called every week asking if I had decided to do college gymnastics. My parents waited patiently for me to make a decision. They must have known I needed time.

Finally by the end of summer after my senior year my parents said “we would like you to try college gymnastics, if you don’t like it you can come home after one semester”. So I signed the NLI and I was off to Corvallis Oregon to become a Beaver!

Little did I know that would be the beginning of a long career in collegiate gymnastics. I fell in love with college and being on a team. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended my ability to compete in the sport. I was then asked to coach at OSU and thus began my 20 years of helping other collegiate gymnasts achieve their dreams.

Signing the NLI is a very special moment. So many hours, so many days in the gym. Good and bad days. Fun days and hurry up get over days. Lots of blood, sweat and tears. The joy I see on the faces of the gymnasts who get to sign these comittments is so awesome. I am thankful our sport is still going strong and supported on a collegiate level. It is a privilege not to be taken for granted.

Looking back, it is easy to see that my journey all began with signing that little piece of paper. I personally have a lot to be thankful for. My parents knew better than I and thank goodness they could see the potential before me. They knew I was afraid to leave the comfort of my home. I am so grateful for their wisdom and gentle push out the door.

I always tell my clients “collegiate gymnastics should be the best four years of your life”. Being a part of a team, getting a great education and enjoying the sport in a whole new way is all before you.

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to achieve them." - Walt Disney

Jill Hicks is the founder of JH Consulting which advises parents and gymnast in the recruiting process. www.jhicksconsulting.com