Courtesy of Eden King
Flipping and twisting in the air before a soft landing, junior Eden King felt a rush of excitement spread through her body as she competed against the best gymnasts in the country. Moments like this were what motivated her to pursue her gymnastics dream even when times got tough.
In September, King committed to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and compete for the school’s gymnastics team. She received a full-ride scholarship to attend UIUC. The Illinois Fighting Illini Women’s Gymnastics team competes in the Big Ten Conference, a powerhouse that receives national attention.
“It really fit everything that I was looking for in terms of academics, athletics, resources and the pride of the school,” King said. “I went on an official visit this fall and fell in love with the campus, the coaches and [what] they offered me so I decided to commit because there’s nowhere else I can really see myself.”
Having a support system King could rely on when researching and contacting colleges made her decision easier.
“It’s always been my dream to do college gymnastics for a Division I program,” King said. “This past summer, we started being able to contact coaches and have phone calls with them.”
King’s choice to commit early allows her to focus on preparing for college.
“There’s nowhere else I can really see myself”
One highlight of King’s gymnastics career so far was the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Tampa, Florida.
“It was a lot of energy,” King said. “There’s college coaches lined up all around watching every session from pretty much every college around the country. It’s a little intimidating and definitely nerve-wracking, but … it’s really cool to be in an environment with the best gymnasts in the country.“
King’s journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. She has had to overcome many challenges, but through the injuries and setbacks, her mother Julie King has been by her side.
“There was a time … when she almost left gymnastics because she was really struggling,” Julie King said. “I remember we ended up bringing her back to the gym and a coach [was] the hook that got her to … give it another shot.”
Eden King commits to upwards of 20 hours per week at the gym.
“It’s a ton of sacrifice in terms of her time outside of school,” Julie King said. “She can’t go to football games on Friday nights or do fun things on the weekends with friends.”
King’s decision to commit to Illinois does not come as a shock to senior Alexia Lau, who has been by King’s side for much of her journey. Lau first met King when King joined her training group at San Mateo Gymnastics in Belmont in 2016. They have since carpooled to and from practice every day.
“She’s wanted to do college gymnastics ever since I met her … in sixth grade,” Lau said. ”And every day, I saw her work toward that goal.”
Additionally, Lau praised King’s unwavering resilience and work ethic.
“Eden is one of my favorite teammates to be around because she’s super supportive”
“I look up to her because she’s so hardworking through any … struggle she has,” Lau said. “Sometimes people might cheat during conditioning, but she always went above and beyond. During COVID-19 … she would lead all of our Zoom workout and conditioning [sessions].”
Not only does King support her teammates in competition, but she also helps out during practice with specific skills others might struggle with.
“Eden is one of my favorite teammates to be around because she’s super supportive,” Lau said. “And she’s always cheered for me the loudest. Whenever I was struggling with the skill, she would always … give me corrections or tips on how to improve.”
With her four years after high school set at UIUC, King does not currently have any plans of becoming a professional gymnast after college. Her path after college is uncertain, but she hopes to stay involved in sports.
“I think I’m going to try to major in business and then go into some sort of sports management role,” King said. “I’m not sure what sport, … but UIUC does have a really good business program.”
For now, King has her sights set on finishing high school and embarking on a successful college career.
“I’m really proud and happy for her. And I can’t wait to see her compete on TV in her blue and orange leotard,” said Lau.
