Get to know Nicolet HS gymnast, state champion Cassi Hansen
GLENDALE, Wis. — Nicolet Highschool Gymnast Athlete, Cassi Hansen, won GOLD in the all-around at the WIAA State Competition. Nicolet, Director of Athletics, Kirk Krychowiak, nominated Cassi to share her story. In her own words, please enjoy reading about Cassi’s gymnastics journey to state champion.
Cassie Hansen: I started doing gymnastics at the age of three at Infinite Gymnastics in Brown Deer. My first class was the “Mommy and Me “class.
In 2012 I watched the Summer Olympics on T.V. Watching the Fab Five compete inspired me to be just like them. Their dedication and spirit of the sport gave me the courage to continue my gymnastics path by competing on team. My sister Abbe was also a Club and high school state gymnast and four years older than me. I looked up to her. Simone Biles is another Olympian that has inspired me.
I have had many coaches over the years which include Nicolet High School, Infinite, and LaFleur Gymnastics. All of my coaches have given me the confidence and training I needed to succeed. Each and every one taught me how to overcome obstacles but also gave me the encouragement and discipline I needed to succeed. I want to say a special thank you to my H.S coaches Molly Mckenzie and Chris Dempsey for guiding me on my journey to a state championship. I would not have achieved this success without them.
My success has not come easy. Before high school I was practicing 24 hours a week and missed out on many other activities. Gymnastics is all about putting in the time and numbers and a tremendous amount of commitment and hard work. Having a supportive family, coaches and team also made a significant impact on my success.
As Simone Biles quoted “the unexpected brings the unbelievable” is exactly how I explain my state championship journey. Winning the WIAA All Around title has been my biggest accomplishment so far. At the beginning of the season, I started having severe pain in my lower back. I had to take a break and stop doing certain skills. I knew I had only so much time to prepare for sectionals which would lead me to state. The sectionals did not go as I planned. I fell many times and did not think I was going to make it. In the end I did podium in fifth place by a near margin of .025 which was the last spot to qualify. It was unbelievable and not expected which made winning the State All Around even more special!!
My advice to younger athletes is to follow your dreams, never give up, and enjoy your sport even when things are difficult.
My advice to parents is to always support your gymnast and don’t be too hard on them.
Thank you so much for recognizing my achievement. I am so happy to share this with my community. I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams!
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