Brynlee Andersen has electrified BYU gymnastics fans around the country through her near-perfect performances on beam throughout her first two years as a Cougar.
Gymnastics requires more than simply executing a difficult routine or skill. Because it requires intense focus, discipline and mental strength to push through fear, prevent injuries, and achieve a high level of performance, mental training is as critical as physical training.
“Coming into college as a freshman felt overwhelming and intimidating. I knew that my skills were there, but I started to struggle a little bit on the mental side," Andersen said. "That is when I started meeting with a sports psychologist who helped me manage all the thoughts going on in my head. He showed me how to use my thoughts to help me and strengthen my performance rather than trip me up."
Andersen set high goals for her sophomore year, having won several awards and honors for her freshman year performances. She went into the season with the hopes of qualifying for nationals and becoming an All-American.
Throughout the whole season, every score accounted for her total national qualifying score.
“I met with my sports psychologist every week because I knew how important it was for me,” she said.
At the end of the season, Andersen qualified to compete as an individual on beam in Fort Worth, Texas. She made it to the highest stage in NCAA gymnastics.
“When I got to nationals, I knew I was good enough, but I knew going up there on such a big stage was a whole different mental game," Andersen said. "I went after the top beam performer in the country, Helen Hu, who brought so much energy and intensity into the arena. I was really glad that I was prepared mentally to be successful.”
Andersen's journey proves that success in gymnastics doesn’t solely rely on the difficulty or execution of a skill. It’s built on the dedication to strengthening the mind as much as the body.
Her beam coach, Natalie Broekman, said, “Her mindset is what makes her unstoppable.”
Andersen is ready to enter her junior year as a leader for her team on and off the mat.