The freshman class for BYU gymnastics has a lot of new talent to impact the upcoming season.
One of these freshmen is Emilie Chandler from Lee's Summit, Mo. She is an all-around gymnast ready to make BYU her new home.
“The team, the atmosphere here, its just so loving,” she said.
While Chandler has some large achievements in gymnastics while competing nationally during high school, it was the idea of BYU that caused her to commit before even coming for an official visit.
It is nothing new that the environment of BYU is extremely encouraging to all student athletes, and Chandler has found a sense of belonging during her first semester.
“They (BYU) want me to strive to be more like Jesus and be the best I can be, and I’ve definitely felt that while being here," Chandler said.
Religion is what BYU is centered around in all areas, even when it comes to athletics.
The impact that religion has on making Chandler a better and more devoted athlete, especially at a religious university, is one that she has noticed.
“I feel like it also puts more of a trust in ourselves, knowing that we’re doing all of this for him. It's bigger than ourselves and the sport," she said.
While Chandler's first collegiate season is about to begin, the nerves don't seem to outweigh her love for gymnastics and the gospel. Incorporating both in the same environment, such as praying before training, has made an impact on how she see's being an athlete.
When discussing having team prayers, Chandler said, “It's just really nice, and it gives you like this comfort and peace before you start practice and competitions.”
Her biggest supporters have been her parents, Heather and Justin Chandler, who put her in gymnastics starting at age 2 and have been a foundation of momentum for Emilie throughout the years.
"One thing for me is that not only am I doing it for myself, but I’m doing it for them. I get to do gymnastics to make myself and them proud," Chandler said.
Chandler will be competing all around at BYU gymnastics' first meet of the 2025-2026 season in the Marriott Center against Oregon State on Jan. 9.