Before committing to Southern Utah, Sienna Fretwell was already building a name for herself as one of Canada’s rising level 10 gymnasts. The Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, native has combined consistency with quiet confidence, highlighted by a breakthrough season that included a historic team gold for Team BC and multiple individual podium finishes. A product of TAG Gymnastics, Fretwell brings a love for growth, a team-first mindset, and an excitement for new challenges as she prepares to take the next step in her career with the Thunderbirds. We caught up with Fretwell to talk about her journey, her goals for NCAA gymnastics and what representing Canada on the collegiate stage means to her.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity
College team:Southern Utah
Hometown:Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics? Can you remember the moment or feeling that made you realize it was your sport?
I started gymnastics when I was around two years old, so I honestly can’t remember a time when it wasn’t a part of my life. From a young age, I loved the feeling of flipping, swinging, and learning new skills. Every time I stepped in the gym, I was excited to see what I could accomplish next
As I got older, I did a few different sports, including dance, but when I was about eight years old, I had to make a choice between the two. For me, it was an easy decision. Gymnastics challenged me in a way that nothing else did. I loved setting goals, pushing myself past what I thought I could do, and experiencing the feeling of finally getting something new I had worked so hard for. That combination of challenge, growth, and excitement is what made me realize gymnastics was where I belonged
What’s one moment in your gymnastics journey you’ll never forget? Whether it’s a big win or a quiet milestone, what made it special?
One moment I’ll never forget is this year’s nationals. Team BC won the gold medal for the first time in over two decades, and being part of that achievement was incredibly special. It wasn’t just about the result. It was about knowing how much dedication and perseverance went into that moment from every athlete and coach on our team
The competition was also memorable on a personal level. I became a national bars medalist for the first time and earned a national medal on floor for the fourth time. After years of hard work, overcoming challenges, and continuing to push myself, those accomplishments felt especially rewarding
What made the experience unforgettable was being able to celebrate alongside my teammates. Sharing that moment with the people who had worked just as hard and supported each other throughout the season made it so much more meaningful than any medal alone
You have lots of upgrades in the works. What skills are you most excited about putting on the competition floor?
I’m most excited about competing the bar routine I competed this year, specifically the giant full to double full dismount! There’s also a new dismount I’m working on for beam: a switch split to gainer full!
What are you really passionate about at the moment outside of gymnastics?
Outside of gymnastics, I love staying active and spending time outdoors. Some of my favorite things to do are going on hikes, surfing, and playing pickleball. I also enjoy doing puzzles, making bracelets, and trying new things whenever I get the chance!
Most importantly, I love spending time with my friends and family. Whether it’s going on an adventure, having a game night, or just hanging out together, those are some of the moments I enjoy most outside of the gym
Canadian level 10 recruits are a little less common in NCAA gymnastics—what has been your favorite part competing for Canada Level 10? A favorite competition or memory that sticks out?
My favorite part about competing as a Canadian level 10 has definitely been being a part of Team BC. At competitions like Westerns and nationals, we get the chance to compete as a team, which is a really unique experience and something I’ve always looked forward to each season
Some of my favorite memories are team bonding in the hotels, getting ready for meets with my teammates, cheering each other on, and celebrating together afterward. I’ve also made friendships with athletes from other provinces and had the opportunity to travel to places across Canada that I otherwise might never have visited!
What led you to consider the NCAA as a next step in your gymnastics and academic career?
What first sparked my interest in the NCAA was watching college gymnastics on TV and seeing former athletes from my gym continue their careers at the university level. I loved the energy of college gymnastics and the team atmosphere that came with it. As I learned more about the NCAA, I realized it offered the perfect opportunity to continue competing at a high level while also pursuing my academic goals. Ever since then, it became something I hoped to experience myself
What does it mean to you to represent Canada in the NCAA and compete alongside fellow Canadians at SUU and across the country?
It’s a huge honor to represent Canada in the NCAA. Because Canadian gymnasts often have fewer opportunities for exposure in the recruiting process, I feel incredibly grateful to have earned the chance to compete at this level. It’s also special to be part of a growing community of Canadian athletes in the NCAA. Being able to represent my country while pursuing my goals and competing alongside other Canadians makes the experience even more meaningful
Did you talk to any other colleges before committing to Southern Utah? Why did SUU stand out as the one for you?
I was in contact with a few other schools throughout the recruiting process, but SUU stood out from the beginning. The coaching staff was super welcoming and genuine, and I could tell they truly care about their athletes both inside and outside the gym. I also love the team culture and how supportive everyone is of one another. On top of that, Cedar City is beautiful, and the campus immediately felt like a place where I could see myself growing as both an athlete and a student. SUU felt like home!
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?
My coaches, Barb and Krystal, have had the biggest impact on my gymnastics career. They have been by my side through so many stages of my journey, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They’ve challenged me to be my best, supported me through difficult moments, and always believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. Their encouragement, dedication, and constant support have helped shape me not only as a gymnast but also as a person. I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done for me over the years.
Gymnastics is full of highs and lows—what’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in your journey, andhow has overcoming it shaped you as both an athlete and a person?
I’ve been fortunate not to experience any major injuries or setbacks throughout my gymnastics career, but one challenge that stands out was returning to the gym after COVID. Like many athletes, I had to adjust to a long period away from regular training, and it was frustrating feeling like I wasn’t performing at the level I knew I was capable of
Looking back, that experience taught me a lot about patience and perseverance. I learned that progress isn’t always linear and that success often comes from continuing to show up and trust the process, even when results aren’t immediate. It helped me develop a stronger work ethic and appreciation for the opportunities I have every day in the gym
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience—both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
I’m excited to experience life in a completely new environment and learn more about who I am outside of the routines and schedules I’ve always known. Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, so I’m looking forward to challenging myself in new ways and becoming more independent
As a gymnast, I’m excited to be surrounded by athletes who share the same passion and work ethic, because I know they’ll push me to become the best version of myself. But beyond the sport, I’m most excited for the little moments that come with college life. Meeting people from different backgrounds, creating traditions with my teammates, exploring a new place, and making memories that I’ll carry with me long after my gymnastics career is over
I’m excited for the opportunity to grow not only as an athlete, but as a leader, teammate, student, and person
What’s something on your college gymnastics bucket list?
Something on my college gymnastics bucket list is setting new PRs on every event and setting a program-record team score!
Rapid Fire Questions
Vault, bars, beam, or floor?Bars
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore?Jordan Bowers, Brooklyn Moors, Emma Spence, and Jordan Chiles
What’s your most-used emoji? ☺️
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions?Using the same hair clips!
What’s one of your gymnastics pet peeves?When my nails break off
What’s a hidden talent people may not know about?I’m really good at Mario Kart 😉
What do you want to be when you grow up?I want to work in medical Imaging or become an anesthesiology assistant!
What’s your favorite leotard your college team has worn?The Shelby!
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Article by Courtney Varrichio
