After nine years of hard work and dedication, senior Rehna Saalinger committed to Brown University to compete in Division 1 gymnastics.
“I am so happy that I kept my options open and kept Brown on my list,” Saalinger said. “It’s a really great fit for me, both athletically and academically.”
Saalinger credits her older sister for sparking her love for gymnastics and exposing her to the sport.
“I was so jealous of their new, sparkly competition leotards,” Saalinger said. “I fell in love with gymnastics and it’s been consistent since then.”
As Saalinger began entering formal competitions, her passion only grew stronger. “Once I started competing, I started training more and even leaving school early so I could get to practice on time,” Saalinger said. “Ever since I got to high school, that’s when I really started thinking about getting recruited and where my future was going to be.”
Saalinger solidified her commitment to gymnastics after a transformative experience in the summer before her freshman year.
“I was doing a college camp at the University of North Carolina (UNC),” Saalinger said. “I was surrounded by all of the recruits that UNC was looking at, and that’s where I put the idea of doing college gymnastics in my head.”
Shortly after the camp, Saalinger set her sights on the future. She wanted to continue gymnastics, and seemingly nothing could hinder that.
“[Rehna] is extremely disciplined and motivated to reach her goals,” said senior Leah Fontaine, Saalinger’s former teammate. “This journey has taken such hard work and passion and it’s been so amazing to witness.”
Throughout her journey, Saalinger has encountered several challenges, including balancing between academics and athletics.
“I’ve struggled with injuries throughout all of high school, so I have to make sure I’m always careful not to get hurt again,” Saalinger said. “I’ve also been focusing hard on school and doing everything that I can to prepare myself for such an academically-focused college.”
When Saalinger began the recruiting process over a year ago, Brown University was not even on her radar.
“I was not expecting to go to an Ivy League school when I started my recruiting process,” Saalinger said. “As I kept looking at Brown, it became a really good school that I was interested in and fit my values.”
Saalinger must ensure she remains resilient during her time at Brown. Determination to succeed will be essential as she navigates the complicated life of a D1 athlete.
“[Rehna] will definitely keep pushing and fighting,” said senior Alexia Zakaryan, one of Saalinger’s teammates. “She’ll be able to stand up for herself and act as a team captain. She’s a very easy person to be inspired by.”
The lessons Saalinger learned both in and out of gymnastics will help her as she progresses. Her experiences will serve as a foundation for tackling challenges and embracing opportunities in a new environment.
“Gymnastics has been such a big part of my life for the past nine years and it’s taught me so many life lessons that will stay with me throughout my life,” Saalinger said. “I am so excited to see what my future holds, and I’m looking forward to pursuing gymnastics at Brown.”