Senior Will Terzaken has been doing gymnastics since he could walk. Now, he is taking his next steps to compete at the United States Military Academy, better known as West Point. Not only will he be a part of the Division I gymnastics program, but he will also take part in intense training at the top military institute in the country.
Terzaken began his gymnastics journey at just 2 years old in beginner classes. By 6 years old, he started competitive gymnastics, advancing in the sport.
“When I turned 10 or 12, I decided that I wanted to do college gymnastics,” Terzaken said. “For our sport, there’s really no other way to do gymnastics after high school [if you don’t pursue it throughout college].”
Although Terzaken had shown clear skills and ambitions for gymnastics, he cycled through several coaches, which made for an unstable support system throughout his athletic career.
“I had to self-coach for many years, but right after COVID, my current coach, Mario, joined our gym,” Terzaken said. “He helped me grow exponentially over the last few years and [eventually helped me] commit to West Point.” Mario Grosito, one of Terzaken’s most influential mentors, has been supporting him for the past five years and witnessed his growth and improvement.
“Will shows that there is constantly room to learn more,” Grosito said. “His determination and his passion for the sport are what always push him.”
Along with demanding strong academics and being one of only 15 Division I men’s gymnastics programs in the NCAA, West Point is perfectly compatible with Terzaken’s work ethic and leadership skills.
“[Will is] a leader because when nobody speaks up, he’s the one who does,” said freshman Grayson Terzaken, Will Terzaken’s brother.
The West Point application process differs from that of most other schools. Apart from maintaining high grades and a rigorous class schedule, applicants must complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment and secure a nomination from a U.S. government or military source.
“I was able to bypass a little bit of the stuff because I got a letter of assurance from the gymnastics team,” Will Terzaken said. “But it’s a pretty long process that went from May [up until] now.”
Initially, he never imagined himself in the military, but the idea grew on him, and eventually he could envision himself at the school.
“I liked the military aspect of it as time went on,” Will Terzaken said. “At first, I wasn’t really a military person, but it’s a job right out of college, and it’s a really great university, so it was an easy choice.”
He is both nervous and excited as he prepares for West Point.
“I’m excited to compete. I want to do well [and] go to the NCAA,” Will Terzaken said. “I’m also a little nervous because I don’t have a military family, and I don’t really know how it goes, so it’s probably going to be a rough start getting used to [the military lifestyle].”
Upon arrival, freshmen, or plebes, must undergo six weeks of Cadet Basic Training, or “Beast,” the first step in their 47-month journey as cadets.
“The structure, discipline and time management expectations are intense,” said Jake Bonnay, West Point’s assistant men’s gymnastics coach. “But once they establish routines, lean on their teammates and embrace the academy’s standards, they adapt remarkably well.”
Beast is filled with drills, field exercises and minimal contact with the outside world. It concludes with a 12- to 14-mile hike, known as “March Back,” after which cadets reunite with their families and join the Corps of Cadets.
“From what I’ve heard, it’s one of those scenarios that suck in the moment but is rewarding in the end,” Will Terzaken said. “It’s such a physically and mentally difficult six weeks that when people are done, they feel accomplished because they prove to themselves that they can overcome something that is as unique and incredibly difficult as Beast.”
Will Terzaken’s positive mindset and perseverance serve as an inspiration to others.
“He’s a very good student and an amazing athlete, and I feel like that’s a really great role model to look up to,” Grayson Terzaken said. “If there’s anyone that’s going to make it, it would be Will.”
