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OREM — At her first international competition with team USA, Deanne Soza helped bring home gold.
The 14-year-old from Orem was named to USA Gymnastics' women's national team at the end of February. Soon after she hit the road, taking second place overall at the Gymnix Junior Cup in Montreal, Canada, on March 5. Her teammates secured first and third place overall, earning Team USA the top prize at the event.
Deanna Soza looking super confident on the big stage!
Posted by FloGymnastics on Sunday, March 6, 2016
Deanne said it was incredible to know she was representing her country. She especially loved being able to compete as part of a team.
"It's just so much fun, because the past years I've been competing with myself and it was just really fun to actually have these girls competing by my side and to rely on them and everything," she said.
The athlete got an early start in gymnastics, starting classes when she was only 4 years old.
Coach Dan Coleman with Deanne Soza after event finals. Deanne placed 2nd over all, 2nd on vault and 3rd on bars. Team USA brought home the gold! Way to go girls.
Posted by Arete Gymnastics on Sunday, March 6, 2016
"I was just a really crazy child, and my parents decided to put me in little classes to see how I'd like it just for like the summer, but I ended up moving up really quick and stuff and started competing," she said. "I guess I was doing really well, and that's how everything got started."
Now, Deanne maintains a rigorous training schedule at Arete Gymnastics in Lindon. She practices for 7 1/2 hours a day, five days a week. After being homeschooled in the morning, she trains from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and then again from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. after a 45 minute break.
First international meet was a success for these three studs! 1. Gabby Perea - 56.4752. Deanne Soza - 56.2753. Emma Malabuyo - 56.25
Posted by FloGymnastics on Saturday, March 5, 2016
On Saturday, the 14-year-old will return to Texas for another USA Gymnastics camp, after which she could be headed to Italy to compete for the Jesolo Trophy. Her goals are to stay healthy and gain more international experience, while having fun and enjoying being on the team.
Deanne overcame numerous challenges, including a life-threatening eye infection in 2014, to obtain her dream spot on the U.S. national team. She encouraged other athletes to not give up on their goals.
"I've had so many times where I've felt like giving up and quitting because I've had so many hard days and stuff, but all of those hard days will pay off," she said. "Definitely believe in yourself more and keep working hard."
In her time off, Deanne's favorite thing to do is spend time with friends and family, including her 10-year-old brother. She loves sleepovers.
Deanne Soza on National Team assignment at Gymnix 2016 in Montreal, Canada.
Posted by Arete Gymnastics on Wednesday, March 2, 2016
