HOBART | Hobart's Madalyn Dominguez has embraced gymnastics ever since joining Mommy and Me classes when she was just 18 months old.
In second grade, Dominguez got her competitive start with USA-Gymnastics through Lisa's Gymnastics, competing there for seven years.
In her age group, Dominguez finished third at state in her last full year competing in USA-Gymnastics.
Now, Dominguez is a senior at Hobart, and reflecting on the past 16-plus years.
"It's been my whole life," she said. "I can relate everything to gymnastics. That sounds kind of corny, but even English papers I write I can relate to a moment in gymnastics."
Hobart has had a tradition of gymnastics success, winning a state championship in 2004 under former coach Christine Jetmund.
Even though that was less than 10 years ago, times have changed. Not many athletes entering the gymnastics room at Hobart High School have club experience these days, so Dominguez concentrates her experience and knowledge into helping her teammates.
"I try to help them with their nerves and what to expect," she said. "Especially when we go against different teams. Their crowds are louder."
Given her background, Dominguez is the most talented gymnast on the team. However, a long gymnastics career has taken a toll on her body, though she has shown good improvement.
"She's done things here and there," Hobart assistant coach Jose Crespo said. "I kind of joke with her that she's the old lady in gymnastics, she's been doing it for so long."
With a 3.9 grade point average, Dominguez has been accepted to eight colleges, including Butler, Purdue, Valparaiso, Marquette, Baylor and San Diego State.
Dominguez's gymnastics career is likely going to end next month. It's been a bit surreal for her.
"It's kind of hard to think about," she said. "I was thinking about it the other day, and this will be the first summer I'll never have practice. I really don't know what I'm going to do, but I'm sure I'll find something."
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