Interview Of Kaja Tressel

How old were you when you started gymnastics, and what originally drew you to the sport?

I started gymnastics at two years old because my whole family loves athletics and they thought gymnastics would be perfect for me! What originally drew me into gymnastics is the energy and power in this sport! I also loved watching college gymnastics and once I was in gymnastics I absolutely loved it!

What was your favorite meet, your favorite and least favorite events, and the hardest/easiest skill you ever trained?

My favorite meet is DP Nationals! My favorite event is floor and my favorite skill is a double pike on floor!

Gymnastics is incredibly mental. What was your hardest struggle during your time as a gymnast? How did you deal with nerves, pressure, and getting in your head or temporarily "losing" a skill?

I would say one thing that was hard for me was learning a minor release when I was younger, in my transition from level 8-9. It took me a little longer to learn compared to my other skills. I overcame this by coming into the gym early to work on it and taking it one step at a time! After working on it and improving every day I got the skill!

What was your biggest accomplishment in the sport, and did you ever want to do college gymnastics?

My biggest accomplishments so far are qualifying to DP Nationals in 2025 and 2026! My goal is to get a full ride D1 college scholarship!

How did you cope when your time as a gymnast ended, and did you transition into coaching or are you currently still competing?

I am currently still competing!

Who was your gymnastics role model, and what advice would you give to someone starting the sport for the first time?

I would say my sister, Maliha Tressel, is my biggest gymnastics role model! I have always looked up to her as a gymnast and a person! The advice I would give to someone starting gymnastics for the first time would be to have fun and remember that you are good enough! Remember you do this sport for fun and be confident in yourself!

What two goals you want to achieve in the sport of gymnastics?

Two of my goals I want to achieve in the sport of gymnastics are to be one of the top level 10 gymnasts in the nation and get a full ride D1 college scholarship!