ABOUT ME
My name is Mackenzie Patricelli, and I am currently training level 10 at Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy. I started doing gymnastics when I was 3 years old, after my parents would constantly find me climbing up the walls and all over the furniture. They figured that a gym was a safer place to climb around rather than my living room, so they signed me up for classes at Kids In Action Gymnastics Academy, where I spent the first 12 years of my gymnastics career before moving to my current gym, MEGA. I fell in love with the sport right away and knew it was something I would want to continue doing for as long as I could. I love the work and dedication it requires, and the challenges of learning and trying new skills. Gymnastics has taught me many lessons that I can use both in and out of the gym. It has taught me determination, focus, teamwork, and resilience. Overcoming countless injuries and obstacles has showed me how to find the positive sides of every situation, whether it’s inside or outside of the gym, and what I can do to learn from my mistakes. I love motivating and supporting my teammates and all the excitement that comes with their achievements, as well as with mine. Outside of the gym, I love to learn new things and do anything that keeps me busy. I love to spend time with family and friends, and I love photography, drawing, painting, or anything else that involves creating.
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I go to school at Barrington High School in Barrington, IL where I am enrolled in all honors or AP classes. Throughout the past few years I participated in the track, cross country, and volleyball team for my school, as well as a dance class outside of school. Along with those activities, I also played the guitar and the cello, and was a part of the National Junior Honors Society. At times it is very difficult to balance school and outside activities with gymnastics, but I love the challenge and commitment it requires. Obviously, being a gymnast has resulted in many trips to the doctor and physical therapist. Those visits are where I found that I love to listen and learn about the way our bodies and muscles work, which is why in college I hope to pursue a degree in kinesiology or a type of science related to it. I hope that in the future I can become a physical therapist or orthopedic doctor, where I can help others the same way my doctors helped me. Competing as a Division 1 NCAA gymnast is my ultimate goal in gymnastics, and I plan on finding a college that has a great gymnastics program as well as great academics.With the amazing support of my family, coaches, and teammates, I believe that it is a goal within reach.