At just 13 years old, Riley Schanna is already making waves in the world of acrobatic gymnastics. A dedicated 8th grader who has called Covenant Hills home for the past three years, Riley’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and faith.

Riley’s passion for gymnastics ignited when she was just 2 ½ years old. Since then, her journey has been anything but ordinary. At age 6, she transitioned into competitive acrobatics and hasn’t looked back. “My love for the sport and the people doing it with me has inspired me to keep doing what I love,” she shares.

In acrobatic gymnastics, teamwork is key, and Riley is part of a trio, working closely with her two partners. “This sport requires a lot of trust and support from your partners,” she explains. “I’ve been blessed to have the best partners who always support me and help me grow as an athlete.”

Riley’s ambitions have been shaped by her experiences and the people around her. “When I first started, I looked up to an older acro trio at Cal Elite who now competes in college,” she recalls. “They showed me that no matter what your passion is, you can keep doing it.” Her friendships with fellow athletes have also been instrumental. Together, they’ve cheered each other on through challenges and triumphs, fostering a supportive community that extends beyond the gym.

Last year marked a significant milestone in Riley’s journey. Competing at an elite level, her trio secured 1st place at their first international competition in Canada. “It was an experience I will never forget,” she beams. Participating in the elite routine at nationals, they were alongside groups who are on the U.S. team for Worlds. This was an amazing achievement and a memory for a lifetime.

However, the road to success hasn’t been without its hurdles. Riley faced a serious setback when she broke her wrist during practice last year, sidelining her for six weeks. “We missed our first three competitions and had to relearn all our skills,” she explains. Yet, this challenge taught her invaluable lessons about patience and faith.  “I learned that you just have to be patient with everything and to trust in God and believe that this is all part of His plan. Bad things will happen in your life all the time, but you just have to know that God will make something good come out of it and you have to trust what He is doing”.

With her journey still unfolding, Riley is determined to make a positive impact on others. “I hope to help other kids learn to be patient with setbacks and to maintain a good mindset when bad things happen or don’t go your way,” she says. Her advice to young athletes is rooted in her own experiences: “I want others to know that no matter what your passion or path is, just keep pushing hard and you will eventually get to the place you want to be. God has a plan for your life. Whatever happens, it’s for a reason.”

Riley also emphasizes the importance of community and friendship in her journey. “Have fun with what you do and don’t be afraid to make friends,” she encourages. “That’s what makes your journey adventurous.”

Riley Schanna is not just an aspiring gymnast; she’s a beacon of hope and resilience for her peers. Her story serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and faith, anything is possible. She wants to remind everyone, “that you should not care about any negative things other people might say to you, because it only matters what God thinks about you”.

As she continues to soar in the world of acrobatic gymnastics, we can’t wait to see what heights she will reach next.