Kayla doesn’t need luck

Those who know, know not to bet against gymnast Kayla Folz.

The Grade 10 student at St. Charles College rolled the dice this past summer, opting to move from the Level 9 provincial stream to the national bracket — a decision that’s paying off big time.

Kayla has earned a berth on a Team Ontario grouping that travels this week to the epicentre of gambling in North America — Las Vegas, Nevada — to take part in the Lady Luck Invitational from Jan. 16-18.

The eldest of two girls, the 15-year-old previously cracked the Ontario roster twice as a Level 9 gymnast, travelling to Mexico in 2014 and Florida the previous year to compete at international events.

“Making the team this year was a much greater accomplishment compared to last year,” Kayla told NorthernLife.ca. “I’ve finally met my goal of going national … I’ve added more skills to my routines, and I’m competing against girls who have been at the national level for some time.”

It’s a huge step forward — in terms of both the skills needed to compete at that level, but also in terms of the mindset required to go toe to toe with some of the province’s top gymnasts.

“My coaches said that this was going to be a building year, just to try and do my best,” said Kayla. “I had to be confident with what I had, and not worry about comparing myself to some of the older girls who are better than me.”

Keeping a lid on her expectations served her well in November when she competed against more than 20 others for the eight spots on the Team Ontario roster.

“I was very surprised with how I placed overall, coming fourth,” Kayla said.

Naturally strong on the vault, Kayla has focused her training regimen heavily on the bars and the beam, areas she needs improvement.

Training at GymZone Gymnastics on Gemmell Drive, Kayla knows other gymnasts are watching as she hones her skills for Las Vegas.

“It motivates me to train even harder ... get better” and do her fellow gymnasts proud, she said.

Buoyed by the support of her family and coaches, Kayla is just beginning a journey she hopes will lead to an NCAA scholarship. She aims to become a physiotherapist.

But even as her gymnastic skills take her farther and farther afield, Kayla for now, she wants to remain grounded, enjoying the ride.

“Even if I don’t place (in Las Vegas), I’m happy to experience national level competition and go around with the girls who are national, to see what their skills are like, what I need to improve on.”

For Kayla, the best is yet to come. You can bet on it.