Liana Puga '26 Recruiting Profile

PASSION…I discovered my passion for gymnastics at the age of 5.  By the time I was 7, I began competing level 3 Junior Olympics in San Diego, CA.  I spent the next 6 years competing in California at Poway Gymnastics until I moved to Texas in 2021.  Gymnastics has taught me resilience, perseverance, confidence, and so much more.

RESILIENCE…I’ve lived in 5 states growing up and I appreciate what I have learned from moving and traveling throughout the country for gymnastics.  After COVID hit, I was looking forward to my first level 9 season in 2021, but it seemed like meets were going to be scarce in CA.  I moved to Austin, Texas to live with my grandparents so that I could continue my journey at Austin Elite Gymnastics.

PERSERVERANCE…I had my first injury in November 2021, and I have come back stronger than before.  My family joined me in TX, and I found my new gym home at J&R Gymnastics.  I learned to adapt to change and make the best of it by working with new coaches and trying a different approach with certain skills.

CONFIDENCE…I have an appreciation for my own unique abilities and qualities.  I seek to improve my skills, my strengths, and my weaknesses. I am a hard worker and I strive to be the best that I can be.  I also enjoy mentoring younger gymnasts and helping them with their own confidence.

My goal is to be a college gymnast and to find an amazing team that will help me continue to learn and grow as an athlete, as well as have a great academic program for my future.  During my high school years, I will continue to set and achieve my goals so that I can realize this dream.