“There were obviously, like, hurdles in life that you had to overcome, and I felt like I wouldn’t have been able to overcome them the way I did if it wasn’t for gymnastics.” These words from Kayli Boozer aren’t just a reflection. They’re a testament to the battles she’s faced beyond the mat. For Boozer, gymnastics wasn’t just a sport; it was a sanctuary, a force that helped her navigate the toughest moments of her life.
Now a sophomore and rising star for No. 17 Michigan women’s gymnastics, Boozer confidently dominates the big stage. Her beam routine against No. 16 Ohio State last month was nothing short of breathtaking, a performance that cemented her as a key figure in Michigan’s lineup. But behind the poise and precision lies a story of resilience. A journey shaped by adversity, self-doubt, and the unwavering pull of gymnastics that kept the 20-year-old moving forward.
Michigan Women’s Gymnastics recently highlighted Boozer’s rise on X, posting, “Kayli Boozer has had a breakout sophomore season, and we cannot wait to see what more is in store for her!” The tweet, which teased an in-depth sit-down interview with Boozer, gave fans a closer look at the gymnast beyond the routines. At the fire that drives her and the mindset that has carried her through every challenge.
Kayli Boozer has had a breakout sophomore season and we cannot wait to see what more is in store for her!@EdUofM sat down with Kayli to talk about her journey so far and how she got here. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/Ol0GUqSclY
— Michigan Women’s Gymnastics (@UMichWGym) March 26, 2025
In the interview, when asked how much she loved the sport and why it became her sanctuary, Boozer’s response was full of the same energy she brings to the gym every day. “When you see Kaylee, you’ll surely notice she’s a ball of energy. It’s something I just started doing this year. The music’s pumping, and everyone’s laughing and talking, and so just, like, to get my groove on and make everything a little less serious.” She painted a vivid picture of the camaraderie and spirit that fuels her passion, describing how she and her teammates casually flip across the gym, looking up at the National Championship and Big Ten banners hanging from the ceiling.
A constant reminder of what they’re working toward. “We see the National Championship banners and the Big Ten banners and all the things that past teams have accomplished, and we know that we want to do it together.” For Boozer, gymnastics isn’t just about personal success; it’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about the joy, the bonds, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness with a team that feels like family. And as her sophomore season unfolds, one thing is clear. This is just the beginning.
Kayli Boozer’s breakout season: Three career highs in just over a month
“I chose gymnastics because it has always been a sort of sanctuary for me when things in my life didn’t go the way I expected them to.” The Michigan sophomore has been on fire this season, delivering standout performances that solidify her as a force to be reckoned with. In a span of just over a month, she notched three career-best scores, starting with a stunning 9.950 on beam against Ohio State on January 31, followed by a 9.900 on beam against Nebraska on February 9, and capped it off with another 9.900. This time on vault against Oklahoma on March 7.
Michigan coach Bev Plocki has seen many gymnasts evolve over her decades-long career, but Boozer’s rapid improvement has been something truly special. “I don’t know, in my 36 years, if I’ve ever seen an athlete go from one end of the spectrum to the other over the course of a summer (the way Boozer has),” Plocki admitted. However, with Boozer’s meteoric rise comes the challenge of maintaining composure. With gymnasts who rise to stardom quickly, there’s always the risk of losing focus but Boozer handled the moment like a seasoned competitor, executing a flawless double tuck handspring that left no doubt about her abilities.
With two career-best 9.9s under her belt and an ever-growing presence in Michigan’s lineup, Boozer’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Plocki hinted that her next move could be debuting on vault, adding another event to her already impressive resume. If her recent performances are any indication, having more of Boozer in Michigan’s rotation can only mean good things for the Wolverines.
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