WILLIAMSBURG — William & Mary gymnast Summer Penzi knows all about balance; whether it be the balance beam or balancing her academic schedule while finding time to practice her flips and fugues.
Penzi began competing in gymnastics at the age of eight. When she began her training in level seven, Penzi met a Russian Olympic Coach who rubbed off on her.
“The perfectionism and desire to be the best really helped me rise to the top of my sport,” Penzi said.
That perfectionism ultimately led to a setback during college recruitment, however.
“She refused to take me to regionals and nationals during my sophomore year. Even after I had qualified. I believe that you have the power to write your own story, so I took matters into my own hands. I switched gyms my junior year, doing everything I could to salvage my recruiting potential,” Penzi said.
After sending countless recruitment videos and attending tons of college camps, Penzi met with the William & Mary coach at the national gymnastics competition.
“They told me that they really liked what they saw and wanted to stay in touch. I was finally offered a spot during the summer after my junior year of high school, and I really couldn’t have been happier,” Penzi recalled.
While flipping and twisting was her physical outlet, her emotional outlet comes through music. At the age of 11, Penzi auditioned for The Juilliard School, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world.
“I made it through the first round of auditions, which I felt was a huge milestone that I’m proud of, especially knowing that about 10% of applicants advance that far,” Penzi said.
She’s also won the Forte International Music Competition two years in a row. Her performances have taken place at both Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Penzi also won “Long Island’s Got Talent.”
“One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been using music to lift up others. During high school, I played for patients at a regional hospital and it put a smile on my face seeing the spark of happiness I could bring to their day, no matter what they may be going through. It just gives me joy,” Penzi said.
Penzi has achieved the rank of concertmaster in every level of orchestra. She also won a concerto competition while in high school and got to perform her winning piece with a full orchestra behind her at Lincoln Center.
Combining her love for music and sports, Penzi also creates her own floor exercise music for all of her gymnastics competitions.
According to Penzi, it all takes balance.
“I like to equate it to being a juggler in a circus. That’s basically me, balancing academics, gymnastics, piano, violin. I’ve always just kept myself organized by writing out a schedule, prioritizing my activities on a daily basis. I try to take each day, recognize what needs my attention the most in that moment, and adjust accordingly. Sometimes events overlap and it’s definitely tricky, but I’ve always found a way to make it work,” Penzi said.
Penzi, a rising junior at William & Mary, also believes heavily in helping the young gymnasts of tomorrow become better athletes. She recently signed on with a sports organization to serve as a mentor to young gymnasts.
She’s also spending part of her summer coaching at a gymnastics camp in Tennessee.
“Every challenge, every late night, every moment of doubt has been worth it. My parents always pushed me to be my best and have really shown me what it means to be dedicated and determined. Their belief in me was the foundation of everything. Keep pushing when it’s hard because you are way stronger than you think you are,” Penzi said.
Penzi often posts music and gymnastics content on her Instagram. Follow her here.