Interview with Alexis Beucler

Alexis "Poof" Beucler is a former elite gymnast who just wrapped up her club career and will be competing for NC State next season. The road has been anything but easy for her, between injuries and leaving her family behind to continue pursing her dreams with a new coach, but ultimately she never gave up and that's what we love about her!

We recently chatted with Alexis to reflect back on her career and find out what the future holds.

How did you get started in gymnastics? 
I started gymnastics because I saw what my sister could do and I wanted to be able to do it too.

What was it like training side by side with her?
I loved training with my sister! We had a healthy competition. We pushed each other to do our best. We always tried to see who would get what skills the quickest and things like that. We are always there for each other and very close!

Alexis with her sister Marissa, who just completed her career at the University of Kentucky

For most of your career you trained at CGA under Mary Lee Tracy. What was that experience like? 
It definitely made me a tougher athlete mentally and physically, but I would prefer to not go deeper into this.

You've seemed to mature a lot both mentally and in your gymnastics since that time. What advice would you give to young athletes when it comes to the mental aspect of the sport? 
You can never stop believing in yourself and never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. I always went by 'fake it till you make it,' because I wasn't always confident and that helped me become it. With me having to make the decision to move from Ohio made me mature pretty quick being without my family.

How has Brandy Johnson's gym been different and perhaps better for you? 
It is a more positive atmosphere where I could continue to grow as a gymnast. The coaches have helped me get back on track mentally. I immediately felt like I was apart of a family as soon as I stepped in the doors. I enjoy this gym so much that I've given up living with my parents and siblings for over three years.

Through all your ups and downs, what pushed you to keep going? 
I had a fire in me to prove people wrong and do the best that I could and improve myself. I watched meet videos to remind myself what I could do and keep myself motivated.

In the gymnastics world you are known as "Poof," how did that nickname come about? 
The nickname came about because I have super curly hair!

What has been some of the highlights of your career so far? 
The highlights of my career so far have been hitting 8 for 8 at Visa Championships, tying with Simone Biles on floor in 2nd place at the American Classic, and at this years JO Nationals it was great being able to hit 4 for 4.



Do you have any pre meet rituals? 
My mom couldn't always make it to my meets so she would always send me bible verses and a quote the day of the meet. If I have a late session, I take a nap before it. I have my teammate, Payton, braid my hair and I always have to be chewing gum!

What is something that most people might not know about you? 
I love watching Criminal Minds!

You were originally committed to the University of Georgia but signed with NC State last November. What went into making that decision? 
I didn't have a choice with that decision but I do feel that God does everything for a reason and he's putting me exactly in the place that I'm supposed to be. I'm very excited to be apart of the pack! Go Pack!

Are you working on any upgrades or new skills for college? 
On bars I'm working on tkatchevs and toe fulls. On beam I'm working on back handspring-back handspring-layout, side aerials, switch halfs, and front aerials. On floor I'm working piked full-ins, double arabians, and double layouts.

What are some of your goals for the future? 
I hit my goal for this season by hitting 4 for 4. My goal for next season will be to compete all-around for NC State. I can't wait to be in the team atmosphere and help the team make it to Nationals!