Episode 115 Kaitlyn Hall Former Rutgers University Gymnast

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast.

Today’s episode is a powerful one, especially for anyone who’s ever competed at a high level, battled injury, questioned their identity, or wondered what life looks like after the uniform comes off.

I’m excited to welcome Kaitlyn Hall, a former Rutgers University gymnast whose journey is filled with resilience, perspective, and grit.

Kaitlyn grew up in Raytown, Missouri, dedicating her life to gymnastics from a young age, including being homeschooled in seventh grade, so she could train twice a day. That commitment led her to compete at the highest levels of the sport, earning a full scholarship to Rutgers, competing in the Big Ten, and achieving 9.8+ scores across four different events, an elite accomplishment in collegiate gymnastics.

But her story isn’t just about scores and accolades.

Kaitlyn was a multiple-time Academic All–Big Ten honoree, a Most Improved Gymnast, recipient of the Coach’s Appreciation Award, and winner of the team’s Pom-Pom Award, an honor voted on by teammates for leadership, effort, and support. She also navigated multiple surgeries, including ACL injuries, the mental battle of “the twisties,” and the emotional toll of having her senior season and final meet unexpectedly end due to COVID.

In this conversation, Kaitlyn opens up about:

• The reality of being recruited at 15 years old

• Having a scholarship pulled and finding purpose in the setback

• The mental side of injuries and rehabilitation

• Body image and weight pressures in gymnastics

• The challenge of transitioning out of sport

• And how athletics truly prepares you for life beyond competition

This is an honest, real, and deeply meaningful conversation about what goes on behind the uniform, the sacrifices, the discipline, the pain, and ultimately, the growth.

If you’re a current or former athlete or someone supporting one, you won’t want to miss this episode.

🎧 Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast with Kaitlyn Hall.