Among those vying for the national title is a Houstonian, Victoria Nguyen, who competes for the University of Florida.
[Ads /]
"This is just such a huge step for us," Nguyen admitted Friday during a Zoom interview with ABC13. "I think it's amazing that we're starting to get the recognition we all deserve."
SEE ALSO: LSU women's team wins 1st basketball title in school history after beating No. 2 Iowa 102-85
On Thursday, Victoria earned All-American status after her collegiate-best score on the vault. And get this: she's not even a fan of that event!
"I've actually always really disliked vault," Victoria admitted. "It wasn't my favorite event by any means. That was actually my first time ever competing in the one-and-a-half this whole season - or my entire life. After I landed, I just felt so much pride for my team."
RELATED: Houston Olympic superstar Simone Biles shares new Wheaties box cover with her fans
[Ads /]
Nguyen was raised in Houston and began her gymnastics career in the city at 8-years-old. Her family still resides in the area.
"The journey has never been easy, but that's the joy in it all," Nguyen revealed. "That's how sports are. It's not what happens but how you react to it. And I've learned to just take everything with so much grace."
Saturday's team final, beginning at 3 p.m. on ABC13, will feature Florida, LSU, Utah, and reigning national champion Oklahoma.
For more sports news, follow Adam Winkler on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.