My name is Ava-Nicole, I’m 11 years old, and I live in Tampa, Florida. I’ve been selected for the XCEL Gold, USA Gymnastics travel team for this new Competition Year. This incredible opportunity means I’ll be traveling across the United States to compete against some of the best athletes in my age group.

This has been a dream of mine for years to showcase my dedication, hard work, and love for this sport on the national stage.

Here’s something most people don’t know: I’ve had a pacemaker since age 5 something fewer than 1% of kids worldwide experience at that age. But instead of slowing me down, it has made me stronger, braver, and more determined. I want to inspire other athletes with health challenges to never give up, to reach for greatness, and maybe even make history.

My family has been amazing in supporting me, but the costs of this season are high. That’s why I’m reaching out to friends, family, and anyone who wants to be part of my journey to help make this dream possible.

With determination in my heart, I remind myself to dream big. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll become the first professional athlete with a pacemaker to compete at the highest levels even the Olympics.

But there’s more to me than gymnastics. I’ve been in the sport for three years, training 3 days a week for 3.5 hours each day with grit and focus. I’m also a proud Girl Scout Cadet, recently promoted from Junior, and I work hard to show leadership and service in my community. At school, I earned straight A’s last semester, proving I’m as dedicated in the classroom as I am on the mat. When I’m not studying or training, you can usually find me playing with animals (especially dogs), loving on babies, or laughing and having fun with my family and friends.

We’re raising $5,000 to cover:

Competition entry fees: $2,079

Travel & lodging: $2,921

Team gear & uniforms: (PAID)

Every donation, big or small, goes directly toward helping me compete with my team this season. We’ll be posting updates, meet results, and photos so you can follow along on my journey.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting my dream and believing in me.

— Ava-Nicole

**Don't forget to check out the video of my last meet.