Freshman gymnast Mimi Fletcher's determination has propeled her to NCAAs

With Frank Ocean blasting in her ears, freshman Mimi Fletcher runs through her routine before it’s time to compete under the bright lights of The Palestra. She isn’t one to believe in intricate pre-competition rituals or superstitions as she focuses on executing routine on the mat. In the competitive world of gymnastics driven by perfectionism, Fletcher stays cool under pressure, which helps her cement herself in Penn gymnastics history.

This past April, Fletcher became the first Penn freshman to compete in the NCAA Regionals since 1991.

“People will tell me that, and I’m like ‘Yeah that’s crazy,’” Fletcher said. “It’s hard to believe myself, but I think it helps me understand that I am good.”  

Rewinding to the start of Fletcher's gymnastics journey, Fletcher started the sport at the age of four, where she encountered an early obstacle. Because she needed surgery for her cross-eyed condition, she was taken out of the sport early on. However, this didn’t stop her. A couple of years later, when the chance to return to the mat came, Fletcher took the opportunity and never looked back. That strong determination kicked off her journey and is a defining feature of her as a gymnast. 

Coming from an athletic family, with her mom playing softball and her dad and brother both playing baseball, Fletcher tested the waters in softball at six and swimming until around eight. However, she thrived in gymnastics, where she progressed quickly in her training.

Fletcher was tested in high school when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. Although her training looked quite different, with her gym moving outside, she did not let that hinder her progress. Rather than pausing her progress, she productively used her time to hone her technique and gain new skills. This became apparent as she enjoyed a successful sophomore season in high school that culminated in an eighth place on floor at the 2022 Level 10 Nationals. 

With this success, college scouts turned attention to Fletcher, and with her parents unfamiliar with the nuances of collegiate athletics recruiting, she turned to guidance from older teammates who had gone through the process before. After long deliberation, Fletcher was attracted to Penn’s harmony of academic and athletic rigor. 

“Penn was honestly always kind of at the top. … I really love the coaches here. … I love the gymnasts,” Fletcher said. 

While she had dealt with some impostor syndrome at the start of the year, she quickly adjusted to her routine as a student-athlete. Balancing academics with club gymnastics in high school had taught her valuable time management skills, equipping her for the demanding college life. 

On the mat, Fletcher has developed as well. Gymnastics is inherently a mentally taxing sport, with a strong focus on perfectionism. However, Fletcher has grown to manage the pressure in stride. She attributes her composure to both experience and mindset. 

"I understand now that … it’s okay to not be perfect,” Fletcher said. 

Fletcher embraced the transition from high school to college-level gymnastics, as well as Ivy League academics. After making official visits to the University of Washington and to Penn, she ultimately decided on the Red and Blue and enjoyed a great first year at Penn. But this season wasn't without its own challenges. This past December, Fletcher was suddenly struck with an ankle injury early on in the Red and Blue intrasquad meet. Coming back, she faced issues regarding her beam routine, but she still pushed through. Fletcher instantly worked with her coach and adjusted her routine midway through the season. 

“For me, the hardest part of this injury was getting my confidence back and being strong, mentally.” Fletcher reflects. 

Fletcher’s adaptability makes her a fierce competitor, and her unwavering dedication has undeniably helped her shine as a gymnast.

“The fact that she added something new mid-season shows how much of a natural team worker she is,” coach Kirsten Becker said.  

Mainly competing on beam this season, the event has quickly become her favorite. She enjoys the dance aspect of the event, in which she takes part in choreographing for her beam routines. Getting to be artistic, in addition to the validation of landing a skill on the beam, has moved this event to a favorite for Fletcher. 

“It’s so validating,” Fletcher said when describing nailing her routine. 

Surrounded by her tight-knit community of teammates, Fletcher is excited for what is to come in her sophomore year. Although she says that sophomores are “like the middle child,” she is ready to continue her studies in criminology and is looking forward to another amazing season.