Katie Sepe, first-year student at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh who represented the United States last month at a world trampoline gymnastics competition in Bulgaria, has decided to retire from the sport and focus on her studies.
“My trip to Bulgaria was amazing,” she said. “It was the experience of a lifetime. Although competition didn’t go exactly how I wanted it to, it was just a great feeling being able to be there are represent the country.”
Sepe, 19, who competed as an individual in trampoline for more than 10 years, said hearing everyone from the U.S. cheering her on was something she will never forget.
The Lombard, Ill., native is majoring in radiology at UW Oshkosh and she looks forward to finding new interests and spending more time on campus.
Her mom, Karen Sepe, said the opportunity to watch Katie represent Team USA was an incredible experience and one most parents can never imagine would happen.
Diana Laulainen-Schein photos
“Katie competed in individual trampoline and competed both of her passes successfully,” she said. “Her goal was to complete all 20 skills and hit her routine. She did that! She was very excited and relieved—the pressure at this competition was like no other. She came in 47th place out of almost 70 athletes and her coaches are very happy with the outcome.”
Karen Sepe said her daughter will miss trampoline and all that it has brought to her life, but she ended her career in the best possible way.
“She now is focusing on being a Titan,” she said. “She really is excited to get the full college experience now. (But) she will forever treasure this exceptional memory.”
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