Gymnast Retoshia Halsell Sticks the Landing on a Division I College Scholarship
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photography Provided
This fall, Retoshia Halsell is headed to Towson University in Maryland on a full-ride scholarship to compete on the university gymnastics team.
Towson ranks among the top 30 out of nearly 100 college gymnastics programs.
The first black female Division I gymnast to receive a full ride out of Louisville says she was “humbled” when learning about her record-breaking status.
However, like every success story, Retoshia has a tale of ups and downs, injuries and triumphs, leading the way to her chosen path.
“I had been in all-star cheerleading as a kid, and when I was 9 I was ready for something different,” she says. “I was already good at tumbling, so I got on the gymnastics team and was able to advance in levels pretty quickly because of my head start in cheerleading.”
She began at Level 3 from the get-go, quickly graduated to Level 4, then 7, then 9 and then 10 – Olympian level.
“Many people have to repeat levels and it was hard for me too,” Retoshia says. “I fractured my hip during that time, but I managed to get my Level 10 without repeating a single level.”
Even with that injured hip, she managed to earn first place on bars at the 2019 state meet, establishing her as someone to watch.
Becoming a Level 10 gymnast opens the door for athletes who wish to continue on the college track or even train for the Olympics, but with Retoshia’s dedication to her education and dreams of the future, she’s made her decision, signing with Towson.
“At this point many athletes are homeschooled and they train all week,” she says. “I decided I wanted to go to college.”
She’s inspired by her two sisters. One owns her own practice as a pediatrician, and another is completing her degree as a biology major at a college in Alabama.
Retoshia hopes to see the world as a traveling nurse and plans to major in biology.
The importance of education has been instilled in her from a young age, even while pursuing a career in gymnastics.
“She’s been on the honor roll for the last four years and takes advanced AP classes,” says Willia, Retoshia’s mother. “I’ve always stressed the importance of school. School is your job. It’ll pay off. It comes before gymnastics and you don’t want to lose sight of that.”
Excelling in school and gymnastics has certainly kept the Ballard High School graduate busy.
Retoshia can boast a long list of first-place competition wins. She walked away with 16th place in the 2021 nationals and fifth place in the 2022 nationals. She was also named the 2022 Kentucky Gymnast of the Year.
Despite her success, when it came to signing for a college scholarship, Retoshia hit a snag.
“In February of 2021 I tore my UCL in my elbow, had surgery to repair it and did physical therapy to rebuild strength,” she says. “When I started recovery, I was really depressed. I was still going to practice but was unmotivated. You can try to [practice routines] but you physically can’t. I stopped talking to college coaches and I missed out on some opportunities.”
Despite the setback, Retoshia worked hard and is in fighting shape today. What’s more, she learned another lesson to take with her in the future.
“Towson didn’t look at the fact that I was hurt,” she says. “They looked at how fast I was able to recover. Injuries are just part of the sport and I’ve had many. You can’t let them define you. The hard work does pay off.”
She continues to learn life lessons, including time management, responsibility, perseverance and more, but Retoshia also serves as a mentor to younger gymnasts. She’s coached younger athletes for years, works as a nanny for four young children and hosts birthday parties at the local trampoline park.
Families with younger gymnasts travel to watch her performances from the stands, and as the oldest at her current gym, Retoshia serves as a leader in many ways, whether braiding the hair of her younger counterparts or inspiring those struggling to keep going.
Willia admits watching Retoshia perform in front of an audience of 10 or 100 is a moment of pride for her.
“There’s nothing you can compare it to,” Willia says. “Gymnasts only have one chance to make a good impression in front of the judges. I’ve been to every meet, cheering her on. She never forgets her routine and more than anything else, she’s such a great person. She really inspires the younger gymnasts.”
Particularly gymnasts of color, many of whom couldn’t have imagined themselves in Retoshia’s position a few decades ago.
“Gymnastics is typically a white sport,” Retoshia said. “It’s also expensive but over the years, I’ve seen more and more black gymnastics come to the forefront. I have referred some younger athletes to join us and it warms my heart to help others and inspire them.”
Retoshia looks up to other gymnasts before her, like Olympic gold medalists Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles.
“Simone felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and suffered from the twisties, a mental block that makes it so you get lost in the air while twisting, making it hard to land the skill correctly,” she says. “She was struggling with that and she said, ‘I have bad days too. I’m not perfect.’ I find that really inspirational because she’s not afraid to say she struggles too.”
The soon-to-be college athlete may not suffer from the twisties, but she knows all about sacrifice and how to navigate through something many of us find overwhelming.
High school, for example.
“Regional competitions were held on prom weekend every year,” she says. “As a senior I get a little more leeway, but I’ve never been on a spring break trip with friends. I’ve always had curfews and I stay in town for those important competitions. My friends all understand though. They are supportive for sure.”
Willia recognizes the sacrifices too, but with a sense of pride.
“It was hard for her to miss out on things but she’s been able to balance school, practice, social time, boyfriends, home and family time, work, etcetera,” Willia says. “This will help her in the future.”
Though friends, family and fans look forward to Retoshia’s career in university gymnastics, what she’ll do beyond that, only time will tell.
Either way, both mom and daughter agree gymnastics will always be in Retoshia’s heart.
“I think she’ll always be involved in one way or another,” Willia says. “The kids love her and she’s inspiring to them. She can always coach. Maybe she’ll have a gym one day.”
Retoshia is finishing her time in Louisville on a high note. Not only did she take first place at the Kentucky state competition, but she also qualified to compete in her third nationals in a row. She earned eighth place on bars, 11th on floor, and a 9.925 silver-medal finish on vault.
Despite the challenges, this young gymnast is going places.
Visit YouTube for recent routines by Retoshia at the state and national tournaments.
