For 10-year-old athlete Haven Ward, sports have always been a way of life. From the soccer field to the balance beam, she’s been chasing excellence with every kick and cartwheel. But this year, Haven made a tough but exciting decision: she’s stepping away from her club soccer team to fully commit to gymnastics.

“I like soccer, and I’ll miss my teammates,” Haven said. “But gymnastics is just more fun right right now. I want to see how far I can go.”

Haven has been part of her gym’s Xcel gymnastics team for the past three years, where she progressed through bronze and silver with her powerful vaults and graceful floor routines. Now, she’s making the leap to compulsory gymnastics—a more structured and competitive track in the sport, with standardized routines and strict skill requirements.

“I know it’s going to be more hours,” she admitted. “But I’m training extra hard because I want to be ready for the new season.”

Her coaches are impressed with her dedication. She’s been putting in extra hours each week, drilling core skills like back walkovers, handstands, and kip progressions. The transition to compulsory gymnastics means she must master a new set of routines that demand strength, precision, and artistry.

Though she may no longer be on the soccer field, Haven is sprinting toward her gymnastics dreams—and the journey is just beginning