Olivia Orengo’s growth, versatility paying dividends for USU Gymnastics

It all began when young USU gymnast Olivia Orengo saw a gymnastics commercial on TV that lit a spark of interest. She enrolled in her first gymnastics class, and what started as curiosity quickly turned into passion, eventually shaping her path as a collegiate-level gymnast. 

Orengo remembers looking up to older gymnasts and feeling inspired to do her best and keep working hard at her sport.​     ​ 

Now, she has gone from looking up to the older girls in her gym to being one of the older girls young gymnasts can look up to. Her journey has come full circle as she now serves as both a key competitor and a role model. 

Olivia Orengo performs on the balance beam during a meet at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Feb. 9.

“I feel like that’s just kind of inspiring, to stay in the sport and be a leader for the little girls,” Orengo said. 

Her leadership extends beyond inspiring young gymnasts to work hard. Orengo shows dedication to her sport while taking the initiative to lead and support and uplift those around her, according to USU head gymnastics coach Kristin White.

“She’s definitely taken a leadership role on this team,” White said.

That role did not come without challenges. Like many athletes, Orengo faced challenges early on that tested her confidence and love for gymnastics.  

“I quit because I was too scared of the coaches,” Orengo said. “I got back into it after a year or two.” 

After taking a brief time away from the sport, she returned through a club gymnastics program in Illinois, where her confidence began to grow. Seeking stronger opportunities, Orengo later moved to Minnesota to continue to develop her skills and grow as an athlete. ​     ​ 

Her dedication paid off. Orengo competed successfully throughout high school, scoring well in competitions and becoming a four-time national qualifier. 

To Orengo, gymnastics is a great way to athletically improve as an individual while working with a team for a common goal. Each competitor is in charge of their own performance, but it is balanced with the support and motivation from teammates.  

“Your friends push you,” Orengo said. “It’s a great way to work hard at something on your own but also with a group of people.” 

More than just competition, gymnastics has also provided Orengo with personal growth, structure and a sense of community. The relationships formed in the gym have played a major role in her overall experience as an athlete. 

“My team and teammates throughout the years — that’s where most of my friends are from,” Orengo said. 

Her outgoing and confident personality is evident both in practice and during meets, where she brings energy and composure to the competition floor. ​     ​ 

“She’s one of the funniest athletes that I’ve ever met,” White said. “She’s got this really cool, calm and collected attitude, which I think really benefits our team.” 

USU Gymnastics Head Coach Kritine White talks to Olivia Orengo before her routine on the beam at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Jan. 10.

Orengo competes as an all-around athlete and contributes across all four apparatuses. She has recorded a career-high all-around score of 39.050 and is a reliable asset to her team. 

“She’s a very consistent athlete,” White said. 

While Orengo did not always expect to be competing in all four events at the collegiate level, she values the opportunity she has to contribute to her team as an all-around competitor. 

“If I’m not doing all four events, I don’t feel completed,” Orengo said. 

Each event has unique skills that go into it, and Orengo’s favorite event changes based on the skills she is working on. 

Bars was not always Orengo’s best event during her club career but has become one of her favorites. 

“It’s just the most satisfying thing to stick a routine and score high,” Orengo said. 

She also loves competing on the floor apparatus where she can showcase her tumbling skills and personality through her music and her routine. 

“Floor is fun because of the dance, and I know I’m going to hit it when I go out there,” Orengo said. 

Freshman Olivia Orengo on the uneven bars on Feb. 21 at the Spectrum.

After a successful first year, White said Orengo has continued to excel throughout her college career, showing steady growth as both an athlete and as a leader.

Orengo’s consistency in the gym and competitive mindset have helped her earn trust from her coaches and teammates, making her a reliable presence in the competition lineups, according to White. 

“This season, you’re starting to see her confidence and her personality come out more,” White said. 

Orengo’s routines this year are showing strength and precision. She is continuing to refine her skills and performances while embracing a larger role within the team. 

“We’re incredibly lucky to have her be a part of our Aggie family,” White said. “She’s been a tremendous asset — looking forward to the rest of her future.”