From a high-profile UCLA dismissal to a legendary redemption at Florida, 25-time All-American Selena Harris-Miranda has officially mastered the comeback. Now, at 22, she is stepping away from the mat.

Selena Harris-Miranda announced her decision on Instagram, reminiscing on a journey that took her from a young girl in Las Vegas to a SEC champion in Gainesville.

"Wow… where do I even start lol. If you know me, you know gymnastics has always been my escape, my playground, and my peace," Harris wrote.

She reflected on her journey, which began at the age of three when she went on a field trip and came back with a letter for her mother, who had to sign up Selena for classes.

"What my mom, sisters and I didn’t realize when I started was how much this sport would shape me and surround me with a community that helped me grow into who I am today," Harris continued. "@gogymcats will always have a special place in my heart for that."

She described the transfer from UCLA to the University of Florida as the “biggest blessing” of her life. With that, she found a place that matched her personality and, as she put it, “truly felt like me.”

As she prepares herself for the graduation in August, she looks forward to a future where her purpose seems bigger than just competing.

“My Purpose Is Bigger,” Says Selena Harris-Miranda

One thing that remains unchanged for Selena Harris-Miranda is her “love for gymnastics” and her desire to start her own gym one day or to be a head coach at a college.

"Through it all, one thing never changed…my love for gymnastics. And now I know my purpose is bigger than just competing," she further wrote. "I hope to one day own a gym or be a head coach of a college."

While achieving that, Selena's primary goal will be to mentor the next generation.

"Mainly, I want to pour into the next generation of athletes the same way this sport poured into me mentally, physically, and spiritually," Selena concluded.

She finishes her career with a total of nine perfect 10s during her collegiate career. Selena has consistently demonstrated her ability to score highly from her freshman year at UCLA through her time in Florida.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Gymnastics Digest.

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore