Kristen Coleman
Sport: Gymnastics
Year Inducted: 2008
A love for gymnastics began at five years old. Kristen Coleman started studying under Tammy McAllister at the Cornwall Gymnastics Club in 1990. As a six year old, she was named “Most Promising Gymnast” by the Club. That kick started a decade long training run at the Ottawa Gymnastics Club.
As a 10 year old, Kristen place third for the first of two straight years at the provincial level. Her first foray on the National stage two years later saw her garner a second place finish in the all-around and she becomes the National Bar Champion. That leads to a spot on the National Junior Team and International competitions.
Kristen twice qualified for the Canada Winter Games and pulled out 8th and 3rd place finishes respectively as a member of the gold medal winning Ontario Team.
Kristen’s passion led to a 5 year scholarship at Michigan State University as the first Canadian on that team. Her college resume includes 35 first place finishes and 81 trips to the podium in the top 3.
Her collegiate career is highlighted by twice being voted Big Ten Conference Athlete of the Week, and First Team Big Ten Conference Honours in 2006 and 2007.
Kristen set two Michigan State records for overall scores. She holds the top two All-Time High Scores in MSU history while sharing the third highest score.
Kristen’s gymnastics career was capped off by being voted the 2007 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year thanks to being ranked 1st in all-around in the Conference and 12th in all of the NCAA.