University of Nebraska High School, Gymnast Vaults to World Stage Success | University of Nebraska High School

Ever since she was a little girl, Lexi Zeiss has always dreamed of donning one of the sparkling Team USA leotards and competing on the world stage. With the help of the University of Nebraska High School’s online curriculum, and the support of her parents and friends, Lexi was able to achieve the dream of competing for the United States both at home and internationally!

Lexi is a Nebraska native, having grown up in Omaha and attending Westside High School her freshman year of high school. She has always been extremely active and involved in a variety of sports from a young age, including soccer, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, volleyball, tennis, and golf. She eventually had to narrow down which activities she wanted to focus on, using her love and skills in soccer and gymnastics to play at upper levels of these two sports until sixth grade. When faced with the choice of picking just one, Lexi discovered that the feeling of flying and the challenge of mastering four events in gymnastics was her true passion. 

To pursue her dreams of representing the U.S. on the world stage, Lexi and her family made the decision to move to Minnesota so she could train with Elite Level gymnasts and Olympic coaches. This was not an easy choice, as Lexi loved her school, her classmates, and had her heart set on earning a diploma from a Nebraska high school. However, Westside High School knew of the University of Nebraska High School and suggested, without hesitation, that Lexi should reach out to us.

"Without UNHS I could never have done any of this. I would not have had the flexibility of an independent learning environment, so gymnastics at this high level would have been impossible. I feel blessed that Westside High School helped me find my new home at UNHS."Lexi

With grandparents that had careers in public education, as well as many other family members, Lexi’s education remains a top priority to her and her family. Transitioning to a new school, not to mention an online school, can be daunting. However, Lexi knew that a traditional school wouldn’t be compatible with the 30 hours of practice, strength and conditioning, and body therapy required to pursue the Elite Level of gymnastics. With UNHS, she could take her coursework with her while traveling and not fall behind in her studies. The flexibility and wide variety of courses offered through UNHS has allowed Lexi to flourish academically, athletically, and personally. She credits the UNHS staff with being readily available to help and provide prompt feedback as well as her adviser for guiding her through course schedules and NCAA compliance.

Even though she is extremely busy with her gymnastics and training, Lexi still enjoys the normal teenage life: hanging out with friends and family back home in Nebraska whenever she can, swimming, painting, attending Homecoming activities with her friends, and one of the most important things – getting adequate sleep!

In July 2022, Lexi was named to the U.S. National Team and was selected to compete at the Pan American Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a team, the U.S. won the silver medal, and Lexi came home with some of her own hardware: a silver in the all-around and a bronze on beam! Tumble ahead to October 2022, where Lexi was again selected and competed for the U.S. National Team in Liverpool, United Kingdom at the World Championships. Team USA brought home the gold medal and secured a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. At the Winter Cup in February 2023, Lexi was named the all-around champion, bringing home the gold medal! She was also selected to compete for the U.S. team in Germany in March of 2023, and again, the team brought the gold medal home. 

"There would have been no way I could have pursued Elite gymnastics had I stayed in traditional school. With online I can do classes at any time I wish. I can do early mornings, evenings, or weekends. It also allows me to work at my own pace. So, I can work ahead at any point!"Lexi

After graduating with UNHS, Lexi plans to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) in the fall of 2024 where she has accepted a full ride athletic scholarship. She was recruited by many great programs but feels incredibly lucky her heart led her to LSU to continue her education and compete in gymnastics beyond high school. She plans to eventually go to medical school in hopes to one day be a dermatologist. With the online coursework she has taken at UNHS, Lexi feels she will be prepared for college as it has helped her remain accountable with her coursework and time management skills. 

Congratulations to future graduate Lexi Zeiss! UNHS is so proud of you and all your accomplishments, and we’re confident you will soar to your future dreams!