Sticking the Landing
Sydney Kho’s Balance On and Off the Mat
Isabella Williams
Sydney Kho has spent years perfecting the art of balance — not just on the beam, but in every leap life has asked her to take.
Growing up in the Los Angeles area, she followed in the footsteps of her two older sisters, Caitlin and Kaylee, who both competed at the collegiate level at Southern Utah University. Watching them train, compete and persevere sparked the same passion in Sydney from an early age.
“Seeing them both in gymnastics, especially while growing up, definitely paved a path for me to follow in their footsteps,” she said.
Sydney soon followed the same demanding path her sisters had taken, beginning in club gymnastics. Before long, her life revolved around early mornings, hours inside the gym and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
“Club gymnastics can be really tough,” Caitlin said. “There are a lot of hard days. But we always had each other, and that made a huge difference.”
That bond, shaped over countless hours in gyms and unforgettable meets, became a cornerstone of Sydney’s experience.
The sisters supported each other through the ups and downs of the sport, sharing advice, encouragement and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing someone always had your back. Whether it was celebrating a routine that finally clicked or offering reassurance after a tough meet, their bond made the demanding journey a little easier to navigate.
“It was incredible to see all three of us blossom in college after growing up training together in club gymnastics,” Caitlin reflected.
We stuck together through every practice and competition. Watching each other grow was so special.Caitlin Kho
Eventually, Sydney’s years of dedication and perseverance opened the door to the next chapter: competing at Boise State University.
College gymnastics, however, brought a completely new atmosphere. Unlike the regimented intensity of club gymnastics, it thrived on team energy and the excitement of performing alongside teammates.
“In club, it’s a super serious environment,” Sydney said. “But in college, I would call my sisters all the time, and they would tell me how energetic the team was and how great the atmosphere felt. That was something I looked forward to most.”
Among all the experiences that Boise State offered, one of the most meaningful for Sydney was competing against her sisters. Since Boise State and Southern Utah were in the same conference, the Kho sisters were able to face each other during meets, adding a layer of personal significance to every matchup.
“It was unforgettable being able to compete with them for two years,” Sydney said. “Seeing them in their element and having that friendly sister competition made those meets extra special.”
At the end of the day, win or lose, we’re still family. We’re always going to support each other.Sydney Kho
Beyond the sisterly bond, Kho’s impact at Boise State Broncos extended far beyond her family connections. Her coach throughout her collegiate career, Tina Bird, praised her not only for her performances as a gymnast but also for the leadership and consistency she brought to the team each day.
“This year, she’s definitely stepped up as a leader," Bird said.
The younger athletes really look up to her since she sets an example with her work ethic, her focus, and her positive energy.Tina Bird
On the competition floor, Sydney has consistently risen to the occasion, particularly in high-pressure events. Her performance at a recent Mountain West Conference meet exemplified this, as she scored 9.875 to claim first place on vault.
She’s competed in Boise State’s vault lineup in nearly every meet since joining the team, completing over 40 routines on the apparatus. Sydney has also participated in NCAA Regionals multiple years, competing at the championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Sydney’s vaulting success is just one example of the impact she has across her career. On beam, she's consistently delivered strong routines earning her some of her highest scores of the season.
“Really, it’s her confidence in herself that has grown the most,” Bird said. “She’s always been a very talented gymnast… but when she got to the program, she truly had to grow into her own.”
Kaylee, having watched Sydney grow from a little sister in the gym to a seasoned senior at Boise State Broncos, said what impresses her most is Sydney’s ability to channel her competitive drive while still enjoying the sport she loves. Even as the stakes have grown higher, Sydney has managed to stay grounded, balancing her intensity in competition with the same passion that fueled her from the beginning.
"She’s always been such a hard worker and never lets anything negative show,” Kaylee said.
No matter what’s going on, she always pushes through it.Kaylee Kho
Despite rigorous travel schedules, back-to-back competitions and the physical toll of balancing school and athletics, Sydney still makes time for the friendships and experiences that define college life. Sharing sunsets with friends, exploring new places or just simply catching up on ordinary conversations are all part of how she keeps balance in her days.
“I love being around friends during my free time,” she said. “It’s so fun just sitting there talking with them, whether it’s funny or deep or anything in between. That doesn’t get any better for me.”
It’s the blend of intensity and simplicity that makes Sydney’s story resonate beyond the scoreboard. She’s a competitor who thrives under pressure and an athlete who executes high-level routines, but she’s also someone who’s still able to savor the quieter moments.
As her senior season unfolds, Sydney’s focus is not just on personal accomplishments, but on contributing to the team’s overall success.
Boise State’s goals this season are clear: compete consistently, score strongly across events and make a deep run at the Mountain West title. Sydney embodies that team focus, constantly thinking not just about her own routines, but about how she can lift up her teammates and help the Broncos perform at their best.
“A goal for me and the whole team is winning the Mountain West,” Sydney said.
The Mountain West is what we have our eyes, hearts and mind set on, and I know that we’ve put in the work to get there.Sydney Kho
Off the competition floor, Sydney’s dedication extends to academics as well. She has earned WCGA Scholastic All-American honors and has been recognized as a Mountain West Scholar-Athlete, achievements that underscore her ability to excel both athletically and in the classroom.
From California to Boise, Sydney Kho’s story is threaded with resilience, connection, and joy. She has consistently balanced personal achievement with team spirit, proving that the true art of balance extends far beyond the mat and into every chapter of her life.
As every great gymnast knows, the most memorable landings are those you make after the biggest leaps.