Chambana Sun

After four years in Champaign-Urbana, Amelia Knight thought her time with the Illinois women's gymnastics team was over.

Earning her bachelor's degree in the spring of 2024, Knight went into her end-of-year meeting with the Illini coaching staff with the expectation that her college career had come to an end.

Instead, Knight received the opportunity to come back for one more year. Admittedly stretching out the process to ensure she assessed all her options, Knight made the decision to return to the Orange and Blue and represent the program for one final campaign.

"These past four years have been better than I could have ever imagined. This is where I want to be, and it was a no-brainer for me to come back," Knight said. "This has been my home for the past four years, and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."

A native of the United Kingdom, Knight found the transition to life in the U.S. to be a lot smoother than she initially anticipated. Arriving on campus during the pandemic, Knight leaned on her teammates and coaches while adjusting to her new surroundings, as her family was unable to make the trip across the pond due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

When it came to simply getting around, buying a new phone, or acquiring debit cards that would work in the States, Knight found comfort and support from her "second family," her teammates and coaches in the Illinois women's gymnastics program.

"As soon as I came to campus, I felt so welcomed," Knight said. "Everyone was there for me. I felt like I had so many people helping me adjust to the culture and lifestyle, especially the coaches, too. They're with you the whole way. I can go to any of them about any issue or anything I have going on. Obviously, there's a time difference in England, so I knew if I ever had an issue, whatever time or day it was, I could call one of the coaches and they'd help me.

"The same goes with my teammates. They are super supportive. It feels like a family. I know that everyone has my back no matter what, and they made me super comfortable moving from a different country. When I told the girls I was coming back, it was nothing but joy. They were so glad I was back for another year."

Knight immediately stepped into the lineup as a freshman, making her debut on beam and floor during the Illini's first meet of the 2021 season. The following year, she grew more comfortable, confident, and consistent, appearing in all 13 meets while garnering Academic All-Big Ten honors for the first time.

As a junior, Knight helped the Illini set a new beam record with a career-high 9.925 while once again competing in every meet. Also finding success off the mat, she earned Academic All-Big Ten status for two consecutive seasons while also being named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

In what was originally expected to be her final season, Knight took a serious mindset into 2024. Winning multiple event titles over that year led her to realize late in that season that she needed to loosen up and savor each moment.

"I was like 'If this is my last year; I need to be enjoying this moment.' I feel like I got there at regionals," Knight said. "I was like 'If only I'd gone through this season enjoying everything about it,' then I'd have felt more content."

This time around—in what truly will be her final season—Knight aims to enjoy every moment of 2024-25 fully. With increased expectations for herself and her team this upcoming season promises significant achievements.

"I just want to fully enjoy this year," Knight said."I know we have so much talent and can do great things with our team this year.”

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