Origins

Eight-year-old Soma climbed her way around her childhood. She scaled anything from trees to fences, which caused quite a stir. Since she was an active child, gymnastics was the perfect outlet. 

“I started gymnastics because it was recommended by my brother’s soccer teammate’s mom,” Soma said. “Her daughter, the teammate’s sister, did gymnastics and she [told me] ‘You should do gymnastics.’”

When Soma started gymnastics, she never expected what it had in store for her future.

Her gymnastics career began in Honolulu, Hawaii at Hawaiian Island Twisters. This gym organization is one of the most competitive in the state of Hawaii, and it was a great start for young Soma. 

The first step in her gymnastics career was competing at a recreational level. From there, Soma soon joined the competitive team. Coaches recognized her talent at a young age and placed her in the Talent Opportunity Program (TOPS). She thrived in the program and quickly progressed.

After climbing through the levels at a dizzying pace, Soma’s family made the decision to move to California and train at San Mateo Gymnastics, a facility known for producing high-level, successful gymnasts.  

“After my level eight season in the summer, I moved to California,” Soma said.

Soma has excelled at the gym. Her trainers and coaches immediately saw she had a spark that set her apart from other athletes, and she soon developed a reputation for her incredible drive and work ethic. 

“Her work ethic is really second to none in terms of any athlete I’ve trained. And this goes for even pro athletes. She literally has a motor,” said Ryan Ting, one of Soma’s athletic trainers. “It’s almost like an analogy I give athletes who are super energized, super active. She literally does not know when to stop, which is really good, but it also can be greatly instrumental to know where her limitations are. She’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen come through our practice.”