An ISU freshman gymnast will compete along side the nation’s best teams and individuals this week.

Erin Dethloff qualified for the NCAA national championships, which begin Thursday and run through Sunday, on April 12-13 by finishing in a tie first place on the floor exercise. She also placed fifth in the all-around competition. Both feats came against gymnasts from the No. 3 and No. 10 teams in the country.

Iowa State just missed getting a team invite to the competition, finishing just two-tenths of a point short of a berth. The entire ISU team will travel with Dethloff to the championships, which held in Lincoln, Neb., though. Not only will the team provide support for Dethloff, but head coach K.J. Kindler said it will also be good inspiration for the team, presenting a goal to strive for next year.

“We are proud of her and anxious to see what she can do against this level of competition,” senior co-captain Courtney Sarrett said.

Dethloff said the presence of her teammates is very meaningful to her. “I am really excited that the team is coming out to support me,” she said. “I really wish we were all there competing as a team, but I’m still really happy they will be there.”

Dethloff has made a huge splash at Iowa State, in the Big 12 and on a national level. She was named Big 12 newcomer of the year this year. This marks only the second time an ISU freshman has qualified individually.

Dethloff looks to shine in the all-around, but her best chance is likely on the bars. Kindler said Dethloff is one of the best gymnasts in the country in that event.

The stage should be somewhat familiar for Dethloff, who is originally from Omaha, Neb. She has also competed in the same arena already this year. On March 23, Iowa State finished up their regular season against the second-ranked Huskers.

Dethloff finished third in the all-around on that occasion, after making some of her best marks of the season, and she hopes to finish off her year with a fantastic finish this time.

“I just want to hit all my routines, and try my best,” she said. “If I can do that, I will come back happy.”