From the Mat to the Mission Field: Amara Nelson Finishes Well at Greenville University

Published: May 22, 2026

Author: Dave Bell, Liz Dowell

For Greenville University senior Amara Nelson ‘26, college was never going to be ordinary.

She came to Greenville in 2022 as part of the first gymnastics program recruitment class, stepping onto campus with a passion for athletics, a heart for service, and a faith she hoped would grow stronger along the way.

Four years later, she leaves as a national champion, an All-American, a campus leader, and a student deeply rooted in Christ.

“Much of my decision to attend Greenville is thanks to my recruitment in 2022 for the first-ever gymnastics program at GU,” Nelson said. “The coaches believed that I could accomplish great things, and I knew that the values upheld at GU would strengthen my faith in the process.”

That belief paid off.

In 2025, Nelson became an All-American for the first time at the Division III National College Gymnastics Association national championships, placing third in the all-around. In 2026, she built that momentum by becoming the Division III NCGA national all-around champion before going on to place second against Division I and Division II athletes at the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championships in both the all-around and beam competition.

But athletic excellence is only part of her Greenville story.

As a biology major pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, Nelson balanced the demands of academics with those of life as a gymnast, dancer, and cheerleader. All accomplished while staying active across campus through the Greenville Student Government Association, the Outdoor Adventure activities, and several faith-focused groups, including FCA and Grafted: The Gathering.

“The members of Greenville Free Methodist Church and the faculty and staff of Greenville University have deepened my relationship with God, and I will forever be grateful for their kindness and generosity,” Nelson said.

Her favorite places on campus reflect the many facets of her Greenville experience: quiet corners for reflection, places of worship, and spaces filled with laughter and friendship.

“My top places would be 1892 Supply, The Gullies, and Whitlock,” Nelson said. “They are all relatively quiet places to study, socialize, worship, pray, or rest.”

However, her most treasured memories came from athletic competition.

Nelson competed at dance and cheer nationals during her freshman, sophomore, and senior years. These moments, she says, gave her the opportunity to display her God-given talents alongside teammates she loves.

She also laughs when she remembers one unforgettable winter trip to a gymnastics meet at Lindenwood University, when the charter van window shattered beside her and a teammate.

“We were completely fine,” she said, “but it made for a very memorable trip!”

Now, as a graduate, Nelson is looking ahead to the next chapter.

She plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy while also exploring opportunities to coach gymnastics or dance. Her interest in physical therapy goes back to when she suffered a severe forearm injury – compound fractures of her radius and ulna bones. “I want to help others recover from injuries like my doctors and physical therapists did for me,” she said. “They were so encouraging.”

This summer, before beginning the next phase of her academic journey, Nelson will accompany the cheer team on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

“People there have so few possessions and resources, and I want to show them the love of Jesus,” Nelson said. “I want to encourage them to be bold and lean into the people and opportunities God has placed before them.”

As a recent GU graduate, Nelson leaves behind a legacy of fearless living, faithful perseverance, and excellence in every activity she pursued.

“I’m proud of the University for starting the gymnastics program,” Nelson said. “It made a big difference in my life. Overall, I couldn’t ask for a better college experience. Greenville University and the community will always have a special place in my heart.”

Nelson and her coach, Stephanie Brant.