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When Samantha Partyka says she's never known a life without gymnastics, take her seriously: She started training when she was 2 years old.

Now 19, the rising junior from Texas has decided to retire from competition, leave the Red Rocks and see what lies beyond.

"It's not something I took lightly," she said. "It has been on my mind for a while now, since the season ended. I'm very grateful for what I learned in gymnastics. There's been countless lessons."

Partyka played a valuable role for Utah gymnastics the past two years, earning All-American honors in vault in 2015 for the Red Rocks' runner-up finish at NCAAs. http://www.sltrib.com/home/3391341-155/utah-gymnastics-samantha-partyka-set-to";>Touted this season as a potential breakout star, she won four individual events this last season, including in all-around at UCLA.

But while the great moments come in competition, in front of sellout crowds of home fans, the struggles lie behind the scenes. Partyka dealt with stress fractures in her legs and bulging or herniated discs in her back throughout the later years of her career, and those injuries were a major factor in choosing to retire.

She talked over her decision with her teammates for the last month before informing coaches Megan Marsden and Tom Farden a few days ago that she was done.

"My teammates have been very supportive," she said. "Our team is like a family. I've just been so thankful because I think I came to the right school. People here are just an amazing support system. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Partyka doesn't plan on being anywhere else: She'll continue her education off-scholarship at Utah, where she is studying elementary education.

The Red Rocks figure to bring back seven competitors from last seasons' team, which made the NCAA semifinals. Baely Rowe and Sabrina Schwab were All Americans this past year, and sophomore Kari Lee hopes to be healthy for next season.

She said she'll continue to support the gymnastics team — not as a competitor, but as a fan.

"I would do anything to support them," she said. "But I am excited to see what else is in store for me."

kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon