Prep: Trained at both the American Academy of Gymnastics in Wheeling, Ill, and Buffalo Grove Gymnastics Center in Buffalo Grove, Ill. As a freshman, contributed to a fifth-place team finish at state meet. A torn ACL sidelined her during her sophomore season. As a junior, named Most Valuable Gymnast by her team, and placed sixth in the all-around at state. Placed fifth in the all-around and third on the balance beam at state meet her senior year, helping lead her team to a second-place finish. Earned three varsity letters during her high school career, with career best scores of 9.80 on the vault, 9.725 on the balance beam, 9.85 on the bars, 9.6 for the floor exercise, and 38.05 in the all-around.

Personal: Daughter of Mike and Kathy Watanabe of Palatine, Ill. Born Jan. 27, 1989 in Evanston, Ill. While at NIU, is pursuing a degree in physical therapy.