TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
TXK ROOTS Kayli Boozer
Kayli Boozer grew up in Texarkana, Texas, after moving from Dallas at the age of three. With all her childhood memories rooted in Texarkana, she developed a deep appreciation for the power of community—something she carried with her when she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kayli trained for 12 years at North East Texas Elite Gymnastics, where she was a late bloomer in a sport that often favors early commitments. While many gymnasts secured college spots before their junior year, Kayli committed to the University of Michigan as a walk-on after graduating high school. Despite facing challenges her freshman year, she embraced each as an opportunity for growth. Her perseverance paid off when she earned a scholarship after her sophomore season. Kayli credits the supportive people of Texarkana and the lessons they instilled in her—resilience, faith, and determination, for helping shape her journey. She remains grateful for the prayers, belief, and encouragement she received both in and outside of the gym.
What is your favorite Texarkana memory? My favorite memories in Texarkana are the ones where I was playing outside with family or friends. I loved picking mulberries with my family while we rode on the golf cart, playing hide-and-seek in the woods during family holidays, and having the ability to explore nature. What was the teen hangout when you lived here? Honestly, I’m not too sure what the hangout spot was. I never had much free time because I was always in the gym or traveling for mine or my siblings’ sports. However, my best friend and I always enjoyed going to Sonic for a drink, a snack, and a deep conversation. Where was your favorite place to shop in Texarkana? I love shopping at Dillard’s in the mall! There is so much variety, from shoes,
teachers from other places, and I am so thankful to have grown up with educators who fully care about the success of their students. What is your nickname for Texarkana? I always abbreviate to TK. What do you miss about Texarkana? I miss free and easy parking. There’s minimal free parking in Ann Arbor, and it’s mostly parallel…YUCK! (I failed my driver’s test because of parallel parking.
to jewelry to perfume… they really have it all. (It’s also a bonus that I can walk and get a cookie or snack afterwards.) Were you a Hawk, Leopard, Razorback, or Tiger? I was a TISD Tiger from kindergarten to second grade, a Red Lick Mustang from third to eighth grades, and then I graduated as a PG Hawk. Who is someone from Texarkana who impacted your life? Aside from family and friends, my coaches at North East Texas Elite Gymnastics impacted my life a ton. Through their dedication, I was able
#embarrassing). What words do you live by? My strength and conditioning coach always
to live out my lifelong dream of becoming a collegiate gymnast!
What do you love about Texarkana? I love the teachers! Coming to college, I heard so many horror stories about
says, “Be where your feet are.” I’ve really started to hang onto every second I can because of that.
TXK Roots is Texarkana Magazine ’s forum to highlight and honor Texarkana natives who have accomplished big things in the world. These folks may have relocated, but they took the values, education, work ethic, and creativity instilled in them by growing up in this unique border city and used these qualities to blaze extraordinary trails. We asked them to share their thoughts about growing up here. No matter how far from Texarkana they may find themselves, we will always consider them our neighbors and we are proud to claim them as forever members of our extended Texarkana community. After all, “everyone is famous in their hometown!”
66
TXK ROOTS
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs