After graduation from high school, Schlegel wanted to continue to compete, but Canadian universities did not offer intercollegiate gymnastics competition or athletic scholarships. She sought and received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where she was a member of coach Ernestine Weaver's Florida Gators women's gymnastics team in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition from 1982 to 1986.
After completing high school, Schlegel intended to continue competing but could not find intercollegiate gymnastics competitions or athletic scholarships in Canada. She obtained an athletic scholarship and attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where she was a member of coach Ernestine Weaver's women's gymnastics team from 1982 to 1986.