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.
Following her high school graduation, Schlegel aimed to continue competing but found no intercollegiate gymnastics competitions or athletic scholarships available at Canadian universities. She secured an athletic scholarship and attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where she was part of coach Ernestine Weaver's Florida Gators women's gymnastics team from 1982 to 1986.