The family relocated to Houston, Texas when gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi invited nine-year old Powell to train under his tutelage.
That same year, Powell portrayed young Nadia Comaneci in a TV Movie about the Olympic Gymnasts' life.
Powell's first international competition was in 1993, when she competed in a dual meet against Japan where she earned three silver medals.
That same year Powell was part of the U.S. team that won gold at the Pan American Games.
[3] Powell's success in 1995 was followed by injuries, including lateral collateral ligament in her knee and extreme pain in her shins.
[3] In January 1997 Powell relocated to the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy where Mary Lee Tracy became her new coach.