Q) Tell us a little bit about yourself in general.
A) Before coming to Alabama I trained at Hills Gymnastics in Maryland. I moved there away from home at 14. It is nice to have three homes now.
Q) How old were you when you started gymnastics? Where? Coaches?
A) I was 6 years old when I started gymnastics. It was a small recreation program out of the high school.
Q) When did you determine that you were talented enough to compete nationally/internationally?
A) I decided I knew I was talented enough when competition started to become fun instead of a nerve-racking experience.
Q) Do you have a favorite gymnast? Who? What is it about that gymnast that you like in particular?
A) I was never the kind of kid who had a famous role model. I always looked up to the people around me.
Q) What is your favorite apparatus? Why?
A) Floor because you can never have too much energy. It is all about having fun.
Q) What was your best competition performance?
A) The Boland Bank Challenge held in South Africa. I came in second, but what really made it great was the fact I was the only gymnast in the competition with no falls.
Q) Favorite competition location?
A) Last summer US Classic was in Seattle. I really like the area - the water, the mountains, and there was so much to do.
Q) Interesting travel experiences through gymnastics competitions?
A) In January 1998 I went to Brazil to compete. The competition was at night on the beach. It was an open arena, so there was no roof.
Q) Tell us about your collegiate recruiting experience. Who recruited you, how many visits did you take, and at what point did you decide to attend the University of Alabama?
A) I took 3 trips before I decided on Alabama. Alabama was my first trip followed by Oregon State and Arizona State. It was not till I returned from all of them that I realized how much I was missing if I didn't come here. Friendly coaches, a great team, wonderful training gym, and the beautiful southern sun.
Q) What skills are you currently practicing and do you expect to contribute on each apparatus this season?
A) Double Arabian on floor.
Back hand spring onodei on beam.
Q) What are your academic and athletic goals for the upcoming season?
A) I would really like to keep up with a good GPA throughout my time here and maybe make it to one of the event finals at Nationals. As a team, I hope we all stay healthy and have fun out there.
Q) Do you have a best and a worst experience involving gymnastics?
A) I have been in the sport so long I can't single out any of them. I have gained so much from this sport and I'm so glad to be competing for The University of Alabama. |
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