Q) How did you spend your summer vacation?
A) "I worked at the Alabama Gymnastics Camp for two great weeks. I also went home for one month to coach gymnastics camp and work out there as well. While at home I signed up at the YMCA to keep in shape."
Q) Now that fall practice has begun, what new skills are you working on?
A) "On beam I have been working on a new series: back handspring, back handspring, layout. On vault I have a front pike. I also have a new combination on bars out of my inverted giants. On floor I am working on a variety of new passes, such as front layout, front layout, double pike, and front full punch front."
Q) What one thing about you will surprise the Tide fans during the upcoming competition year?
A) "I hope to surprise the fans by eventually competing all around this year."
Q) Describe some of your team mates and how you think they will contribute to the 2000 team.
A) "Our freshman, Kristin Sterner, is going to be a strong all arounder. She has a very explosive vault and a fun and difficult floor routine. Katie Hornecker and Dara Stewart are going to have amazing bar dismounts. Everyone's routines are all high in difficulty, which will help us to achieve high scores."
Q) Who do you think will wow the fans? Who is the "sleeper" on this team?
A) "I think Andree and Robin will continue to wow the crowd with their awesome routines and smiles. Katie is the sleeper on the team. She is going to be so strong this year on all events. She has the opportunity to be an excellent all arounder for our team."
Q) In your opinion, what will it take for this team to win the national championship?
A) "I think it will take confidence, positive (thinking), hard work, and a "going out there to have fun" kind of spirit and attitude to win a championship."
Q) Who are the leaders on this team?
A) "Actually, I feel that everyone of us are leaders inside and out of the gym. Each girl gives advice to others, cheers for them in the gym, helps each other to study for class. We all like to lead and make our team the best at everything."
Q) In your opinion, which apparatus will have the greatest number of Tide gymnasts competing for a spot in the line up?
A) "Beam!!!"
Q) What is your favorite aspect about college gymnastics?
A) "I love how so many fans come to watch us compete. They get so excited and loud! It is very thrilling to be competing for them."
Q) What is your opinion of the possibility of the SEC Championship being held at a neutral site, instead of being held on a rotational basis at each campus?
A) "I think that having SEC's at a neutral site will not give any unfair advantages to any one team."
Q) How is your overall health? Did you have any surgery/rehab in the off season?
A) "I am feeling pretty good! I'm definitely much stronger than last year, which is helping me out a lot in the gym. This past off season I have been healthy and relatively injury-free."
Q) If you had to come up with a theme for this year's team, what would it be?
A) "Carpe diem!"
|