Thursday, February 10, 2000

Interview by Russell E. Moore

What made you choose to first visit The University of Alabama and then what convinced you to come to school here?

My senior year, 1995-96, was an interesting year because the NCAA allowed Division I schools to offer 2 more scholarships in gymnastics. By January, I thought I had decided what school to attend until I received a call from Scott (Mackall). I had never thought Alabama would call me, so of course I said "yes" to a visit. Danielle (McAdams) was my host and I had a great time. The next weekend, I took my trip to Penn State. Both were great teas, but I was drawn to Bama because of the way Sarah, David and Bryan encouraged me to make academics a priority and to place gymnastics second. I discovered that as long as I did my job in the classroom and in the gym, the coaches would find a way to put us in contention for the National Championship. My decision became (a little) easier when the team won the championship that year.

You and Gina Logan are the only remaining gymnasts from your class. How has this affected you personally...only having one other senior in your class?

It has certainly been a strange journey, to say the least. Just the other day, we were discussing dorm experiences and it was kind of lonely not having anyone who could elaborate on my stories. Up until this summer, I considered Gina a year ahead of me as I am the only fourth-year senior (she's fifth-year). Gina and I have grown so close this year and I think as the "survivors" of that class, we are stronger.

I imagine it's a pretty big cultural change, not to mention climate change in Alabama as opposed to New Hampshire. Let's hear your thoughts on the differences, pro and con.

It's not your imagination - New Hampshire and Alabama are two completely different states. I love Alabama's climate, even the summers. I enjoy taunting my northern counterparts with the weather, especially in February, when my family's in 5 feet of snow and I'm wearing shorts. One drawback, however, is the fact that I have not been able to ski for 5 years (per coaches' demand...errr...request). My dad is bringing my ski equipment to Idaho this year so that I can ski that Saturday of Nationals. The cultural differences are dramatic One of my favorite Alabama features is the "Southern Gentleman." I think that Alabama culture has changed me, just ask my best friends, Dominique and Liz. As a freshman, I was shy and sarcastic - not a great combination. I think that southern culture has helped me feel more comfortable around people and now I have been conditioned to say "Yes ma'am" (which my mom hates - it's a "northern thing").

What has been your favorite memory from your collegiate gymnastics career so far?

There have been so many memories, I don't think I can narrow it down to one. So... I'll pick one or two from each year. In my freshman year, we sold out Coleman Coliseum. What an accomplishment - I think that this meant that gymnastics had truly "arrived." I also got to train with Alabama gymnastics greats Kimbo Bonaventura, Stephanie Woods and Meredith Willard. In 1998, I got to compete at Nationals on bars and floor. I also got to compete for the National Championship that year for the first time. Last year proved to be difficult, recovering from mono. However, being placed in the position to earn 2^nd Team All-American honors was a dream come true. We are still creating memories for this season. Of course, I won't ever forget our successful outing at the Super Six Challenge, or how we've become such a close team through adversity. I think that my best memories have been created by those surrounding me. I am blessed to have known Lewis Each and to have been there when David announced 3 months after his surgery that he was cancer-free. Talk about walking down memory lane! P.S. (One of the more "harrowing" experiences was watching Super Six Finals from the stands my freshman year. However, I think that this can be turned into a more positive event as it has pushed me and the team harder every year to make finals. I hope that this memory will live on for others so that it will not happen to another Alabama Gymnastics team.)

Who were your role models growing up?

I can't name a role model because I admire people who demonstrate a strength that I wish to attain; Looking back, I think I admired my younger sister, Krista. She has qualities I strive to possess. More recently, I don't think a day hasn't passed that I wish I had an ounce of strength that Lewis had. His memory lives on in my heart as I try to view situations as I feel he would.

The University of Alabama Gymnastics team is known for it's "family" approach. Does this help you adjust to being in such a high profile program while being far away from home?

Sarah, David and Bryan are my surrogate parents. (Tom, April and my teammates are like my siblings, minus the bickering.) The family approach in this program is what I feel attracts people like my teammates and me. I know that they will continue to be my family long after I finish gymnastics. I felt much more comfortable being 1,500 miles away from home, knowing my family was here for me.

How has the support from the Medalist Club and the large crowds at meets helped the team?

I hope that the Medalist Club members as well as our fans understand how much we appreciate them. Without you all, Alabama Gymnastics would have to be redefined. It has always been my dream to compete for a collegiate gymnastics team and it's fans. I suppose this is why my smile is so big when I step out on floor - I can't imagine competing in front of a better group of people. The Medalist Club is our rock - the devotion of it's members to our team is unbelievable. My favorite experience is going to an away meet and feeling like we are at home with the Bama fans who come to support us. I think that Alabama Gymnastics fans are well-educated and polite to our opposing teams. "Boos" are rarely heard and I feel like we have the classiest fans around.

Any final thoughts or comments?

Some time soon, I promise to write some sort of article for you all. In the meantime, you are in my thoughts and I look forward to "RAISING THE ROOF!"