Friday, March 03, 2000

Interview by Russell E. Moore

What made you visit and then choose to attend The University of Alabama? Did it matter that you lived in Birmingham?

I never actually got a chance to take a visit to the University. I just knew I wanted to be here. I think being from B'ham exposed me to the team and the team atmosphere here but I think any person would want to go to school where they had a chance at being a National Champion.

What do you think of those wild and crazy YMCA Dads?

I love them! I think it is great because it really gets the fans involved.

Your class really had a huge positive effect on the Alabama team. Were you at all intimidated at your first practice? Or did you do the intimidating?

Not really because I had been down here practicing throughout the summer. So it wasn't really a shock the first day. I think had I not been practicing I would have probably been intimidated.

Did you ever think you'd be a solid 3-event performer for the Number 1 ranked team in the nation?

No. I knew if I put everything I had into it I would one day be able to compete but I never thought I would be competing 3 events and really contributing to the team.

What is your least favorite class and why?

Biology 116. (The teacher) :) That particular class dealt with a lot of plants and the animal kingdom. I don't particularly find any of that very interesting.

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

All of our traveling and our meets. I don't have one particular time that stands out because I've had so much fun at all of them. (Although beating Georgia for the first time, since I've been here, was pretty fun.)

Do you look forward to becoming one of the Alumni Gymnasts, in a couple of years, that we honor each year and will you come back to a lot of meets?

Yes, I am looking forward to becoming an alumni. I'm sure I'll miss being out on the floor but it will be fun to watch. If I'm still around T-town I definitely plan to come back and watch the meets.

Do you miss competing on the floor exercise and all-around?

Yes and no. I miss getting a chance to tumble but I would much rather be able to walk without limping when I'm 30, than to tumble for a couple more years and risk the chance of tearing my achilles. Besides, I think my teammates are doing a wonderful job on floor and need the cheering support more than a back-up right now.

Any final thoughts or comments?

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!