Friday, March 03, 2000

Interview by Russell E. Moore

What made you choose to attend The University of Alabama?

I chose to attend the University of Alabama after I visited the campus. I did not want to go anywhere in Mississippi, and I really liked it here. Also, my major was not offered in Mississippi.

You and Lexa Evans are the only seniors on this team. How has this affected you personallyâ?¦only having one other senior?

I don't think that having only one other Senior has been any sort of an issue. I am glad that there are at least two of us, considering that we started with six in our class.

How did it feel to win the NCAA Central Regional balance beam title several years ago?

I never really got excited about winning that title. I don't think that it ever registered in my head. Winning wasn't really my focus, though. I had gone up so many times and done a less than wonderful job for my team. I was sort of feeling like the "weak link," and I knew I could do better. The excitement came from finally doing a routine that I could be proud of, and knowing that it helped us get to NCAA's.

In the Alabama vs. Georgia meet at the first of the season describe your feelings before you mounted the beam after our first competitor fell knowing we needed to hit 5 great routines to win.

I did not change my focus at all after Dara fell. My only goal had been to hit a great routine, and I did not change that goal.

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

My favorite memory (although there have been plenty of great ones) is probably after Super Six at Nationals in 1998. We all worked so hard that year to achieve the third place position that we won. It was very emotional. I will always remember that moment, and the sense of accomplishment that everyone felt.

If you hadn't been blessed with gymnastics skills, would you still have wanted to attend The University of Alabama? Why or why not?

Considering that my decision to come here had nothing to do with gymnastics, I guess the answer to this question would be yes.

What do you want to do with your life after you graduate?

I am currently going through the application process for the graduate program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I intend to get a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. However, if I am not accepted, I would like to get a job in my field. In this situation, I would also try for Birmingham.

What is your funniest gymnastics memory while at Bama?

I have such a terrible memory!!! It is impossible to pinpoint the funniest moment I have had.

Any final thoughts or comments?

I would just like to say that competing for this team has been such a tremendous opportunity. I cannot possibly thank the coaches enough for letting me have the chance to do this. Also, the support of our fans has been incredible. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this experience, but it has been nothing but wonderful!!!