Wednesday, March 08, 2000

Interview by Russell E. Moore

What made you visit and then choose to attend The University of Alabama?

I have wanted to attend the University of Alabama for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, Tina Rinker was on the team at my gym -- ever since she became a gymnast here, Alabama was truly where I wanted to be. As I got older, I came to camps here at the University and was able to meet Sarah, David, Bryan, and some of the girls on previous teams. I knew Merritt Booth and Mandy Chapman from previous experiences in gymnastics and was able to talk to both of them a great deal about the program. I felt when I came here that I would become part of a family, something much greater than a collegiate gymnastics team. Something was just different about Alabama and I knew in my heart that this was the place for me.

You have been chosen by your teammates as team captain, again. How has this huge honor affected you and your relationship among your teammates?

The captain questionâ?¦.I have gotten quite a few of those over the course of the year. Being named captain of this team was a huge honor given to me by my teammates. It feels funny sometimes to think of myself as having that title because I think in different ways, every person on this team contributes to what we become as a whole. I feel that we are so close this year -- not only as a team, but also out of the gym, as friends. I don't know if the title has changed my relationship with any of my teammates, but I do try to help each of them in any way possible. They do the same for me.

You and Robin Hawkins competed and trained together in Memphis at GymStars. Has this been a help during your Alabama career?

I don't know if "help" is a big enough word! Robin and I have known each other for six years nowâ?¦ I can't even believe it has been so long. I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed being at school with Robin. We have been through so much together and I can't even imagine the last few years without her. She is there for me through it all, with a smile and a heart, incomparable to any other. She has made my time here so much more FUN!

What is your favorite class and why?

My all-time favorite class at this university had to be my English class last semester. It was early British Literature till the 1800's. I did not want to take it initially, but soon it became something I looked forward to during the week. My teacher was very intelligent and just really made me enjoy and appreciate the literature we were reading. Currently, my favorite class is Abnormal Psychology - it has been very interesting and I have learned a lot.

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

I don't think I could pick one favorite memory from my time here at Bama. There have been so many incredible experiences I have shared with everyone here. My favorite memories usually stem from having the whole team pulling together, either in or out of the gym, and just being able to realize how awesome it is to be on a team like this one.

Did you have any feelings one way or the other about The University of Alabama before you decided on coming here? How much did you know about Bama's gymnastics and overall sports legacy?

Like I said earlier, one of my former teammates came to the University when I was young. I do not think though, at that time, that I had any comprehension of the legacy and tradition carried by the Alabama Gymnastics program. As I was being recruited and met the people who make up Alabama Gymnastics, I had only begun to realize exactly what that really means. And I attended the Alabama-Georgia meet in '97 when the coliseum sold out! Talk about learning something about Alabama gymnastics! That was incredible!

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

I don't think that anyone can really answer the five- or ten-year questionsâ?¦. Somehow no matter how much I try to plan things, they are always pretty different when the time comes around. But here goes a try! I would hope in ten years to be through graduate school and be settled in a career -- right now I think I am going to go into counseling, but I am not completely for sure just yet. There are other personal details that I have in my mind for the next ten years of my life, but I am not quite ready to share all those just yet! I just would like to be happy and healthy and be near friends and family.

Where is your favorite place, besides Coleman Coliseum, of course, to compete?

As far as crowds and certain coliseums, I think Athens is definitely one of the most exciting places besides being at home. But I think I would have to say Kentucky - I have so many relatives that live in Kentucky who come to the meets when we compete there. It means so much to me to look up and see how much love and support from my family I have in the stands. It just makes me happy to see them!

Any final thoughts or comments?

I would just like to say that this program would not be the same without all the support we receive from the Medalist Club and our fans. It seems hard for us sometimes to relay how much we appreciate all the love and support we receive from so many people -- you all are wonderful! It wouldn't be the same here without the Medalist Club, and I just wanted to say thanks for all you do. I know it takes a lot of hard work and time and I can promise you that it does not go unnoticed.