Monday, May 08, 2000

Interview by Russell E. Moore

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

I wanted to visit this university because I had heard many wonderful things about it from former teammates and my coaches. I decided to come here because the girls made me feel very welcome and the coaches care a lot about each individual person in and out of the gym.

While competing at Capital Gymnastics in Texas, did you know of the Alabama Gymnastics tradition associated with your gym? Former Bama All-Americans Merritt Booth, Sheryl Dundas, Kara Stilp and Stephanie Woods came from Capital Gymnastics.

Yes, I have always known about the many Capital gymnasts that attended Alabama. I am also very happy to be able to continue the tradition.

I have an office in Houston and spend time there and have come to love the Tex-Mex food!! Yummy! How do you rate the Mexican food in Alabama to that of Texas?

I haven't eaten very much Mexican food here in Alabama, but what I have had was good.

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

Winning the Super Six Challenge at the beginning of this season was incredibly exciting. It was a great way to get us started this season, and it was also the first time we beat Georgia since I had been here.

Did you ever follow The University of Alabama, in any sport, before you came here?

No, but now I try to follow all of them.

Have you ever competed in front of crowds like you see at Coleman Coliseum? Describe your feeling, as a freshman, the first time you entered the floor with the lights off, the disco ball spinning and the music blaring. Did it give you chills?

I had never competed in front of a crowd like that before I came here. March-out here is definitely exciting. It gave me chills my very first meet as a freshman and it still does to this day.

How has your rehabilitation been going with your knee? Are you excited about coming back next year and getting back into the "routine?"

My rehabilitation is going great. I am starting to do more and more. I have just recently been allowed to run on my knee which is a good step forward. I am excited about doing gymnastics again in a few months and then competing again next season.

What do you think about the Alabama Gymnastics Medalist Club and the support they give the team? What other type of support would be nice?

Our Medalist Club is wonderful. They do so much for us and are so supportive. I don't know what more I could ask for, and I could never thank them enough for all that they do to help out team.

Any final thoughts or comments?

I am glad that I chose to come to this university. I love the team, the coaches, and everyone involved with the program. I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to be a part.