Tuesday, May 23, 2000

Interview by Russell E. Moore

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

I took a visit here because I thought it would be a place where I would enjoy going to school. I already knew that they had a wonderful gymnastics program. Also I love warm weather. I came here because I had a wonderful time on my recruiting trip and I felt that I fit in well with the team. I was right because they are some of my best friends in the world!

When you aren't doing gymnastics stuff, what is your favorite thing to do?

When I'm not doing gymnastics I love to watch movies, go shopping, or go out with friends. I also love to sit by the pool since the weather here is so nice.

What do you want to be doing with your life 10 years from now?

Hopefully I'll be on my way to a career in the medical field, possibly forensics and I would love to be starting a family by then.

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

It would have to be competing in the Super Six the second night at Nationals last year. We fought so hard to get there and were so determined to do well. I've never felt the kind of energy that I experienced at that meet.

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

Nope never. I didn't even know who Bear Bryant was until I came down for orientation and my mom and I saw him on a billboard and she told me about him. I never in my life imagined how big football is down here, I'm from a basketball state (Kentucky).

What has been your favorite gymnastics "road trip"?

I had some very interesting road trips in club gymnastics. Not a training camp went by where there wasn't a story to tell when you got home. My favorite would have to be my first clinic I attended once transferring to Sigs. In college it would have to be the trip to ASU. The school is so neat and the weather was wonderful. We swam in the pool outside in Feb.

Who were your heroes growing up, in both gymnastics and life?

I looked up to the typical gymnastics stars of the year, they switched frequently. In life I look up to my parents, even more now then I ever did when I lived at home.

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

The Medalist Club is amazing! It was something I didn't even know existed until I actually got here, and it was a wonderful surprise. I couldn't ask for anymore support.