How did you get started in gymnastics?:
“I got started in gymnastics through my mom by going to the gym when she coached (for the Wood Dale Park District). I was 5 years old when I started.”
Do you have any superstitions or rituals for gymnastics?:
“Before I compete, I will usually imagine myself doing my routine and talk to myself to get me mentally ready.”
What is your greatest gymnastics moment?:
“My greatest gymnastics moment would have to be knowing I qualified for sectionals my junior year and not having to wait until all the regional competitions were over to see if I made it.”
What do you know about gymnastics now that you wish you knew as a freshman?
“I wish I would have known how competitive it really can be. Gymnastics it not really one of the high school sports that is easy to succeed in. It takes a lot of hard work and hours in the gym.”
If you could instantly acquire one gymnastics skill, what would you choose?
“I would want to be more flexible because over the years I have learned that you need to be really flexible to do a lot of the dance moves in gymnastics.”
What do you enjoy about teaching gymnastics at the Wood Dale Park District?
“The thing I enjoy the most about teaching gymnastics is seeing the excitement when a child learns a new trick. Through teaching, my mom has taught me that you have to be patient and teach the children
discipline. She tells me all the time that I have to teach them that safety is the most important thing when learning gymnastics.”
What are five items you would select for a fantasy meal?:
“Oreo cookies, vanilla ice cream, chocolate cake from Portillo’s, my aunt’s chicken enchiladas, and Wheat Thins with cheese.”
What is your favorite television show?:
“ ‘Two and a Half Men’ because it makes me laugh so much and it reminds me of how goofy my family can be at times.”
If you could read any three books, which would you choose?
“ ‘Catcher in the Rye,’ the ‘Twilight’ series, and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ because they were all good books that I felt had a true meaning.”
What is the most memorable musical you've watched?
“The most memorable musical would have to be ‘Wicked,’ which I saw five times. It is an amazing production that I would see many more times if I could.”
If you could live for one month in any foreign country, which would you choose?
“Australia because it is a beautiful place and has a lot to offer and see. The people are also very nice and welcoming.”
If you could become an instant expert on any subject, which would you choose?:
“Math because it is something that you have to use in life almost every day, so it would be to my benefit. I also enjoy learning the subject because it can be challenging sometimes.”