University of Minnesota Athletics
Gymnast Feature: Kayla Slechta
1/30/2012 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Jan. 30, 2012
Sophomore Kayla Slechta grew up idolizing University of Minnesota gymnasts, and now the role has changed for the Shakopee, Minn. native as she is looked up to as an elite gymnast. Slechta performs all around for the Gophers, and she reached the NCAA Championships last spring as a freshman. GopherSports.com sat down with Kayla to get a little insight on what has changed from last season as a freshman, and what motivates her to perform her best.
What did you learn from competing at Nationals last year?
I learned a lot about myself as a whole, including my strengths and weaknesses as a gymnast. It was just a great experience because it is a different style of competition compared to a dual meet. Since it is the National meet, the competition is very high quality and there the atmosphere is amazing. I hope I can go back this year, but I want to bring the team along with me.
How have you approached/prepared for this season differently than you did last year for your freshman campaign?
I now know what to expect. Last year, I had no idea what workouts or competing at this level would be like. I think this year I have the upper hand, so instead of building from scratch, I can begin where I left off last season.
With being an all around performer, which event is your favorite and least favorite?
I have two favorite events, which are vault and floor. I really like the powerhouse events. I don’t have a least favorite event because I still love doing bars and beam, and I can’t imagine not training or competing on all the events.
What helped you decide the University of Minnesota was right for you?
I just got that feeling when I visited the campus. I have been coming and watching Gopher gymnastics since I was really little. I have just dreamed of competing for Minnesota for a long time.
What are your individual and team goals for this season?
My personal goal is to increase my averages on all my events from last season and to make my routines cleaner. As a whole team, I want to win the Big Ten Championship and make it to Nationals.
Is there a different mindset from knowing you are competing all around for a meet versus just a few events?
No because our coaches teach us to train and think like you are going to compete in every event that weekend. They do this because even if I am not in the initial lineup for an event, I could be needed once the meet starts to step in for someone. So our mindset every week is that we will be competing all around because you never know when you will be needed.
What do you do mentally to prepare for a meet or an event?
I pretty much talk to myself. Depending on what event it is, I either pump myself up or calm myself down. I also go through my cue words along with visualizing myself doing my routine.
Who is your favorite gymnast of all time?
My idol is Shannon Miller. I watched her in the 1996 Olympics, and even though I was four years-old, I still remember it. I have met her a bunch of times and read her books. She is just really inspirational in the things she has gone through and overcome along with being the most decorated gymnast in U.S. gymnastics history.
What is something that you find inspirational before and event?
We have a quote on the wall in Peik by our bars area that I really like. It says “What happens to you is not nearly as important as how you respond to what happens to you.”
Players Mentioned
