University of Minnesota Athletics
Senior Feature: Lucy Ennis, Amber Hammerschmidt and Briana Jones
3/13/2012 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
March 13, 2012
This past weekend, three seniors had their final performance in the Sports Pavilion in front of a crowd of 1,417 fans. GopherSports.com was able to sit down with Lucy Ennis, Amber Hammerschmidt and Briana Jones before the meet to get insight into what their plans are after graduation, what they will miss most about Gopher gymnastics and other things.
What are your plans after graduation?
LE: I am going to get my Certified Nursing Assistant License, and I will then go to South Africa for three months for a medical internship. After that, I plan to apply to nursing school.
AH: I still have a class to finish up in the summer, but I have applied to a couple nutrition internships. So hopefully, I will land one of those, and then I may go to graduate school as well.
BJ: I will begin Physical Therapy school here at the University in July.
What will you miss most about being on the gymnastics team?
LE: I will miss all the incredible people and the gymnastic community, including the coaches, team, support staff, and everyone else that has really helped make my time her a memorable one.
AH: I will miss everything! I know I am really going to miss the atmosphere and the connections with my teammates. I know I will keep my friendships moving forward, but it won't be the same not coming into the gym every day. Oh…and I will miss wearing glitter!
BJ: I will miss really miss being with my teammates every day. Also, I will miss having something that I dedicate my life to, like gymnastics, which I work so hard at day in and day out.
What advice do you have for underclassmen or future Gophers?
LE: My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity. Everyone says the four years go by fast, so try to pace yourself. The University provides a wealth of opportunities to us as student-athletes, and it is something that I am just tapping into as a senior.
AH: I would say enjoy every moment because it does go by very quick. Also, make sure you set goals for yourself and take advantage of every opportunity that the University offers you to better yourself as an athlete, student and a person.
BJ: My advice is to always work your hardest, do your best and always enjoy what you are doing.
What is your most memorable moment from your four years as a gymnast at Minnesota?
LE: There are so many, but one is the whole first season of being a Golden Gopher. I also remember the day Jim and Meg offered me a scholarship. And hosting the Big Ten Championships last year was a lot of fun to show everyone our amazing facility and how classy our meets are.
AH: I think having the Big Ten Championships here last year was my most memorable moment. I say that because it was our home atmosphere, tons of people came and there was a ton of energy at the meet. Just being in the Sports Pavilion and showing other schools the type of meet we run, was awesome.
BJ: It's tough to choose one, but I would have to say my first meet being announced as a Golden Gopher. It was a really cool feeling, and I still get chills every time I run out.
What has made your senior season special?
LE: Again, I would have to say the people. This team has been the best yet, and our chemistry has been incredible. Everyone has had such a great work ethic, but inside and outside the gym we have worked together. It has really made the gymnastics part fun, but then also the experience of enjoying it together.
AH: The team…our chemistry has been amazing this season. Also, being able to really work towards my goals and push through obstacles this season has really helped me grow as a person.
BJ: Being captain has been special for me along with just being able to compete on beam and floor
