University of Minnesota Athletics
My Gymnastics Story: Rachel Haines
10/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Oct. 20, 2015
The sport of gymnastics is no easy feat. The years of tough training both mentally and physically push gymnasts to their limits in order to suceed at the highest level. Gophersports.com sat down with the University of Minnesota women's gymnastics team to learn where each of these 14 women came from in order to call themselves Golden Gophers.
What has gymnastics done for me? There isn't enough space in the world to cover it all! It has shaped my personality, the way I view obstacles and challenges and even the way I look. Everything I know and do has been formed by this sport I have loved since I was two-years-old. I consider myself goal-oriented, mentally strong, able to face my fears, capable of time management and determined. I can attribute all of these qualities to my life all because of the way I take on the sport of gymnastics. I am someone who is relentless when it comes to reaching goals. Once it has been set, I will work through any pain to accomplish what I put my mind to. I have learned to successfully balance school, practice, a job and a social life because of gymnastics. The fact that the sport has taught me optimal time management skills, I know I will be well prepared for life after college.
My favorite thing about this sport that I've known my whole life is nearly impossible to label. There are so many amazing experiences I've been blessed enough to have. I have traveled to two different countries, nearly all of the states and represented a prestigious Big 10 university through it all. The blessings that gymnastics has brought me seem to be never-ending.
The best part of being a gymnast at the U of M, is the fact that I feel that I am a part of something so much more than just a gymnastics team. I am a part of a family and a culture that is built on support and close friendships that will last longer than my eligibility. My personality is more valued than my gymnastics skills because a group of people who are so passionate about a sport working together makes for so much more success over pure talent. I am a part of a group that has so much heart. I could not have been happier with my decision to attend the University of Minnesota.
Go Gophers!
- Rachel Haines
Players Mentioned
