University of Minnesota Athletics
My Gymnastics Story: Rachel Rowland
11/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Nov. 3, 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 succeed 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. Gymnastics, for me, has always been an escape. While 4+ hour practices sound like torture to some kids, I looked forward to gym every day growing up. I loved the pride I felt after sticking a beam routine, the adrenaline rush I felt after landing a new skill and the urgency I felt to get back up and do it again, better than before. I began gymnastics at the age of four with my twin brother, Adam. It started as a way for us to get rid of all our extra energy. My mom, a former gymnast, hoped that I would be uninterested in gymnastics and instead be a "pretty little ballerina." However, when I stepped into the gym, it was like throwing a fish to water and I never looked back. Ever since I committed myself to gymnastics, my mom has been my biggest cheerleader and I will always be grateful for that. I trained at Colorado Gymnastics Institute in Aurora, Colorado, with current team members, Lindsay Mable and Bailey Abernathy. The coaches and gymnasts at CGI taught me so much about perseverance, respect and determination. Their unconditional love and support shaped me into the person I am today. I feel so proud and fortunate to be able to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Minnesota. It is an indescribable feeling to be able to train and compete for something so much greater than yourself. I am so lucky that gymnastics is a part of my life and even on the worst of days, there is nothing I would rather be doing. - Rachel Rowland |
Players Mentioned
Signing the Block M
Tuesday, May 20
Mya Hooten: NCAA Floor Final
Friday, April 18
Mya Hooten Previews NCAA Championships
Monday, April 14
NCAA Qualifier Mya Hooten
Monday, April 07