University of Minnesota Athletics
Fresh Faces: Steph Shields
10/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Minnesota women's gymnastics welcomes eight fresh faces to their roster this season, including seven freshmen and one transfer. Steph Shields joins the team from University of Wisconsin-Stout. The Forest Lake, Minn. native will be a redshirt junior for the Gophers on beam and uneven bars. Get to know Shields in this Q&A.
Gopher Sports: How did you get into gymnastics?
Steph Shields: My friends could do back handsprings on the playground during recess and I wanted to be able to do one too! My mom's best friend, Judy Huntosh, was the owner of Flyaways at the time and let me try out a class. I liked it! So I thought... "Okay, I will do gym until I can do a back handspring, that's it." and here we are...
GS: Why did you choose Minnesota?
SS: I chose to transfer to Minnesota because it has an extremely strong and special team that is on the rise. I was looking for a change and it has always been my dream to be a Gopher. I grew up going to meets every weekend at the Pav with my teammates, and looked up to the girls on the team so much. I knew I wanted to be in it for the long hall and make it here. Unfortunately, injuries set in when it came time to choose a school and it wasn't an option for me going into freshman year. I went to UW-Stout and enjoyed my time there, but this program had a special place in my heart and I still knew it was where I wanted to be. I also love the big campus and my major (psychology) has a great program here.
GS: What are your goals for this season?
SS: My goal is to contribute on beam this year for MN and continue to learn and work my hardest each day in the gym. I want to enjoy this accomplishment and use my talent to the best of my ability for the betterment of team MN!
GS: What have you learned from your time at Minnesota so far?
SS: I have learned an incredible amount since joining the team. I was a deer in the headlights the first week or two. It was hard at first, but now I have learned to take those nerves and turn them into excitement and calm confidence. I have adjusted quickly and am learning a ton about perfecting the little things. Every turn matters and we focus a lot on that here. It's great to feel the energy in the gym each day. Every single person works, and you can really tell by their gymnastics.
GS: What events do you compete in?
SS: I have had a few surgeries in my time, so I will not be training or competing the pounding events for a while longer. I train beam and bars, and love both of these events! Beam is my favorite because it scares me the most. I love the feeling of proving my nerves wrong. That satisfaction never gets old!
GS: Who has been your greatest supporter?
SS: I don't think I could have one "greatest supporter"... My family is number one. They have supported me and let me continue to chase this dream even when they saw me crash and burn, and have been there to help pick me up no matter what. I wouldn't be here today without them. My teammates from my club gym and from UW-Stout have been incredible in this journey and transition and I know they have my back as well. My coaches have played such a special role in my life and have supported me every step of the way. I can't thank them enough for making me into the gymnast and person I am!
GS: What are you looking forward to this season?
SS: This season I am looking forward to striving each day for that ultimate goal: Nationals. This team is so strong, and I am looking forward not only traveling and big meets, but the everyday grind it will take to get there. This team is absolutely incredible and each one of us supports one another. It is so special to be here and I want to enjoy every moment, good or bad.
Five Favorites with Steph Shields:
1. Favorite music at practice? Anytime we play the "Summer Hits of the 2000s" playlist on Pandora. Everyone starts singing, and it gets us all pumped up.
2. Favorite snack? We get chocolate milk after practice… it tastes like heaven!
3. Favorite hobby outside the gym? I love to hang out with friends, or go see a movie. Anything relaxing!
4. Favorite "Final Five" gymnast? Aly Raisman, because she's the "grandma" of the team and is still insanely powerful.
5. Favorite Disney movie? Mulan.
Players Mentioned
