University of Minnesota Athletics
Fresh Faces: Ryan Stach
11/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Minnesota women's gymnastics welcomes eight fresh faces to their roster this season, including seven freshmen and one transfer. Ryan Stach joins the Gophers from her hometown of Valley Cottage, NY, where she competed with Galaxy Gymnastics Club. Stach plans to major in kinesiology. Get to know Stach in this Q&A.
Gopher Sports: How did you get into gymnastics?
Ryan Stach: I started gymnastics when I was two years old. Both of my older sisters were in it, so I was basically born into the sport, and followed my sisters' footsteps.
GS: Why did you choose Minnesota?
RS: When I first visited my sophomore year, I immediately fell in love with the team, campus, and everything else the school had to offer. As soon as I got home from my visit, I couldn't wait to go back, so I knew it was the school for me.
GS: What are your goals for this season?
RS: My goals for this season is to make line-up, continue the momentum from last year and have an even better season this year. I would love to make nationals as a team again this year, that'd be awesome.
GS: What have you learned from your time at Minnesota so far?
RS: I've learned a lot since being here, especially to keep pushing myself no matter what. College gymnastics is a lot different than club, so sometimes I'll question myself, but having the team's support and knowing were all there for each other helps a lot. The encouragement and support from the team helps me to push through and keep working hard.
GS: What events do you compete in?
RS: I train all-around, but I'm hoping to contribute on vault, beam, and floor this year.
GS: Who has been your greatest supporter?
RS: My family is a great support system, but I'd have to say my biggest supporter is my mom. She's been with me through everything and has always been a calming presence in any situation. I know that no matter how I do, she was always so proud. I could have the worst meet of my life and she would still be standing there with open arms ready to hug me once I finish.
GS: What are you looking forward to this season?
RS: I'm looking forward to getting better and growing everyday in and out of the gym. I'm hoping to build off the success the team had last year and have a great freshman season. It would be awesome to make nationals my freshman year and to have the team make it two years in a row. I'm really looking forward to what's in store for this year.
Five Favorites with Ryan Stach:
1. Favorite Olympican? Shawn Johnson. I've always loved her and her gymnastics.
2. Favorite music at practice? I'm going to get judged for this, but I love One Direction, so whenever they come on in the gym I get pretty pumped and I have to sing along.
3. Favorite snack? I don't really have a favorite snack... I really life frozen yogurt so if that counts as a snack, then that I guess.
4. Favorite sport (outside of gymnastics)? Probably football. I come from a pretty devoted football family from my dad and both my brothers playing... we all love it.
5. Favorite animal? A lion. If I could have a lion as a pet, I'd get one in a heartbeat.
Players Mentioned
