University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Spotlight: Ona Loper
7/20/2017 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Throughout the summer we will be introducing you to the three talented freshmen the Gophers are adding to the roster this season. We start with Ona Loper from Bluffton, S.C.
Loper is a four-time Junior Olympic qualifier. At the 2017 Junior Olympic Championships she won the national championship on floor and finished fifth place in the all-around. She was a 2017 Region 8 all-around, vault and floor champion. She also won Region 8 floor championships in 2014 and 2015. Loper won Georgia state championships on all-around and floor in 2016 and 2017.
The national championship on floor her senior year is Loper's favorite sports memory out of all her accomplishments so far. In her spare time Loper enjoys photography, volunteering, baking and reading.
Meet Ona Loper
Gopher Sports: How is your time on campus so far?
Ona Loper: I have been having a really incredible time here on campus so far. I am actually surprised at how easy it was to adjust to everything and I already feel like I can call this place my home. The campus is even more beautiful than I remembered and I love how many interesting places there are to explore.
GS: What are you most looking forward to in your first school year and season?
OL: For the school year, I am looking forward to meeting new people from different backgrounds and being able to take more specialized classes that interest me. For season, I cant't wait to cheer the team on and hopefully help contribute to the team's overall success.
GS: What has it been like to meet your teammates? Who is the funniest teammate so far?
OL: All of the girls here have been extremely welcoming and have really made our move here easy. I have noticed that Hitchy (Hannah Hitchcock) is pretty funny and she has some great dance moves.
GS: What is your favorite gymnastics event?
OL: Vault and beam have always been two of my favorite events but I really enjoy training all four of them.
GS: What is one thing Gopher fans should know about you?
OL: I am extremely excited to be a part of the Gopher family and cannot wait to represent Minnesota for the next four years! Go Gophers!
