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Seniors Reflect on a Lifetime of Gymnastics
3/23/2020 2:39:00 PM | Gymnastics
Our five seniors took some time to reflect on a lifetime of gymnastics and put year's worth of memories into a few paragraphs. Take a trip through each senior's personal story with the sport they have dedicated so much of their life to. At the conclusion of the letters, is a Q&A with the seniors about their four years at Minnesota
Ivy Lu
Dear Gymnastics,
I first of all want to say thank you for everything you have given and taught me. You have given me friendships, teammates, coaches, as well as priceless moments and experiences that I will forever cherish. You have taught me what being passionate is all about. You have taught me nothing worth having comes easy and that hard work always pays off in the long run.
Looking back 17 years ago, I would have never thought that you could teach me so much without even realizing it until it was almost over. I am not only thankful for all you have taught me, but am thankful for those you have put into my life over the years. I have met so many life-long friends who share the same love and passion for such an amazing sport. I can truly say that my life would have been completely different if it weren't for gymnastics. Countless hours of practice, commitment, hard work, and dedication to this sport has taught me to never give up on my dreams, even if they seem out of reach. I am grateful for all of the challenging and difficult times this sport has made me go through, because those were the moments that allowed me to grow and become stronger. Gymnastics has taught me that it is not about winning, but about trying your best every single time.
All I can say is that gymnastics has taught me that the road to success is never an easy one. I am so incredibly grateful for all this sport has given me. It has taught me a lot of things that even school can't, and for that I will always be thankful.
Gymnastics, thanks for everything.
Paige Williams
Dear Gymnastics,
Ever since I was a little girl you have been by side. I fell in love with gymnastics at such a young age and thankfully never looked back. We have been through so much together good and bad but I wouldn't change any of it for the world. Thank you for shaping me into the determined, strong, and passionate and young woman that I am today. I am so thankful for all of the life lessons I have learned throughout this journey. I have learned the importance of authenticity, values and leadership. I have learned I can handle just about anything that comes my way and more. Thank you for challenging me both physically and mentally, those obstacles only made me stronger and more grateful for my ability to do the sport.
None of this would be possible without a huge support system and thankfully I have had wonderful people along the journey with me. First my parents for everything they have sacrificed. I wouldn't be where I am without it and I am forever grateful for it. To the University of Minnesota it's been an honor to represent the University every time I stepped out onto the competition floor. I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend this University the past four years. To the coaches and athletic staff thank you for keeping me together in one piece (literally). Thank you for having confidence, and believing in me on the days I didn't. Thank you for some of the best relationships I could ever ask for. I have gained so many wonderful sisters and had amazing supportive teammates along the way. I know these are some relationships that will last a lifetime and I couldn't thank you enough.
I will forever be grateful for you gymnastics, Thank you.
Casey Betts
Dear Gymnastics,
When I first started gymnastics at the age of 11 years old, I had no clue I would end up becoming a collegiate gymnast. Gymnastics may have caused me lots of physical pain, but at the end of the day it was fun, and I wouldn't have changed my experience because it made me into the person I am today. The sweat, tears, and frustration were all worth it for the few amazing moments I experienced in the sport of gymnastics. I am stronger, tougher, and have learned a lot about what I can handle throughout the 11 years of this sport. I am forever grateful for this sport for bringing me some of my closest friends and for college gymnastics making me realize I am not defined by my gymnastics ability.
I can't say goodbye to gymnastics without thanking some people throughout my journey because without them I wouldn't be in the sport or would have made it through the sport without them. First off thank you to the University of Minnesota coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to be a gopher, I will be forever grateful. Secondly thank you to my club coaches Amanda Borden and Kristen Fanning who have always pushed me to work harder and pushed me to heights I thought I would never reach. Thanks to my mom who has sacrificed so much to put me through gymnastics. Thank you to Ryan Goll for always supporting me and listening to me rant on the hard days. Finally, I want to thank Mitch Bertrand, our athletic trainer my freshman and sophomore year. Mitch supported me and was always in my corner cheering me on. He was the one that told me to continue when I wanted to be done with the sport. Forever grateful for your guidance and putting up with me! With that being said I can now officially say GOODBYE!
Kristen Quaglia
Dear Gymnastics,
Thank you for the amazing opportunity you have given me. When I started gymnastics 20 years ago I never imagined I would be competing at the University of Minnesota. I truly am blessed to have the privilege to compete alongside my best friends and sisters at a world class institution.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to wear the M on my chest every weekend for four years. Never did the little girl who fell in love with this sport imagine this would be the outcome of her career. You have given me the experiences of a lifetime and I will be forever grateful.
I wouldn't be the athlete nor the person I am today with this sport. I have learned how to push through tough times, celebrate the best times, and everything in between. I have absolutely loved the privilege to compete for the University of Minnesota.
Thank you, Gymnastics
Mary Korlin-Downs
Dear gymnastics,
Thank you for everything. Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever. Thank you for the opportunities I have been given. Thank you for helping me find my voice. Thank you for the amazing people you have brought into my life: my best friends, mentors, and leaders. Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today! Gymnastics has truly taught me that I am so much stronger than I think I am and for that, I am forever grateful!
Thank you, gymnastics, for the people you have brought into my life:
I have met so many amazing people throughout this journey: Hannah Hitchcock, Rachel Rowland, Zach Liebler, Alexis Russell, all of my teammates, and so many more! Thank you to my parents for being my rock, my biggest fans, and my best friends. The love and support I feel each and everyday because of you two is overwhelming. Thank you to my coaches, throughout the years. Thank you to Steph and Garrett for raising me. Thank you Bart and Lori for the endless support and encouragement. Lastly, I want to give a massive thank you to my current coaches, Jenny, Ger, and Rich. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a Gopher, for believing that I could come back from injury and for putting so much faith in me as a gymnast, teammate and leader. I can never say thank you enough. You all gave me the chance to live out a dream I have dreamt since I was 6 years old.
Thank you, gymnastics and forever, Go Gophers!
Gopher Sports: How would you describe your Gopher Women's gymnastics experience?
Ivy Lu: Being a part of Gopher Women's gymnastics was fun, exciting and rewarding. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.
Casey Betts: I would describe my Gopher Women's gymnastics experience as challenging but rewarding.
Mary Korlin-Downs: I would describe my Gopher gymnastics experience as a blessing. Coming off two major injuries and surgeries, Jenny still allowed me to join the team and it has been the best four years of my life. I've grown so much through these experiences: in my gymnastics, in my leadership, finding my voice, learning to be confident in myself, and so much more! I'm truly blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this program and being able to take part in the growth of the culture and program. I am forever grateful for the University of Minnesota Women's Gymnastics team.
Paige Williams: A once in a lifetime experience that I will forever be grateful for. It was filled with excitement, challenges, and relationships that will last a lifetime.
Kristen Quaglia: I have loved my time at Minnesota. This program is truly something special. I can't envision myself with any other team because this one is my home away from home. There is no place I'd rather be.
GS: What has been your favorite memory from your time on the team?
IL: My favorite memory was the 2019 Regionals. It was so much fun competing in the LSU arena for those two days.
CB: My favorite memory would have to be competing bars for the first time in my hometown, at ASU, after two major surgeries.
MKD: There have been so many amazing memories, especially these past two years with the success and growth we've had as a program. I will always remember Sweet Sixteen last year (Regionals Day 2). We were up against amazing teams and we put it all out there. We had so much fun competing and the energy was amazing. A few of my favorite memories, this year specifically, was the joy each one of us had when watching a perfect routine and then seeing the 10.0 flash. We've had more 10s this season than we've ever had. It makes me so incredibly happy to be there to see my teammates succeed!
PW: I would say my favorite memory thus far was competing at LSU for regionals last year. It was such an amazing atmosphere filled with so many people and so much fun getting to compete against LSU .
KQ: My favorite memory from Minnesota is my first time competing at the Pav my freshman year.
Ivy Lu
Dear Gymnastics,
I first of all want to say thank you for everything you have given and taught me. You have given me friendships, teammates, coaches, as well as priceless moments and experiences that I will forever cherish. You have taught me what being passionate is all about. You have taught me nothing worth having comes easy and that hard work always pays off in the long run.
Looking back 17 years ago, I would have never thought that you could teach me so much without even realizing it until it was almost over. I am not only thankful for all you have taught me, but am thankful for those you have put into my life over the years. I have met so many life-long friends who share the same love and passion for such an amazing sport. I can truly say that my life would have been completely different if it weren't for gymnastics. Countless hours of practice, commitment, hard work, and dedication to this sport has taught me to never give up on my dreams, even if they seem out of reach. I am grateful for all of the challenging and difficult times this sport has made me go through, because those were the moments that allowed me to grow and become stronger. Gymnastics has taught me that it is not about winning, but about trying your best every single time.
All I can say is that gymnastics has taught me that the road to success is never an easy one. I am so incredibly grateful for all this sport has given me. It has taught me a lot of things that even school can't, and for that I will always be thankful.
Gymnastics, thanks for everything.
Paige Williams
Dear Gymnastics,
Ever since I was a little girl you have been by side. I fell in love with gymnastics at such a young age and thankfully never looked back. We have been through so much together good and bad but I wouldn't change any of it for the world. Thank you for shaping me into the determined, strong, and passionate and young woman that I am today. I am so thankful for all of the life lessons I have learned throughout this journey. I have learned the importance of authenticity, values and leadership. I have learned I can handle just about anything that comes my way and more. Thank you for challenging me both physically and mentally, those obstacles only made me stronger and more grateful for my ability to do the sport.
None of this would be possible without a huge support system and thankfully I have had wonderful people along the journey with me. First my parents for everything they have sacrificed. I wouldn't be where I am without it and I am forever grateful for it. To the University of Minnesota it's been an honor to represent the University every time I stepped out onto the competition floor. I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend this University the past four years. To the coaches and athletic staff thank you for keeping me together in one piece (literally). Thank you for having confidence, and believing in me on the days I didn't. Thank you for some of the best relationships I could ever ask for. I have gained so many wonderful sisters and had amazing supportive teammates along the way. I know these are some relationships that will last a lifetime and I couldn't thank you enough.
I will forever be grateful for you gymnastics, Thank you.
Casey Betts
Dear Gymnastics,
When I first started gymnastics at the age of 11 years old, I had no clue I would end up becoming a collegiate gymnast. Gymnastics may have caused me lots of physical pain, but at the end of the day it was fun, and I wouldn't have changed my experience because it made me into the person I am today. The sweat, tears, and frustration were all worth it for the few amazing moments I experienced in the sport of gymnastics. I am stronger, tougher, and have learned a lot about what I can handle throughout the 11 years of this sport. I am forever grateful for this sport for bringing me some of my closest friends and for college gymnastics making me realize I am not defined by my gymnastics ability.
I can't say goodbye to gymnastics without thanking some people throughout my journey because without them I wouldn't be in the sport or would have made it through the sport without them. First off thank you to the University of Minnesota coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to be a gopher, I will be forever grateful. Secondly thank you to my club coaches Amanda Borden and Kristen Fanning who have always pushed me to work harder and pushed me to heights I thought I would never reach. Thanks to my mom who has sacrificed so much to put me through gymnastics. Thank you to Ryan Goll for always supporting me and listening to me rant on the hard days. Finally, I want to thank Mitch Bertrand, our athletic trainer my freshman and sophomore year. Mitch supported me and was always in my corner cheering me on. He was the one that told me to continue when I wanted to be done with the sport. Forever grateful for your guidance and putting up with me! With that being said I can now officially say GOODBYE!
Kristen Quaglia
Dear Gymnastics,
Thank you for the amazing opportunity you have given me. When I started gymnastics 20 years ago I never imagined I would be competing at the University of Minnesota. I truly am blessed to have the privilege to compete alongside my best friends and sisters at a world class institution.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to wear the M on my chest every weekend for four years. Never did the little girl who fell in love with this sport imagine this would be the outcome of her career. You have given me the experiences of a lifetime and I will be forever grateful.
I wouldn't be the athlete nor the person I am today with this sport. I have learned how to push through tough times, celebrate the best times, and everything in between. I have absolutely loved the privilege to compete for the University of Minnesota.
Thank you, Gymnastics
Mary Korlin-Downs
Dear gymnastics,
Thank you for everything. Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever. Thank you for the opportunities I have been given. Thank you for helping me find my voice. Thank you for the amazing people you have brought into my life: my best friends, mentors, and leaders. Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today! Gymnastics has truly taught me that I am so much stronger than I think I am and for that, I am forever grateful!
Thank you, gymnastics, for the people you have brought into my life:
I have met so many amazing people throughout this journey: Hannah Hitchcock, Rachel Rowland, Zach Liebler, Alexis Russell, all of my teammates, and so many more! Thank you to my parents for being my rock, my biggest fans, and my best friends. The love and support I feel each and everyday because of you two is overwhelming. Thank you to my coaches, throughout the years. Thank you to Steph and Garrett for raising me. Thank you Bart and Lori for the endless support and encouragement. Lastly, I want to give a massive thank you to my current coaches, Jenny, Ger, and Rich. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a Gopher, for believing that I could come back from injury and for putting so much faith in me as a gymnast, teammate and leader. I can never say thank you enough. You all gave me the chance to live out a dream I have dreamt since I was 6 years old.
Thank you, gymnastics and forever, Go Gophers!
Gopher Sports: How would you describe your Gopher Women's gymnastics experience?
Ivy Lu: Being a part of Gopher Women's gymnastics was fun, exciting and rewarding. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.
Casey Betts: I would describe my Gopher Women's gymnastics experience as challenging but rewarding.
Mary Korlin-Downs: I would describe my Gopher gymnastics experience as a blessing. Coming off two major injuries and surgeries, Jenny still allowed me to join the team and it has been the best four years of my life. I've grown so much through these experiences: in my gymnastics, in my leadership, finding my voice, learning to be confident in myself, and so much more! I'm truly blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this program and being able to take part in the growth of the culture and program. I am forever grateful for the University of Minnesota Women's Gymnastics team.
Paige Williams: A once in a lifetime experience that I will forever be grateful for. It was filled with excitement, challenges, and relationships that will last a lifetime.
Kristen Quaglia: I have loved my time at Minnesota. This program is truly something special. I can't envision myself with any other team because this one is my home away from home. There is no place I'd rather be.
GS: What has been your favorite memory from your time on the team?
IL: My favorite memory was the 2019 Regionals. It was so much fun competing in the LSU arena for those two days.
CB: My favorite memory would have to be competing bars for the first time in my hometown, at ASU, after two major surgeries.
MKD: There have been so many amazing memories, especially these past two years with the success and growth we've had as a program. I will always remember Sweet Sixteen last year (Regionals Day 2). We were up against amazing teams and we put it all out there. We had so much fun competing and the energy was amazing. A few of my favorite memories, this year specifically, was the joy each one of us had when watching a perfect routine and then seeing the 10.0 flash. We've had more 10s this season than we've ever had. It makes me so incredibly happy to be there to see my teammates succeed!
PW: I would say my favorite memory thus far was competing at LSU for regionals last year. It was such an amazing atmosphere filled with so many people and so much fun getting to compete against LSU .
KQ: My favorite memory from Minnesota is my first time competing at the Pav my freshman year.
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