University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
/ Gymnastics
All-Around with Maya Albertin
7/17/2020 12:40:00 PM | Gymnastics
Maya Albertin, who is entering her second season in the Maroon and Gold, instantly felt at home at the University of Minnesota campus and had many experiences to remember during her first year. We caught up with Maya this week to reflect on her freshman season at Minnesota, look forward to the coming season and learn about a new hobby she has picked up during quarantine.
Gopher Sports: How would you describe the 2020 season?
Maya Albertin: I think we had such a great season, despite it being cut short. We were on track for Nationals, and we had already broken so many records. I was so proud of how far we had come and the hard work we had put in all year to get where we were. Although it wasn't the ending we wanted, there was still so much to celebrate. This first season for me on the team was definitely one to remember.
GS: How did you grow as a gymnast and a person last season?
MA: I got injured right before the season started, so I was not able to compete all year, which was hard. This really taught me how to not take anything for granted in life, how to keep a positive attitude and how to be patient with my body. I was able to do visualizations every day to keep my gymnastics fresh in my mind, which really helped my confidence coming back. Sitting out this season also taught me how to be there for my teammates and to be as motivating and encouraging as possible.
GS: What are you most looking forward to this coming year?
MA: I am looking forward to getting to know the incoming freshman and taking them under my wing. Freshman year is hard so I want to help them out as much as I can. I am also so excited to see what we can do as a team this year. We are so ready to pick up right where we left off and finish what we started last season! Big things are going to happen this year, I just know it.
GS: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
MA: As soon as I stepped on campus for my first unofficial visit, it instantly felt like home. The campus is gorgeous, the academics are amazing, and I love the coaches and team. The girls were so sweet when I first met them, and I knew this would be a great fit for me.
GS: What is your favorite memory as a Gopher?
MA: My favorite memory so far as a Gopher was just getting to experience the energy and hype at every home meet. At our home meet against Nebraska, the band came for the first time ever and really took the energy in the Pav to another level. It was so much fun to hear the crowd go crazy and the band play during that meet.
GS: What was the move from Texas to the Twin Cities like?
MA: It was definitely a big change for me, but I was so excited to experience all four seasons. I had to mentally prepare myself for winter, especially since we hardly ever get snow in Texas, but I think I adapted pretty well. My parka was my best friend!
GS: Have you tried anything new during your time at home over the past few months?
MA: I have picked up the hobby of making chunky-knit blankets. I saw a video of how to make them and it looked super fun and easy! Now I'm obsessed and have made four of them so far!
GS: How has the team stayed connected during this time apart?
MA: We have been doing weekly team zoom calls where we play games and just catch up. It's hard not to be with everyone during this time, so these zoom calls are a great way to make it seem like we are all still together. The more we stay connected, the stronger our team will be once we get back to campus.
GS: Which gymnast did you idolize growing up?
MA: Growing up, I always looked up to Shawn Johnson. I watched her at the 2008 Olympics and wanted to be just like her. She was such a powerhouse and so strong, which was so amazing to see. She inspired me to get where I am today and I still follow along with what she is doing to this day on social media.
GS: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?
MA: I want to say thank you for all of your continuous support and dedication to our team because we truly would not be where we are today without all of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you do for our program, and I hope to see you all next season!
Quick Hits
Major: Undecided, but most likely Kinesiology
Coffee Order: Vanilla sweet cream cold brew
Dream Vacation: New Zealand
Favorite spot on campus: Bierman (our super nice athletic facility)
Favorite event: Bars
Song you have on repeat: Does to Me by Luke Combs
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Gopher Sports: How would you describe the 2020 season?
Maya Albertin: I think we had such a great season, despite it being cut short. We were on track for Nationals, and we had already broken so many records. I was so proud of how far we had come and the hard work we had put in all year to get where we were. Although it wasn't the ending we wanted, there was still so much to celebrate. This first season for me on the team was definitely one to remember.
GS: How did you grow as a gymnast and a person last season?
MA: I got injured right before the season started, so I was not able to compete all year, which was hard. This really taught me how to not take anything for granted in life, how to keep a positive attitude and how to be patient with my body. I was able to do visualizations every day to keep my gymnastics fresh in my mind, which really helped my confidence coming back. Sitting out this season also taught me how to be there for my teammates and to be as motivating and encouraging as possible.
GS: What are you most looking forward to this coming year?
MA: I am looking forward to getting to know the incoming freshman and taking them under my wing. Freshman year is hard so I want to help them out as much as I can. I am also so excited to see what we can do as a team this year. We are so ready to pick up right where we left off and finish what we started last season! Big things are going to happen this year, I just know it.
GS: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
MA: As soon as I stepped on campus for my first unofficial visit, it instantly felt like home. The campus is gorgeous, the academics are amazing, and I love the coaches and team. The girls were so sweet when I first met them, and I knew this would be a great fit for me.
GS: What is your favorite memory as a Gopher?
MA: My favorite memory so far as a Gopher was just getting to experience the energy and hype at every home meet. At our home meet against Nebraska, the band came for the first time ever and really took the energy in the Pav to another level. It was so much fun to hear the crowd go crazy and the band play during that meet.
GS: What was the move from Texas to the Twin Cities like?
MA: It was definitely a big change for me, but I was so excited to experience all four seasons. I had to mentally prepare myself for winter, especially since we hardly ever get snow in Texas, but I think I adapted pretty well. My parka was my best friend!
GS: Have you tried anything new during your time at home over the past few months?
MA: I have picked up the hobby of making chunky-knit blankets. I saw a video of how to make them and it looked super fun and easy! Now I'm obsessed and have made four of them so far!
GS: How has the team stayed connected during this time apart?
MA: We have been doing weekly team zoom calls where we play games and just catch up. It's hard not to be with everyone during this time, so these zoom calls are a great way to make it seem like we are all still together. The more we stay connected, the stronger our team will be once we get back to campus.
GS: Which gymnast did you idolize growing up?
MA: Growing up, I always looked up to Shawn Johnson. I watched her at the 2008 Olympics and wanted to be just like her. She was such a powerhouse and so strong, which was so amazing to see. She inspired me to get where I am today and I still follow along with what she is doing to this day on social media.
GS: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?
MA: I want to say thank you for all of your continuous support and dedication to our team because we truly would not be where we are today without all of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you do for our program, and I hope to see you all next season!
Quick Hits
Major: Undecided, but most likely Kinesiology
Coffee Order: Vanilla sweet cream cold brew
Dream Vacation: New Zealand
Favorite spot on campus: Bierman (our super nice athletic facility)
Favorite event: Bars
Song you have on repeat: Does to Me by Luke Combs
###
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