University of Minnesota Athletics
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Meet the Freshmen: Ella Sirjord
8/23/2020 3:30:00 PM | Gymnastics
Get to know incoming freshman Ella Sirjord from Andover, Minn and Jam Hops Gymnastics.
MINNEAPOLIS- The Gophers women's gymnastics team welcomes six incoming freshmen to the team for the 2020-21 season and it is time to get to know our newcomers!
Ella Sirjord hails from Andover, Minn and competes at Jam Hops Gymnastics. On the competition floor, she was a 2019 JO National qualifier where she placed third on floor. Sirjord graduated with High honors, was in the top 25% of her class and was a part of the National Honors Society. In her free time, Sirjord likes to work with photography, videography and graphic design.
Gopher Sports: How old were you when you started gymnastics and what made you fall in love with the sport?
Ella Sirjord: When I turned three, my parents put me in the sport because my sister seemed to love going to class every day! To be honest, I fell in love with the sport right at the beginning. When I got older, my love for flipping only grew. I thrived off of being known as the girl who does back handsprings and flips at the school park in elementary school. From there, I never looked back. I could not imagine what life is like without this AMAZING sport!
GS: What is your favorite event and why?
ES: My favorite event is floor. Everything about the training and competing side to it is so much fun. I love how it incorporates both power and elegance in just a minute and thirty seconds. Along with that, there is so much personality that can be shown throughout it. So not a single routine is the same!
GS: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
ES: Nothing compares to how my first steps on campus felt. The University of Minnesota immediately felt like where I belong. The team and coaches made my visit so welcoming, and I could feel the dedication radiating off of everyone that was part of this "family." After I left campus, I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.
GS: What makes this team special?
ES: This team is so different from the rest. I knew from the start that this was such a positive group of girls. They push each other, motivate and are all working for the same goal together! The culture behind the program cannot be matched and you can see it wherever the team goes.
GS: What is your favorite memory from competing at JO Nationals?
ES: Competing at JO Nationals was overall an amazing experience. I'd have to say what made the meet so memorable was competing against some of the most talented gymnasts. I loved competing on floor because I felt so confident being with all those girls! It was fun to connect with the competition, crowd and judges. The icing on the cake was when I placed third with that routine!
GS: What do you plan on majoring in?
ES: Kinesiology! I hope in the future I can get into the physical therapy world. I chose this major because I feel like I can relate to many people who are struggling with injuries. I have had my fair share, and it would be awesome to help others who are maybe in the same boat. I find the human body so amazing and fascinating. I cannot wait to start this journey!
GS: What interests you about your photography and videography hobby?
ES: Photography and Videography are such a cool form of art. It's so fun to help myself and others create something that they can look back on forever. I like the sense of creativity I get from editing photos and videos. Sometimes for me, it is more fun to edit than even taking the pictures/videos!
Quick Hits
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Most interesting place you've been: Dominican Republic
Best concert you have attended: Taylor Swift
Most used emoji: 🤩
City you'd like to live in: Cedar City, Utah
Ella Sirjord hails from Andover, Minn and competes at Jam Hops Gymnastics. On the competition floor, she was a 2019 JO National qualifier where she placed third on floor. Sirjord graduated with High honors, was in the top 25% of her class and was a part of the National Honors Society. In her free time, Sirjord likes to work with photography, videography and graphic design.
Gopher Sports: How old were you when you started gymnastics and what made you fall in love with the sport?
Ella Sirjord: When I turned three, my parents put me in the sport because my sister seemed to love going to class every day! To be honest, I fell in love with the sport right at the beginning. When I got older, my love for flipping only grew. I thrived off of being known as the girl who does back handsprings and flips at the school park in elementary school. From there, I never looked back. I could not imagine what life is like without this AMAZING sport!
GS: What is your favorite event and why?
ES: My favorite event is floor. Everything about the training and competing side to it is so much fun. I love how it incorporates both power and elegance in just a minute and thirty seconds. Along with that, there is so much personality that can be shown throughout it. So not a single routine is the same!
GS: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
ES: Nothing compares to how my first steps on campus felt. The University of Minnesota immediately felt like where I belong. The team and coaches made my visit so welcoming, and I could feel the dedication radiating off of everyone that was part of this "family." After I left campus, I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.
GS: What makes this team special?
ES: This team is so different from the rest. I knew from the start that this was such a positive group of girls. They push each other, motivate and are all working for the same goal together! The culture behind the program cannot be matched and you can see it wherever the team goes.
GS: What is your favorite memory from competing at JO Nationals?
ES: Competing at JO Nationals was overall an amazing experience. I'd have to say what made the meet so memorable was competing against some of the most talented gymnasts. I loved competing on floor because I felt so confident being with all those girls! It was fun to connect with the competition, crowd and judges. The icing on the cake was when I placed third with that routine!
GS: What do you plan on majoring in?
ES: Kinesiology! I hope in the future I can get into the physical therapy world. I chose this major because I feel like I can relate to many people who are struggling with injuries. I have had my fair share, and it would be awesome to help others who are maybe in the same boat. I find the human body so amazing and fascinating. I cannot wait to start this journey!
GS: What interests you about your photography and videography hobby?
ES: Photography and Videography are such a cool form of art. It's so fun to help myself and others create something that they can look back on forever. I like the sense of creativity I get from editing photos and videos. Sometimes for me, it is more fun to edit than even taking the pictures/videos!
Quick Hits
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Most interesting place you've been: Dominican Republic
Best concert you have attended: Taylor Swift
Most used emoji: 🤩
City you'd like to live in: Cedar City, Utah
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