TBA
TBA
Do you have a nickname? Ash
When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics? My parents had me try many activities to see what I liked. My mom said she knew gymnastics was it when I was more interested in doing cartwheels in the soccer field during practice than listening to the coach.
Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes? When I was seven, I used to “play coach” and make my twin sister, Hailey, do back-walkovers on our floor beam while I spotted her.
When did you decide you wanted to compete? And, when did you want to compete at a high level? What about competition appeals to you? I decided I wanted to compete when I was in Level 4. I enjoyed going out on the floor and showing all my hard work. I wanted to compete at a high level because I would always watch the older girls doing bigger skills and wanted to one day do that too. What I like about competition is being able to watch myself improve and achieve my goals and strive to compete better or newer skills.
What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics? I train 30 hours/week and do virtual schooling. I made this change the summer of my fifth grade year. I absolutely loved it because it allowed me to do more of my favorite sport and I could work ahead in school.
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is bars.
What is your favorite skill? My favorite skill is a Ray.
What music do you use for your floor routine? My floor music is Code Name Vivaldi.
Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”? My favorite gymnast is Kyla Ross.
How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally? Skill wise, I have grown more consistent and mentally I have grown more confident.
How has gymnastics helped you as a person? Gymnastics has helped me grow as a person. It has taught me to always work hard and how to be a supportive teammate. It has also taught me how to take constructive criticism which allows me to improve my skills with a good attitude.
If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be? One life-lesson gymnastics has taught me is that there is always positive in every tough situation. Finding the positive helps get through the situation and learn from the experience.
What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career? One of my biggest accomplishments in my career is finally twisting my vault in competition after working hard to get over a mental block. My best memories are competing with my team and hearing them cheer so loudly for everyone which makes it feel like a college meet.
What grade are you in school? I am in 9th grade.
Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics? Yes! I am verbally committed to the University of Michigan! Go Blue!
What are your favorite subjects, etc.? My favorite subjects are math and US history.
If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there? I am undecided right now.
What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing? My goals for the future as an athlete are to continue to upgrade my skills, be a strong JO athlete, be a supportive teammate and bring all of these qualities to the University of Michigan to contribute everywhere I can. My goal for after gymnastics is to use everything I have learned through gymnastics to be successful in whatever career I choose.
When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities? Charities? I love spending time with my family and friends. I love to cook and look for new recipes to try. I also like watching Netflix and going to movies. I used to volunteer at Operation Kindness, which is a no-kill animal shelter, however my schedule is crazy so I had to stop for now. I hope to start up again soon.
What is your favorite food? My favorite food is steak fajitas.
What is your favorite movie? My favorite movies are the Harry Potter movies, Ocean’s Eleven, all the Marvels films and all the X-men movies.
What is your favorite book? My favorite books are the Harry Potter series and the Mortal Instruments series.
What is your favorite music group? My favorite music groups are Shinedown, Muse and Cage the Elephant.
Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports? My twin sister, Hailey, was a Level 9 rhythmic gymnast up until this year. She now is in dance. My older brother, Hunter, is a hockey player.
Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms? My only ritual before competition is to visualize the night before I compete.
What’s on your IPod right now? What type of music do enjoy listening to? How about before a meet when you’re trying to get focused and pumped up? On my iPhone right now is a mix of alternative, 80s and pop music. Before a meet I like to listen to upbeat music that makes me feel energized and ready for the day.
If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they? Hard-working, Determined, and Supportive