Terps Tumble Talk
10/2/2006 8:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Previous Terps Tumble Talks
Oct. 2, 2006
Official practices started this week; I went into practice the other day and could automatically see and feel a sense of determination and no-nonsense attitudes from every person in the gym. It is interesting for me to be on the administrative side of things this year, I get to observe and notice little things about the team that I probably would overlook if I was still training.
I am blown away by the maturity of the freshman class. This dynamic group of six came to Maryland and fit in with the team right away. Immediately we could see each freshman's unique personality and how they would add to the overall character of the team. Everyone seems to have made a smooth adjustment into college life. It is really great to see how the six newcomers are not afraid to go to the upperclassmen for advice. I think this says a lot about the overall composition of the team this year; everyone seems to be working toward a common goal and personal agendas have been put aside.
Another example of this unity I am talking about has to do with all of the new apparel the team has gotten this year. Walking by the weight room and seeing everyone in matching camouflage "BASIC" t-shirts, I saw everyone looking a little more motivated and excited to start boot-camp conditioning. The boot-camp program that the coaches have implemented this preseason is definitely intense, but the team came to school ready to work hard. Being able to wear matching new tennis shoes and workout clothes also help remind everyone that the conditioning done now is being done for the good of the team and will pay off late in the season.
This team absolutely has all of the necessary tools to have a successful 2007 season. Both the coaching staff and the gymnasts are on the same page; I have noticed a focus this preseason that I have not seen my past three years here. It is clear that the team's goal this year is to succeed, turn some heads, and draw attention to Maryland Gymnastics. If the team continues to train and focus as they have since the start of school, there is no reason why this would not happen.
I am excited to see this young team develop throughout the season. I already had the privilege to watch the freshmen learn first-hand what Maryland athletics is all about, and then see how they personally would fit into the program. I am eager to see how they will flourish in this amazing environment with so many resources. I also think our upperclassmen are a very poised group, equipped with the experience necessary to handle anything thrown their way. Duke, Brett, and Vicki are on-board and fully committed to taking the team as far as they can go this season. The team is going to need to take the work-ethic, positive attitudes, and motivation I have seen thus far and spread this throughout the entire season in order to do great things. I believe they can do it and cannot wait to see it happen!
Best Wishes, Ashley
