Interview with Gymnast Current NCAA Coach Rachel Donovan

1.What age did you start gymnastics?

4

2. How did you start gymnastics?

Mommy and me.

3. How did you deal with mental blocks?

Pushed through it.

4. Who was your role model/someone you looked up to in the sport?

Carly Patterson.

5. What was your hardest struggle during your time as a gymnast?

Constant injuries and set backs.

6. How do you handle nerves when you are competing?

Focused on breathing and trusted my training.

7. What was your biggest accomplishment in gymnastics?

Receiving a D1 college scholarship.

8. What did you do after you were done competing? Did you stay involved or did you do something totally different?

I am currently still involved coaching in the NCAA. I also coached coached club gymnastics right after college.

9. What would people need to know if they are starting gymnastics for the first time?

It is expensive, heavily time consuming, and large commitmen.t

10. What is your favorite meet?

Any meet that has a podium.

11. How do you handle pressure from peers/coaches/fans?

I handle that pressure the same way I handle nerves. Deep breathes and trusting myself. Trying to understand that these people just want to see me do my best.

12. How do you overcome and challenges?

I overcame setbacks by rest, and time. I overcome challenges by conquering new ones and rewarding myself for the hard work I do.

13. Did college gymnastics ever cross your mind as something you wanted to do?

Of course. I wouldn't have done it if that was not my true goals.

14. Least favorite event and favorite event? And Why?

Vault. I had a hard time figuring that event out as I got into the higher levels.

15. Hardest and easiest gymnastics skills to train?

Hardest skill 1/2 in 1/2 out on bars. Easiest skill would be double back on floor.

16. Advice you would give to current or people who want to start in the sport?

Do it if you love it. Find something else if you don't. Don't just stay to have friends.