Interview WithTori Naccarato

How old were you when you started gymnastics, and what originally drew you to the sport?

I was 4 years old when i started gymnastics. My dad was just looking for something for us to do on the weekends while my mom was working. I always watched gymnastics when I was little and that made me want to stick with it for my future.

What was your favorite meet, your favorite and least favorite events, and the hardest/easiest skill you ever trained?

My favorite meet would probably be Charity Classic because everyone is encouraged to cheer and it creates an energetic, college feel atmosphere. My favorite event definitely changes depending on the day but if I had to chose it would be floor just because of my personality and I enjoy showing that when I compete. The hardest skill I have learned (which is now my favorite) is my church release on bars.

Gymnastics is incredibly mental. What was your hardest struggle during your time as a gymnast? How did you deal with nerves, pressure, and getting in your head or temporarily "losing" a skill?

For me personally the most mentally challenging thing was my time in elite. I would go to meets and no one would make the qualifying score. It was hard to keep going back so eventually i decided that I wanted to focus my attention on collegiate gymnastics and focus 100% of my efforts chasing that dream.

What was your biggest accomplishment in the sport, and did you ever want to do college gymnastics?

I have always wanted to do college gymnastics. Ever since I started going to college meets as a little girl, I knew I could see myself competing at that level of difficulty. My greatest accomplishment in this sport so far is being able to verbally accept an athlete scholarship to Auburn. It reinforced the work, the sacrifices, and the commitment I made to gymnastics.

How did you cope when your time as a gymnast ended, and did you transition into coaching or are you currently still competing?

I am still competing. I know one day it will end unfortunately and that will be difficult. I have always had in the back of my mind coaching for college gymnastics, so we will see what the future holds on that goal.

Who was your gymnastics role model, and what advice would you give to someone starting the sport for the first time?

I have never truly had on specific role model or someone I looked up to. I really admired them all. I just knew I wanted to be like them when i grew up. My advice to younger girls would be to enjoy the process and live in the moment. It goes by a lot quicker than you would think . Another piece of advice would be to listen to your body. This sport is tough and having the ability to listen to your body and understand what it needs is something very valuable and will get you a long way in this sport.

What two goals you want to achieve in the sport of gymnastics?

My goals change week over week, month over month, year over year. Once I attain a goal, I try and set the bar a little a higher and find other goals to accomplish. A short term goal I have is to have a healthy and successful season. Everyone measures success differently but I know where I want to be. Long term would be to contribute to the success of Auburn gymnastics.