North Carolina State University Athletics
Photo by: Karl DeBlaker
Gymnastics Holds First Day of Practice for 2015-16 Season
9/10/2015 6:11:00 PM | Women's Gymnastics
The team returns 13 gymnasts and welcomes two freshmen
RALEIGH, N.C.- The NC State gymnastics team began preparations for the 2016 season as it held its first practice of the fall Thursday afternoon inside Carmichael Gymnasium.
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Prior to Thursday afternoon, the squad has held optional work outs since classes started in mid-August.
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"The preseason went great, the team worked really hard and we had 90 percent of the girls in the gym everyday at our optional work outs," said head coach Mark Stevenson. "It was apparent they all were focused on reaching our goals, which was a positive thing to see.
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"Things seem to be going in the right direction and our staff is pleased with what we have seen so far, "Stevenson added.
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The Pack lost two seniors and returns 13 from last season's squad, including seniors Aubrey Hine, Courtney Turner, Michaela Woodford and Brittni Watkins.
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With having four seniors returning for the 2016 season, Stevenson sees their experience and leadership setting positive examples in the gym.
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"All of the upperclassmen have been in the gym almost everyday, which to me is leading by example and great senior leadership. As a staff we were happy to not only see those four set good examples, but also see the rest of the team learn from what they have been doing," Stevenson explained.
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The team welcomes two strong newcomers to the squad- Caitlyn Fillard and Maggie Tamburro. Both have potential to make strong contributions for the Pack in the 2016 season.
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Other notable returners include sophomores Mackenzie Itcush, Chelsea Knight and Nicole Wild, as well as juniors Amanda Fillard and Hannah Sobhan. All five gymnasts made a strong impact in a bulk the squads' meets in the 2015 season.
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Last season, the team saw Lane Jarred and Brittni Watkins earn EAGL titles on floor, clinched its 13th-straight postseason bid and sent two gymnasts, Watkins and Michaela Woodford, to the NCAA Championship for the first time in program history. Additionally, Watkins earned her second All-America honors of her career, as she finished eighth overall on beam.
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Freshman Maggie Tamburro
On first practice of collegiate career:
"It's really exciting; everyone's been really welcoming so far and for me this is the first time gymnastics is seen as a team sport because everyone is working together for the same goal."
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On difference between collegiate and club practice:
"It's really different because the coaches couldn't really tell us what to do in voluntary practices, and I don't know what the coaches' expectations are of us quite yet. I'm hoping now that we have officially begun the season that I will soon have a better understanding of that."
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Senior Brittni Watkins
On last first day of practice as a collegiate athlete:
"It feels good to be a senior and to finally get back into the routine of team practice. It'll be good these first few days to see where everyone is physically and mentally, and to finally start working toward our team goals for the season."
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On team experience so far since classes started:
"It's been good, for the most part the team came in and worked on two events a day in optional practice. For myself and the rest of the senior class we've been really adamant about coming in everyday and giving it our all, which has been setting a good example for the rest of the team," Watkins said.
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Sophomore Nicole Wild
On first preseason experience with the team:
"I'm really excited to be here for the fall. It's my first preseason here and is going to be a little challenging getting back into the swing of things. I'm super excited for the upcoming season though; preseason will be fun and I can't wait for us to push each other everyday in practice."
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On difference between last semester and this season:
"It's been very different from last semester. I kind of just jumped right into things because I joined in January, but now I get to go through the entire process of fall training that I missed last season. I also get to see the team a lot more and it's just awesome to be around everyone all the time."
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On personal goals for the season:
"My goals for this year are to make lineups and compete to the best of my ability. Whether it's one event, three events or all-around, I just want to do my best and put as much into the team as I can. "
Â
Prior to Thursday afternoon, the squad has held optional work outs since classes started in mid-August.
Â
"The preseason went great, the team worked really hard and we had 90 percent of the girls in the gym everyday at our optional work outs," said head coach Mark Stevenson. "It was apparent they all were focused on reaching our goals, which was a positive thing to see.
Â
"Things seem to be going in the right direction and our staff is pleased with what we have seen so far, "Stevenson added.
Â
The Pack lost two seniors and returns 13 from last season's squad, including seniors Aubrey Hine, Courtney Turner, Michaela Woodford and Brittni Watkins.
Â
With having four seniors returning for the 2016 season, Stevenson sees their experience and leadership setting positive examples in the gym.
Â
"All of the upperclassmen have been in the gym almost everyday, which to me is leading by example and great senior leadership. As a staff we were happy to not only see those four set good examples, but also see the rest of the team learn from what they have been doing," Stevenson explained.
Â
The team welcomes two strong newcomers to the squad- Caitlyn Fillard and Maggie Tamburro. Both have potential to make strong contributions for the Pack in the 2016 season.
Â
Other notable returners include sophomores Mackenzie Itcush, Chelsea Knight and Nicole Wild, as well as juniors Amanda Fillard and Hannah Sobhan. All five gymnasts made a strong impact in a bulk the squads' meets in the 2015 season.
Â
Last season, the team saw Lane Jarred and Brittni Watkins earn EAGL titles on floor, clinched its 13th-straight postseason bid and sent two gymnasts, Watkins and Michaela Woodford, to the NCAA Championship for the first time in program history. Additionally, Watkins earned her second All-America honors of her career, as she finished eighth overall on beam.
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Freshman Maggie Tamburro
On first practice of collegiate career:
"It's really exciting; everyone's been really welcoming so far and for me this is the first time gymnastics is seen as a team sport because everyone is working together for the same goal."
Â
On difference between collegiate and club practice:
"It's really different because the coaches couldn't really tell us what to do in voluntary practices, and I don't know what the coaches' expectations are of us quite yet. I'm hoping now that we have officially begun the season that I will soon have a better understanding of that."
Â
Senior Brittni Watkins
On last first day of practice as a collegiate athlete:
"It feels good to be a senior and to finally get back into the routine of team practice. It'll be good these first few days to see where everyone is physically and mentally, and to finally start working toward our team goals for the season."
Â
On team experience so far since classes started:
"It's been good, for the most part the team came in and worked on two events a day in optional practice. For myself and the rest of the senior class we've been really adamant about coming in everyday and giving it our all, which has been setting a good example for the rest of the team," Watkins said.
Â
Sophomore Nicole Wild
On first preseason experience with the team:
"I'm really excited to be here for the fall. It's my first preseason here and is going to be a little challenging getting back into the swing of things. I'm super excited for the upcoming season though; preseason will be fun and I can't wait for us to push each other everyday in practice."
Â
On difference between last semester and this season:
"It's been very different from last semester. I kind of just jumped right into things because I joined in January, but now I get to go through the entire process of fall training that I missed last season. I also get to see the team a lot more and it's just awesome to be around everyone all the time."
Â
On personal goals for the season:
"My goals for this year are to make lineups and compete to the best of my ability. Whether it's one event, three events or all-around, I just want to do my best and put as much into the team as I can. "
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