North Carolina State University Athletics
INSIDE THE CHALK BOX: Jess Panza
10/27/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
BY JESS PANZA
Walking into the gym for the first time was nothing but intimidating.
Mixed emotions filled my head and I had no idea what to expect. Summer practices were fun, laid back and carefree. But I knew these practices to come were different. Already being three weeks behind due to mono, I knew that I had extra work ahead of me. Watching the girls practice while I stood on the side was one of the hardest things because I just wanted to be out there with them.
As I got to know the girls better, I realized how lucky I am to be a part of the team. I have plenty of friends who are a part of college gymnastics teams and they always told me to try and meet friends out of the team. As I've come to realize, these girls are already my best friends. In the gym and out, we are there for each other no matter what. I never imagined a team that would be this close. I thought that the older girls wouldn’t want anything to do with us outside of the gym, but what I've come to realize is the freshman hang out with the older girls almost every weekend. Being in a gym where there is non-stop support from your teammates is something that keeps me motivated.
I hear plenty of things about college coaches from all different types of schools. How they treat the girls, the way they act in the gym, and the things that they say to their gymnasts. Even before I decided to come to NC State, I heard nothing but exceptionally good things about our coaches. As I looked into this school during recruiting season, this was something that really intrigued me about it. In the gym and out, I know that Mark, Karen, and Todd will be there for any one of us in any situation whether it has to do with gymnastics, or personal issues. I couldn’t ask for more understanding, motivating and compassionate people to be our coaches.
Going through long practices, sometimes working out twice a day is something that will only make us stronger. As hard as it is, as I know that in order to reach our many goals as a team we need to sacrifice these hardships together. Practices have most definitely been very hard for me, and the other girls but with each others help everything seems to be that much easier. Before college, I was doing gymnastics for myself.
As I look into the future of the competitive season, I am more than excited to say that I am a part of “Wolfpack Gymnastics” and as a TEAM we will all be successful.
