North Carolina State University Athletics
Inside the Chalk Box: Naomi DeVries
12/4/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
RALEIGH, N.C. - In this week’s Inside the Chalk Box, senior Naomi DeVries discusses the team’s goals for 2014-15 season. Inside the Chalk Box is written by one of the student-athletes on the NC State gymnastics team, discussing the team’s preparation for the season.
By Naomi DeVries
Creating team goals each preseason has become a tradition for the Wolfpack gymnastics team. To exceed in the classroom and in the gym, it is crucial that we are united behind a set of solid goals. This is why every October we come together as a team and decide on 10 goals that we undoubtedly want to achieve. When you are part of a team, it’s important that every member is focused and working towards the same goals. These goals are designed to help us stay on track so at the end of the year we don’t look back and say, “If only we had worked harder or studied more.” They will help empower us to have a terrific year both inside the gym and the classroom.
It is safe to say that like every college gymnastics team, we too want to be in the top 18 but in order to be in the top 18 your team can’t afford to count falls. This is why one of our goals is no back-to-back falls at meets. Ultimately, working towards this goal sets an expectation of fighting for skills and not giving up, so when it comes time for competition we each have the confidence to hit a great routine regardless of the situation. All of our gymnastics related goals are meant to help us in becoming the best team that we can possibly be.
Not only are we here to excel in our sport, but we are here to get an education. Our coaches have always expressed the value on our school work so we came up with a minimum team GPA to keep all of us on track and on top of our classwork. We also understand the importance of giving back to our community which is why one of our goals is to find ways to volunteer throughout the year. All the goals that we have chosen for outside of the gym are aimed at making us not only better student-athletes but better members of the community.
As a fellow senior with Lane Jarred we have a more influential role. When it comes to being seniors it is our role to lead by example and show them the way. As leaders we can greatly impact our team by motivating and pushing them to be their best both in and out of the gym. I want to help my teammates be successful in achieving our goals, as well as help them learn to overcome adversity because in my past three years as a Wolfpack gymnast I have realized the importance of never giving up. I have already noticed that the team’s morale and attitude is very high, which helps us all when we encounter tough days in the classroom and at practice and definitely keeps us working towards achieving our goals.
We are each blessed with the opportunity of being part of the Wolfpack gymnastics family and are all excited for season to come around so we can unveil what this team has to offer. I know this team has the potential to do great things and when we are all striving to achieve the same goals we can develop team unity. And team unity is how this season, this team will make their statement! Go Pack!
