Gymnastics senior Stephanie Ouellette will look to lead her squad to another successful season. Ouellette was the team MVP for the 2012-2013 season. Ouellete received the First Team All-EAGL honors on the vault, floor exercise and all-around. Though the first official meet is not until Jan. 12 at rival UNC-Chapel Hill, Ouellette and the rest of the team are working hard to make this season one to remember.
Technician: Recently, the team had an intrasquad scrimmage. How did that go?
Ouellette: “It went really well. We had about seven to eight people in every event, and for the most part, we felt like we were just as good as we were at the beginning of last season if not better at this time.”
Q: What all is the team doing right now in order to prepare for the first meet in January?
A: “We’re working really hard on our endurance, trying to help get ready for each routine, especially on floor and bars, and building up each other’s confidence, which will be a really big thing next season.”
Q: What are your expectations for this season both for yourself individually and for your team collectively?
A: “We have one expectation, and that is to go to nationals. For myself, I just want to make it a really good season because it will be my last one.”
Q: What would you say is your strongest event and the event that you need to improve upon going into this season?
A: “My strongest would probably be vault at this point. It got really good at the end of last year, and it still feels strong. I think my floor needs to improve a little bit just because it’s a newer routine, so I’m struggling with endurance.”
Q: You mentioned it’s your senior season this year. Are there any goals that you specifically want to accomplish in your last year here at N.C. State?
A: “I just want to help the team get to nationals. It would be a really cool thing for the team to go.”
Q: How would you say your role as being a senior and a leader has expanded this year?
A: “I would just say that when I think about it, there’s not someone above me to look up to. It’s the other way around. It’s a lot more leading by example and having people watch what you’re doing.”
Q: Have you noticed that change already with that during the intrasquad scrimmage and in practice?
A: “A little bit. The seniors are really big on what we have to do as far as telling the girls what to wear, when to be there and stuff like that.”
Q: During the years, is there someone that you have looked up to as an inspiration whether it was another gymnast or a family member?
A: “I would probably just say both of my parents. My mom did gymnastics, and so did my dad. My dad was my coach, and it’s just been a family thing for a very long time. They have really pushed me, and it’s kind of a different role that I play since my parents did gymnastics, and they really understand. They’re not easy on me, and they’re not too hard. They understand what it takes to be good, and they don’t let me quit.”
Q: Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions that you do for good luck?
A: “Not really actually. I’m not extremely superstitious about things, or at least I try not to be. As a team, we do some stuff, but individually, I don’t.”
