Oct. 21, 2004

The gym is an exciting place to be. I take a step back often and observe what is going on around me. It is exciting and amazing what I observe. I see the most power I have ever seen to the most grace I have ever seen. I see unique, dynamic, awesome gymnastics, but most importantly I see everyone having fun. I see a true team. I see people who truly love and care about each other. I see respectful individuals who are cheering for their teammates, laughing with each other, and eager to help one another. I see passion for the sport of gymnastics and respect for our coaches, our teammates, and ourselves.

We had our first intrasquad on beam the other day, and it was a good start. It is fun to get that feeling of being a little nervous and excited to perform even in front of my team again. We are way ahead of where we were last year at this time, which is encouraging. Especially once everyone is healthy, we are going to be an unstoppable force. I know I am biased but I truly believe that no one has the package that we do as Stanford gymnasts. First of all, we go to Stanford and what can compare to an education like that. Second, we live in probably the most delightful places on earth and our campus is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. It makes me happy to just see so much beauty every day around me. We have the most fun team and we all get along so well. We have the best coaches who care about us so much and have given us every tool to succeed in life and gymnastics. We have passion, excitement, big dreams, charisma, diversity, and balance. We have elegance and power. And best of all, we are going to do something that has never been done before.

- Natalie Foley