December 12, 2005

Hi Everyone!

The pre-season is wrapping up as we approach finals and Christmas break. Everyone is looking really good in the gym and ready to start competition. Mentally and emotionally, we are so excited and motivated for season to actually begin…and for finals to be over!! What a way to start our season with our first meet in Cancun. We almost didn't get to go for various reasons, so now that we are planning on going, we are all the more thrilled.

As the senior captain on the team, I can genuinely say that I am enjoying gymnastics and being in the gym around my coaches and teammates more than I ever have in my career. This team is truly something special. I feel like we are family. I can't remember laughing so much at practice while still working harder than ever beside my teammates, knowing that they are working their hardest too. Everyone is so self motivated and eager, which makes the gym a special place to be. A metaphor that comes to mind is that we are flying in V formation together. We are all on the same page, moving eagerly towards our goals for the season. We have one heart and passion, and it truly is powerful, magical, and exciting. To have a team where every girl is passionate, committed, determined, and close to one another is very rare. So to feel like we are already flying in V before the season has even started makes me excited about what is to come. We can do anything we put our minds to. I am so appreciative for every day I get to spend with my team doing gymnastics. I don't take a single day for granted, because it will be over in the blink of an eye.

Natalie Foley