Gymcats Rock Old Main, Meet Their Coach Tabitha Yim and The Seniors

Facts to know about Jessie Sisler:

• 4th year of eligibility, graduates in 2017
• Began gymnastics at age 3 at Technique Gymnastics.
• Loves the atmosphere in the athletic department and that the close-knit program has the athletes’ best interests in mind
• Favorite event: Floor
• Strongest event: Floor and vault
• Pre-meet ritual: Pump-up music, blast rap/hip-hop music in the locker room

Who/what got you started? Who’s your inspiration?

My older sister started gymnastics before me, and she was the reason why I wanted to start. I always looked up to her, and I wanted to do gymnastics like she did.

Any favorite memories/moments so far in your college career? What is it that you love about the sport?

I’ve had so many amazing memories… The most recent one was PAC-12’s last year… Everyone in the line-up was rocking their routines and we were all totally pumped up. I was up last, and I knew that I needed to hit my routine for us to win our session. The cheering, excitement, and support… was just an incredible feeling, and we ended up winning our session.

It was one of those moments that I’ll never fully be able to express in words, but the feeling was unforgettable. We were all on cloud-9 after that meet, and seeing the smiles and happiness in everyone’s faces was so fulfilling after all of the hard work we had put in throughout the year.

What are you goals heading into the new year? Anything different you want to do from last year? Any other thoughts about what you are looking forward to?

Our biggest goal this year is to make it to Nationals! That’s been in our mind since our freshman year, and I know that this team is ready to do what it takes to get there. Individually, my goal is to put everything I’ve have

into this year–to be prepared for season, to be consistent and reliable in competition, and to help my team in every way I can. The team has been working hard this summer, so I’m excited to see where it takes us!

Any difficulties/obstacles that you had to overcome in order to continue with the sport?

It’s the smaller challenges that really help us move forward in our careers. Pushing through things when you’re tired, and staying motivated when you’re having a rough couple of days, or a rough week. Those are all challenges that help make us better gymnasts.

As well, the transition from club gymnastics to collegiate gymnastics is different. You’re in a completely new atmosphere with different coaches and training techniques, and it’s something that you have to adapt to, and figure out how you work best as an individual.

What’s your outlook on the upcoming season?

I have a very positive outlook going into this season. After all the changes that we’ve had, I think that the team has responded really well, and we’ve all been working really hard–coaches, strength coach, and trainer included. I think we have a good atmosphere and a good mindset, and with the right training, and continuation of the hard work, I think we’ll go a long way this season.

Who out of the four of you is the funniest? Quietest? Most serious? Best dancer?

Hmmm of the four of us, I would have to say Danielle is the best dancer! Shelbs is really funny, and Lex, maybe the quietest? I guess I’d probably be the most serious. Not sure. Hard to choose, but love all three of them, and I couldn’t ask for a better class to share my last year with!

My favorite thing Jessie added in was that she loves every part of this sport. It may “not always [be] easy, and it takes a lot of hard work, but I think that is what makes it all worth it. I love getting to train and compete and travel with my best friends.” I completely agree!  It’s an amazing feeling to be part of a team and sport you love.

Next: Shelby Edwards excited for this season