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

Facts about Shelby Edwards:

• Senior GymCat
• Started gymnastics at age 5, danced ballet as well
• Favorite gymnast growing up: Carly Patterson
• She loves the Arizona campus and while family is only a few hours away, it’s far enough from home to feel like she’s getting the real college experience
• Strongest (and favorite) event: Beam
• Pre-meet ritual: Listens to her favorite song, Down in the Valley by the Head and the Heart.

I love that song, too! Awesome choice.

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

The first time I competed in Mckale as a freshman… Hearing my name being called by the announcer for the first time was a real thrill for me… Knowing that my teammates on the floor and our fans in the crowd are 100% behind me is an amazing feeling.

I love that I get to work with my best friends everyday, striving to achieve a common goal. Knowing that you aren’t only doing it for yourself, but for 15 other girls as well, it’s a very special feeling; a feeling that I love and that motivates me to be my best day in and day out.

What are your 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?

I’m so looking forward to this year!! Obviously, the whole team is in agreement when we say our biggest goal is making it to nationals this season. We really broke ground last year and gained a lot of positive attention, so taking that momentum and building off of it is very important in order to take us to the next level.

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

There has definitely been times where an injury or obstacle has made it difficult for me to continue with gymnastics. But… part of this sport is learning how to overcome and work past adversity. It’s probably fair to say a good majority of gymnasts at this level have experienced some sort of career ending obstacle, but when you’re able to surpass those things it makes you stronger and your love and appreciation for the sport deepens.

What’s your outlook on the upcoming season?

I’m very excited for this season!! I’m positive about the talent and drive we have on the team this year, and I’m so ready to see what Arizona Gymnastics is going to accomplish!

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

The funniest is probably Dan. Dan always has really cheesy jokes, she real big on puns! It’s great. I wouldn’t really say any of us are quiet, but Lexi has her moments I guess. She’s usually only quiet when she’s thinking really hard about something… She’ll get quiet and make her “Lexi Is Thinking” face, which we can all recognize pretty well haha.

Absolutely none of us are serious, and we never really take each other too seriously either. We’re always just having a good time when we hang out! Dan is also the best dancer, for sure. She was almost in a dance battle once, she would have totally won too if the other girl didn’t get scared and back out.

I’m not going to lie, I wouldn’t want to get caught in a dance battle against any of you. I’m not surprised the other girl backed out!

Next up, read my interview with our final GymCat, Lexi Mills!

Next: Lexi Mills wants to make Nationals happen