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

Arizona’s gymnastics coach and former Stanford Cardinal Tabitha Yim and seniors take a break from practice to answer Zona Zealots questions about their upcoming season.

It’s Tabitha Yim’s first year as the Wildcats’ head coach for gymnastics. But even at only 29 years old, she’s already gotten a lot of experience with the sport and with coaching.

Here’s a few things you should know about her:

• Originally from Irvine, California
• 14-time All-American at Stanford
• Spent 2 years teaching after her college gymnastics career
• Returned to gymnastics as the assistant coach at Stanford for 5 years

Tabitha was kind enough to answer a few questions so let’s get to know one of Arizona’s newest coaches!

What would you say your coaching style is?

I had an incredible college experience and learned a lot from my coaches at Stanford. I was fortunate to learn many life skills beyond the sport and really value being able to pass those on as a head coach. I love being able to give my athletes the confidence to transfer skills they learn in the gym to their passions and dreams outside of the sport. I value the family aspect and atmosphere in college athletics and hope to provide my athletes with life long memories, skills, and relationships.

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• Arizona Gymnastics Upsets Rival Cal in McKale Center

At what age did you begin gymnastics and who/what was it that first got you into it and made you want to stick with it?

I started gymnastics at the age of 3. My mom wanted me to learn ballet, but I was too young so she put me in gymnastics with my brother. I loved being able to flip and enjoyed the constant challenge in the gym. I made the decision to seriously pursue the sport when I moved to Charter Oak Gliders with Beth and Steve Rybacki. I expressed my desire to make an Olympic team, and they challenged me to fully commit to my dream in every aspect of my life.

Any goals you have for the team this year?

Our goal is to be the hardest working staff and team in the nation! We are excited to build off the wonderful history started here by Coach Gault, Coach Ryden, and all the incredible GymCat alumni. We are motivated to peak mentally, physically, and emotionally at the end of year and cannot wait to get started!

After you graduated from college, did you think you would return to the sport to coach? Why did you decide to coach?

I never thought I would be a coach and was quite happy teaching 9^th grade science with Teach for America – it’s a program that dedicates service to underprivileged communities. I was extremely surprised to receive a call from my former Stanford head coach, Kristen Smyth, asking me to come back to my alma mater. The opportunity was too exciting to ignore so I returned to Stanford as an assistant coach.

Besides gymnastics, what are some of your other interests?

My brother, Jonathan, is the head video coordinator for the Portland Trailblazers, and I love supporting him and watching the team whenever I can. He has always been an inspiration to me, and I’m so grateful to have him as a mentor, role model, and brother.

Outside of the gym, I like staying active and love all different types of dance – modern, contemporary, hip hop. I’m also looking forward to exploring some of the beautiful hikes here in Tucson. If I’m not at work, hiking, or dancing, I can usually be found in a movie theater or on my couch enjoying popcorn, sour patch kids, and a good movie.

Tabitha got me in touch with the seniors she’ll be coaching this year so that I could get a glimpse of what’s been going on this summer as well as their goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. I was excited to hear what they had to say and was definitely not disappointed. All the girls had great responses to the (many) questions I had for them.

Before we go any further, Coach Yim’s season ticket promo video is a hilarious and fun music video of the gymnastics team teaching and featuring Coach Rich Rodriguez, Coach Matt Dudek and two new players Paul Magloire and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles dance moves!

We already are feeling Coach Yim’s genius stamp from Arizona Gymcats on the Arizona Athletics program, and it’s going to be a fun ride! This is classic! In just one day, this video has already become extremely popular with over 100,000+ views on YouTube. Take a look!

Now let’s take a look at the first senior, Danielle Buchanan.

Next: Danielle Buchanan is Fired Up

Here’s a few facts to know about Danielle Buchanan:

• Redshirt senior, graduates in May 2016
• Started gymnastics at age 7
• THIRD GENERATION WILDCAT (both her parents and grandparents are alumni!!)
• Strongest event (and favorite) is vault
• Pre-meet ritual: Always wears her lucky Spiderman socks the day before every meet.

I still can’t get over the fact that Danielle is a third generation Wildcat. That is quite a legacy right there!

Who’s your inspiration?

My inspiration has always been Chellsie Memmel because she is the human definition of resilience. She was hindered by so many injuries in her career, some with awful timing, but she always bounced back and didn’t lose sight of her goals. That’s what gymnastics is all about for me, the ability to keep pushing even when things get tough.

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

Every day with my teammates is my favorite memory. Competition is so much fun, but what I love most about collegiate gymnastics is the family that is born. We laugh together and we cry together and these girls will be my family for the rest of my life.

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?

Being my last season as a GymCat, I am looking forward to enjoying every moment of this season and really just taking it all in. As a team we want to keep improving each meet so we peak when it’s important. As an individual I want to set a great example for my teammates and be someone they can look up to and come to for motivation or anything else they need.

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

The last two seasons I have been unable to compete due to knee injuries. It has been a pretty tough two years for me, but that’s what gymnastics is all about, fighting through the hard times so you can make it to the good times. I am as motivated as ever and cannot wait to get back on the floor this season!

What’s your outlook on the upcoming season?

My outlook on the upcoming season is to trust the process and to enjoy the outcome. Our team is so fired up and dedicated I think we just need to trust all the work we have been putting in at practice and be confident and have fun when it comes time to deliver.

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

Out of the four of us I’m clearly the funniest… I make myself laugh all the time! Haha. I would say that Shelby is the quietest until you get to know her, Jessie is the most serious, and Lexi is the best dancer!
Up next, read about Jessie’s time as a GymCat!

Next: Jessie Sisler puts everything she's got into this year

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

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

Facts about Lexi Mills:

• Senior, graduates in Winter of 2016
• Made the switch from dance and began gymnastics at age 4.
• The coaching staff is what convinced her to choose Arizona. She’s glad to have a team that she considers family. Her teammates are more than best friends, they’re her sisters.
• Strongest (and favorite) event: Beam
• Pre-performance ritual: Before every floor routine, she has a teammate in her corner to talk and help her focus

Who’s your inspiration?

My inspiration is my family. My parents put a lot of money and time into the sport and I feel like it is important for me to work my hardest to make them proud.

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

My favorite memories would be my first college meet. It was so different than club gymnastics that I fell in love with the sport again. I love the feeling you get after nailing a perfect routine. We train such long hours with a lot of routines so when you finally hit that perfect one it makes all of that hard work worth it.

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

My goal this year is for us to go to Nationals. I want to make that happen for all my teammates, especially the seniors since it is our last year in the sport. Im looking forward to all the changes being made to the program. I think there is a lot of talent on our team and I cant wait to show the nation what we’ve got.

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

My junior year in high school right after I verbally committed to the U of A, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do the sport anymore. I was scared of all my skills and tired of the long days of practice. I wanted to be a normal student. I’m glad I didn’t choose to quit though or I would have missed out on the best experience of my life so far.

What’s your outlook on the upcoming season?

I believe we’re going to have one of our strongest seasons yet. The talent continues to grow on our team and we have a lot of hard working young women. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised when they see us on the floor this year. We are coming in with a completely different mindset.

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

Shelby is the funniest, Danielle is the best dancer for sure, and Jessie is the quietest.

There you have it, Wildcat fans!

I have absolutely loved getting to know the gymnastics team and coach a bit better. I had fun hearing about what their pre-meet rituals are and seeing how much each of them care about their teammates.

These gymnasts have worked hard and continue to strive toward their goals for this upcoming year. I think that with hard work, their energy and positive attitudes along with their great new Head Coach Yim will take them far this year. I look forward to keeping up with their accomplishments. Good luck, girls and I hope to see you at Nationals this year!

Bear down!

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?