Athlete Spotlight – Marissa Springfield

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marissa is a class of 2029 Level 10 gymnast at National Elite Gymnastics in Texas. I was able to connect with Marissa and chat about life in the gym, what motivates her, and the goals she has for this season and beyond</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How did you get your start in gymnastics?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>My mom signed me up for my gym's after-school program because I had way too much energy. I was at the gym almost every day, and eventually I was invited to the team. Once I started competing, I was hooked.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What do you love most about gymnastics?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I love the pride I feel knowing I do the hardest and most amazing sport in the world.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who has had the biggest influence on you as a gymnast?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>My coaches have had a huge influence on me through the work ethic they've instilled in me. My teammates reinforce that too, because I see that same work ethic play out every day in how we train and push each other.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What goes through your mind before you compete?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I think about trusting my training and competing the same way I normally train in practice.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How do you balance school, gymnastics, friends, and family?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I try to stay really organized. At the beginning of each week, I plan out my schoolwork, training, PT time, and anything else I need to get done. I also use little pockets of time, like car rides, to finish assignments so I still have time for friends and family.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is something you're really proud of that has nothing to do with gymnastics?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm really proud of the effort I put into school and the grades I've earned so far. I'm also proud that I make time for things I love outside of gymnastics, like painting, playing music, and friends.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How do you and your teammates support each other at practice and at competitions?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>We give each other feedback, reassurance, and encouragement before our turns. And when someone is going, we make sure to cheer SUPER loud!!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What has your recruiting journey looked like so far?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I've done a lot of research on schools and programs and started emailing coaches at the schools I'm interested in. I've also been working on posting more consistently on social media, and right now I'm learning how to build my own recruiting webpage.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What are your goals for this competition season?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I want to compete aggressively and be a fierce competitor, which to me means not holding back on skills because I'm afraid of making a mistake. I want to show improvement at every meet and, ultimately, qualify for Nationals.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is something our readers should know about you?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm a really hard worker, and I'm VERY stubborn, so if something matters to me, I'll keep working until I figure it out. I'm also learning that being a strong gymnast is about more than just skills, so I've been focusing more on mental training, nutrition, recovery, and taking care of my body because I want to stay healthy and have longevity in the sport.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was great to learn more about Marissa and I am so appreciative of the time she took to answer my questions! All of us at PrepGymnastics can't wait to watch you this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->