Catching up with the Alum
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GymHawk Alum: Please send responses to these questions along with a current picture!
1. Describe what The University of Iowa means to you:
The University of Iowa is home to me. It is a place where I learned to be an educator, a better gymnast, and a better person. It is a diverse environment cultivated in caring and respect. The first time I set foot on campus, I felt comfortable and knew that making the decision to attend The University of Iowa would be the best course for my future as a student and as an athlete. There was never a time when I wasn't met with support and understanding to work through whatever challenges came my way. - Stephanie (Gran) Meeks 2004 Grad
Being 13 hours away from my family and high school friends, I learned there could be more than one home. That’s what the University of Iowa is to me – another place I can call home. - Kortny Williamson 2006 Grad
The University of Iowa is a place I consider 'home'. It's a place where I feel comfortable, and it's a place where I met friends and coaches that helped me grow as a person. It's a place where I learned to be a team player and have confidence in myself both as a person and an athlete. It's a place where I met wonderful friends, and it's a place that helped lead me to a profession that I've never doubted. I will forever be proud to be a HAWKEYE, and I look forward to cheering on the GymHawks for many years to come! - Ally Zipse 2008 Grad
The University of Iowa will forever be my family. It is a place of comfort for me. The place where I discovered my true personality and learned how to love myself for who I am. - Katie Burke 2008 Grad
The University of Iowa was my home away from home for me. I came to Iowa all the way from California and I never once felt like I was that far away from my family. The minute I stepped on to campus I was welcomed into a family that was there to support me as I grew and shaped myself into the person I am today. - Brandi Loffer 2009 Grad
The University of Iowa means family to me. It is my home away from home where some of the best memories of my life were made. It was a place where I was free to be 100% myself. - Kara Pinjuv 2009 Grad
The University of Iowa means a second home to me. A place where I learned to become my own, while at the same time, learning to become stronger with the help of others. A place that has prepared me for what lies ahead. I learned how to be independent, yet knowing that their will always be a supportive hand close by. It is a place that will always remain close to my heart, where lifelong friendships were developed, and amazing memories were made. And always, a place I can and will return to. - Brittany (Logan) Urbain 2009 Grad
The University of Iowa means a lot to me; there are so many great opportunities and great people that are like family to me. - Jenny Donar 2010 Grad
2. What memory, from Iowa, stands out most from your GymHawk experience?
There are so many memories that come to mind when I think 'Iowa'... bus trips, my roomies!, just walking around campus, seeing the Old Capitol building after a fresh snowfall, late night studying, trips to the Res, my coaches, and of course The Girls!!! - Stephanie (Gran) Meeks 2004 Grad
Both my very first performance as a GymHawk and my very last -- oddly enough, they were both on vault. After that first collegiate vault, I remember thinking how cool it was to be part of a team who gives you high fives or a hug to celebrate. That’s a feeling that never goes away during the four years. My last vault was a little more sentimental because it was the close of my GymHawk career that happened to be at Regionals. Running back to the end of the runway to Larissa, as well as my fellow GymHawks who made the trip to watch is what made the experience even more special – even if the high-fives came from the bleachers! - Kortny Williamson 2006 Grad
When I look back at my experience as a GymHawk, I remember the wonderful relationships I had with my teammates and coaches. I remember the excitement of meets, team huddles and cheers, team outings/bonding trips, gag gifts, team tailgates, team banquets, traveling, and working hard in the gym with my teammates and coaches to represent the HAWKS with pride! - Ally Zipse 2008 Grad
I have so many amazing memories from The University of Iowa. My teammates and coaches were such a joy to be around and it makes me smile when I think about all the fun times we would have inside and outside of the gym. Although training was hard work, my teammates and I always found ways to bring laughter and love into the gym. We were, and always will be, a family. And for that, I will be forever grateful.
The memory that stands out most from my GymHawk experience is qualifying for Nationals my Junior year. I had a fantastic season after struggling with inconsistency and doubt during my first two years as a GymHawk. I qualified by competing at Regionals at The University of Denver. The meet was going well and I knew that if I could hit my final event, I would have a pretty good shot at qualification. Standing in front of the beam, waiting for the judge's signal, I knew that my last 14 years of training came down to this. It was a moment that gives me chills every time I think back because I knew that it was going to be one of the most important routines of my life. In that moment, I remember telling myself that this was the type of moment I had been dreaming about ever since I was a little kid. The type of moment I would fantasize about every time I got ready to mount the beam at practice. And in that moment, I felt complete control. I mounted the beam and completed my routine with confidence, joy, and pure love for the crazy sport of gymnastics. I was a little kid again, playing on the street curb without a care in the world. When the meet was over and it was announced that I was going to Nationals, I started jumping up and down with happiness. I knew I had accomplished what I had worked so hard for. It was so heartwarming to see my teammates, coaches, and friends so excited for me. I felt so loved and so blessed to know how much my GymHawk family cared about me. It was incredible. - Katie Burke 2008 Grad
There are too many wonderful memories to choose from! If I could lump the entire 4 years together with the coaches and my teammates as one big memory, then that would be my favorite. But, if I had to choose just one, it would be my bar routine from Senior Night. I had injured myself in pre-season and it was my first time competing on bars since I had come back. I told myself that this was my chance to have fun and just let go. I did exactly that and it turned out to be one of the best routines of my life scoring a 9.9. The feeling of realizing I was back for good combined with the rupturing cheers of my coaches and teammates was one of the best feelings I have ever had. - Brandi Loffer 2009 Grad
My standout experience happened my senior year. After a rough start to the season, we headed to Michigan State for a quad meet. The arena was freezing, and we were starting on beam. We set the adversity aside, and the whole line-up hit their routines in stellar fashion. I felt as if we had changed the outlook of our whole season in the span of 30 minutes. We ended up winning the meet, and I have never been more proud of or confident in my teammates than in that moment. - Kara Pinjuv 2009 Grad
There are so many memories to choose from! Although the memory that stands out the most/has the most significance to me was stepping onto The University of Iowa campus for my recruiting visit. Within the first few hours, I knew Iowa was like no other school and could see myself growing into the individual I wanted to become. I immediately felt comfortable and at home. It was like I had been there for years. I felt the freedom to be myself while surrounded by the team that felt like long lost sisters! I could not wait to come back for good :) - Brittany (Logan) Urbain 2009 Grad
Each and every moment being with the team was great, and I would not trade it for anything. The moment that stands out in my experience was when we competed in Alaska (my freshmen year). I competed vault for the first time and scored a 9.9. The celebration after my vault; especially as the team was tackling me to the floor. - Jenny Donar 2010 Grad
3. What are you doing now? How did the University of Iowa help you get where you are today?
Today I live in Houston, Texas with my college sweetheart...fellow Hawkeye gymnast, Ryan Meeks. We have an incredible little girl, who is the light of our lives! She loves "Turkey" (meaning Herky) and the Hawkeyes just as much as we do... in fact I can hear her singing the Iowa Fight song right now with her daddy as she is getting ready for nap time! Iowa is a special place. It is full of a variety of opportunities. It is a university that provides an array of academic avenues nestled in the hills of Iowa. - Stephanie (Gran) Meeks 2004 Grad
I am currently in graduate school working towards a teaching certification in secondary English at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. In addition to going to school full-time, I work part-time at the local television news station as the online sports editor. I had a great undergraduate experience at Iowa and looked forward to going to class because of the outstanding professors in both the Communications and Journalism departments. If not for the positive classroom experience I had while at the University, I don't think I would have been as excited when starting grad school. - Kortny Williamson 2006 Grad
I am currently in graduate school for physical therapy at The University of Indianapolis and will graduate in May 2011. Gymnastics was a huge contribution to my decision to go to physical therapy school. With all the injuries I had and physical therapy I went though, it seemed like the perfect profession to pursue! The University of Iowa has a wonderful Exercise Science program and adequately prepared me for further studies. I'm also getting married August 2011, so it'll be a summer full of excitement. - Ally Zipse 2008 Grad
My Hawkeye family has, without a doubt, shaped me into the person I am today. Entering college as a shy and unsure freshman, my experiences as a Hawkeye student-athlete have allowed me to 'break out of my shell' and find that fun and confident person I always wanted to be. I have learned how to trust myself in difficult situations, as well as work and communicate as a team to reach a common goal. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Audiology at The University of Illinois and working as a Resident Advisor for Graduate and Family Housing in Urbana, IL. I feel that The University of Iowa has allowed me to develop my own unique personality that has allowed me to succeed in and out of the gym, as well as in and out of the classroom. - Katie Burke 2008 Grad
Right now I am currently living it up in Las Vegas, NV performing in Cirque de Soleil's Viva Elvis. I couldn't imagine a better way of continuing doing the thing I love most than doing it in such a prestigious environment. I would not have made it here without the love and support of my entire family at The University of Iowa and especially Larissa. Had it not been for her and her belief in me, I may have not even gotten this fantastic opportunity. - Brandi Loffer 2009 Grad
I am currently in my second year at The University of Nevada School of Medicine. The University of Iowa gave me an education that prepared me for the rigors of medical school. At Iowa, I learned time management skills and dedication that have been essential to my career as a medical student. I learned that how to lead a well-rounded life as an undergrad, and I attribute my ability to cope with the demanding schedule to the balance I learned as a student-athlete. At Iowa, I also learned how to preserve in the most difficult situations, which has definitely helped me so far in medical school. - Kara Pinjuv 2009 Grad
At the moment, I am in Montreal being a wifey to my University of Iowa alumni gymnast and husband, Reid Urbain. He is in training for Cirque de Soleil. Without such an opportunity to attend The University of Iowa, we would have never met. I would not have all the wonderful excitement and happiness in my life that I enjoy everyday! - Brittany (Logan) Urbain 2009 Grad
I am finishing up classes here at The University of Iowa, and working on getting into Medical School. Additionally, I am doing research in an Organic Chemistry lab. The University of Iowa has been a great experience, and I believe it has prepared me well. I am excited to where the education and experience will take me in the future! - Jenny Donar 2010 Grad
4. What advice do you have for the potential GymHawks as well as the current team?
To the girls competing today for Iowa, "Be Proud! Proud to wear Black and Gold...to represent yourselves, your teammates, your coaches and all who have been a part of Iowa Gymnastics. Know that there is a large family of Hawkeyes rooting for you!" To anyone considering college gymnastics..."Iowa gymnastics is a program unlike any other in the country. It is a place where you will be respected as an individual as you work to become part of a Team...a place where you can make a difference...where you will be provided a superior education and continue to develop as an athlete...it is a place that you will call Home." - Stephanie (Gran) Meeks 2004 Grad
For potential GymHawks, don't write Iowa off your list until you have seen the campus and met the coaches and team. Even though I am from Pennsylvania, the campus always felt like home to me. The team and coaches will treat you like you are their own sister/daughter, and it's not often you can find relationships like that. These relationships will last a lifetime. For the current team, have fun! The combination of practice, classes, and studying is extremely overwhelming and stressful. You will be surprised what a difference movie nights, random trips to Wal-Mart, walks around campus, or trips to the Res can make! - Kortny Williamson 2006 Grad
Your four years of college will fly by before you know it, so aim high and give 100% effort every day you are in the gym. Have confidence in yourself and your teammates, and hold each other accountable both inside and outside of the gym. Being a division 1 student-athlete is something special, so enjoy yourself and take pride in being a HAWKEYE! - Ally Zipse 2008 Grad
Advice I have for the potential GymHawks is come to Iowa! It is an amazing school with a wonderful gymnastics program. You will learn so much and enjoy and enjoy your time here because there are so many genuine and compassionate individuals that will treat you with respect and prepare you for a bright and exciting future. The memories and friendships you make at Iowa will stay with you forever and remind you that life is pretty darn good.
As for the current GymHawks, I would remind you all to smile and enjoy being part of a wondering Hawkeye family. Breathe in every moment. Remind yourself of how incredible it is to be a GymHawk and compete in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Embrace your teammates and coaches and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Sing our fight song at the top of your lungs. Celebrate the wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by black and gold. Know that you are truly blessed to live in Iowa City. No matter where life takes you, you will always and forever be a Hawkeye!! - Katie Burke 2008 Grad
For potential GymHawks, The University of Iowa is a place that will make anyone feel at home. Once you step onto campus, you will immediately discover that feeling for yourself. Not only is it a second home, but it is also a place where you will be able to succeed in both academics and athletics at the highest level.
For all you current GymHawks, remember every moment of your 4 years as a part of such a special team and family. Time flies when you are having fun and these 4 years will be the fastest of your life. Give it everything you've got and have no regrets. Trust yourselves, trust your teammates, and have the time of your life! - Brandi Loffer 2009 Grad
I would tell the potential GymHawks to pick Iowa! You will be guaranteed an unique and unforgettable experience with some of the most amazing coaches and gymnasts I have ever met. For the current GymHawks, relish the moments you have at Iowa. Know that your time there is fleeting, and one day you'll wake up in disbelief at how fast your time has gone. Enjoy your time in the gym, marvel at what you are able to do, and compete with all your heart- never hold anything back. - Kara Pinjuv 2009 Grad
Treasure every moment you have, every day, at The University of Iowa. The years go by really fast, and you won't want to miss a single minute of it. - Brittany (Logan) Urbain 2009 Grad
Live in the moment and don't take anything for granted. You can do anything that you believe in--the sky is the limit! So, go out there and have fun! - Jenny Donar 2010 Grad