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Gymnastics Randi Ward

GymCat Friday Feature: Heather Swanson

How old were you when you started gymnastics?
I started gymnastics when I was three.

What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event would have to be floor because it lets you show off your personality and I love having my teammates on the side doing my floor routine with me and cheering me on. It's a great feeling.

What is fun and special about collegiate gymnastics?
In college, you're a team and you have to work together and trust each other, which is something you don't have in JO gymnastics. Your teammates are there for you during the rough days and they're the ones you rely on the most. I guess what makes it so special is the bond you make with your teammates, especially your class. People who used to be complete strangers are now your best friends and I love that. What makes it fun is cheering on your teammates and wanting them to succeed and then when it's your turn to go you see them on the sidelines doing the same for you and it always puts a smile on my face. Nothing compares to that feeling.

What made U of A stand out when you were being recruited?
U of A stood out to me first off because of the beautiful campus, the combination of the sky, buildings, and trees always makes for a great picture. Academics have always been important to me and I knew that I would be choosing a school that was known for my major. I've always wanted to be a veterinarian and the U of A has an amazing program. The coaching staff was very welcoming and after talking with the girls on the team at the time, they seemed to thoroughly enjoy the program and the experience. After that I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. The cherry on top was definitely the weather, I've never been a fan of the cold and Tucson weather allows for a pool day just about any day.

What is your dream job after college?
My dream job would be to open up my own veterinary practice for household animals.

Do you have any siblings?
Yes, I have 3 siblings. My two older siblings are Brittany and Travis and they're 24 and 21. Gary (GJ) is my younger brother and he's 16.

Who is your celebrity crush?
I actually have two and they are Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder.

What is a hobby you have outside of gymnastics?
I'm currently on a Netflix kick and I cannot stop re-watching Vampire Diaries (hence my celebrity crush answer).

What is your favorite GymCat memory thus far?
My favorite GymCat memory would have to be our sophomore family dinner. All of us sophomores decided at practice to make dinner and have a little family night after practice. Jenny did most of the cooking because she can cook anything and it always comes out great. The time we spent together just laughing and enjoying each other's company brought us closer together. I love my class and any time we're together it's fun and memorable. We can make any normal situation fun and exciting. We bring out the best in each other and they are a great group of friends to be surrounded by.
 
Pick one:
Sports: Football or basketball?

Basketball

Classes: Math or English?
Math

Season: Summer or Winter
Summer

Food: Tacos or pizza?
Pizza

Music: Pop or country?
Country
 
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