TUCSON, Ariz. – Former GymCat Kara Fry-Meyer (1998-2001) traded in her leotard to work with Arizona student-athletes. Currently, Meyer works in the McKale training room and is a Life Skills Mentor for the GymCats and the Beach Volleyball team. She mentors all of the freshmen GymCats along with a few returners and has guided the GymCats to success in their transition to college.
"Kara does a great job leading the mentor program by being supportive and providing tremendous amounts of advice," sophomore
MacKinzie Kane said. "This program was created to help the freshmen transition into college, but it has helped me in many ways as well. Kara is an amazing leader and I aspire to be as impactful as her one day."
Meyer holds many accomplishments as a GymCat. She was the 2001 Regional Gymnast of the Year, two-time All-Conference, and is a member of the Gymnastics Ring of Honor. Fry holds the fifth-highest all-around score (39.525) and fourth-highest uneven bars score (9.95) in program history.
"Kara is such an amazing and caring person and we were so lucky to have her as a mentor this year," freshman
Libby Orman said. "She is a mom-figure to us all and makes herself a safe space for us to talk about anything, which is very nice to have. Since she was a collegiate gymnast too, it helps to get some advice on how to be the best student-athlete you can be! She has helped me so much with the transition to college by always saying hi to us when we walk into the training room, meeting with us, wanting the best for us, and always being like our "second mom" which means everything to our class. She is the best and deserves all the recognition for her contribution to our team!"
What does your role as a life skills mentor consist of?
A: "My role consists of meeting with the freshman class and a few other GymCats to discuss goals, feelings, managing the demands of school/sport and anything else that may come up in our meetings. I was a college gymnast myself, so I understand how demanding, yet rewarding, being a student-athlete can be. I have also been part of the department wide Life Skills Mentor Program for the past two years and have had the pleasure of working with our Beach Volleyball program. I work in the athletic training room during the week, so I'm very accessible to all of the athletes that I mentor. Some of the ladies swing by my desk to have a quick chat when they stop in for treatments!"
Q: How have you worked with members of the gymnastics team?
A: "My main goal while working with the GymCats is to provide a safe space for them to talk without judgment. I tell the athletes that I want to be the type of resource for them that I would have wanted when I was an athlete. I understand what they are going through, and I hope that they find it comforting. During our group meetings, we discuss some challenges they are faced with and ways to overcome those challenges. Before the season started, we talked about things they were excited for and things they may be nervous about. I also met with them individually so they had a chance to talk about any specific challenges, goals, or concerns they might have. It can be hard for some athletes to express how they are feeling to their peers or coaching staff. In our meetings, we also focus on the importance of communication."
Q: What is the most rewarding part about working with Arizona Gymnastics as a GymCat alumna?
A: "I was able to be on the competition floor for a few meets this year and I loved feeling their energy. Being able to give a high five, quick hug, or a look of reassurance was very rewarding for me, and I got teary eyed many times. They know I am always available to give a "mom hug", and I have given many of those out this year. I wish I could give them all hugs in person, but virtual hugs will have to do for now!"
Stay connected with Arizona Gymnastics!
You can follow the team at arizonawildcats.com/gymnastics, on Facebook (
ArizonaGymnastics), Twitter (
@ArizonaGymCats) and Instagram (
@arizonagymnastics).
