Freshman Focus: Emma McLean
11/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Nov. 19, 2015
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Get to know a little bit about freshman Emma McLean in the second and final Freshman Focus piece.
McLean came to U-M from Clarkston, Michigan, where she attended The Notre Dame Preparatory School and competed for Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Academy. She was a four-time Junior Olympics National Championships qualifier.
Q. What made you want to come to Michigan?
A. Both my parents went to Michigan so as far as I can remember I have wanted to go to school here. Early on in high school Michigan showed interest and I knew that was my chance to make my dream come true. I knew I needed to work hard to make it happen and I did. Michigan was the first to show a lot of interest in me and the first to offer so it was a dream come true.
Q. What was the day like when you committed to Michigan?
A. My brother was driving me from school to the gym one day and I saw my mom pull out from a different street behind us. I was like "Why is she following us to the gym?" Then when I walked in they had Michigan decorations everywhere and were playing the fight song. They told me to go call the Michigan coaches and asked if I wanted to be a Michigan Wolverine. I committed and it was awesome to see how proud my parents and coaches were of me. My dreams became a reality.
Q. Were your parents student-athletes at Michigan?
A. My dad was on the ski team (club sport) and in the band.
Q. What are you looking forward to the most in your first season at Michigan?
A. I just want to live it. Coming to college is different than you think it would be as a student-athlete. It is harder than you expect. I am excited to be with my team during the season and compete with everyone who has the same goal in mind. I want to finish this year strong.
Q. How great is receiving that team support in practice?
A. It is a feeling that I have never had before. I remember our first beam intrasquad and everybody was cheering me, supporting me and helping me through my routine. That is the first time I have ever had that feeling. They want the best for me and that is a good feeling.
Q. What is one thing that you love about Michigan that you didn't know about before coming here?
A. Coming to Ann Arbor in general is different than I expected it to be. I never really thought about what it was going to be like, but walking around campus everyone is so nice and kind. People hold the doors for you everywhere you go. People smile and hug you when they greet you and say have a good day. It inspires me to be a better person. I like that aspect of being here.
Q. How did you get started in gymnastics and at what age?
A. I have been doing gymnastics my whole life. I was two when my mom put me in the Mommy and Me classes. I did soccer and dance while doing gymnastics but eventually those fell off. I just loved gymnastics. I used to cry when I had to leave the gym. That was a sign I guess.
Q. What are some goals that you for your freshman year?
A. I just want to compete how I train. I want to be successful on floor and not cave under pressure. I want to contribute to my team and have them know they can count on me.
Q. What is your favorite event and your strengths as a gymnast?
A. I like all four events, but floor and vault are my strengths. I am not the best on the team but I have a good work ethic. On floor I am strong with the passes but I also like to have fun when I am doing my routines.
Q. What are you thinking about majoring in?
A. Right now I am thinking movement science, but I want to try pre-med. I want to aim high. I used to want to be a doctor and still have that in mind but there are so many things I am interested in so I'm not sure yet.
Q. What are some hobbies you have?
A. Over the summer I like to go up north and go out on the lake with my family. I also like interpretive dancing with Liv (Olivia Karas) and eating.
Q. Do you have any hidden talents?
A. Speaking Greek (laughs). Liv and I are in a Greek class together, which is a challenge.
Q. What is one thing people don't know about you?
A. I love avocados and goats. Goats make me so happy. I want to get a goat farm. Also I love the Michigan Marching Band. If I wasn't a gymnast, I would be in the band.
• Previous Freshman Focus: Olivia Karas
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