Wolverine Wednesday: Sachi Sugiyama
11/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Nov. 4, 2015
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Sachi Sugiyama used up her college gymnastics eligibility last spring and is now finishing up her undergraduate degree in art and design this winter. She is our Wolverine Wednesday spotlight.
Sugiyama earned two All-America honors and won two Big Ten event championships while at Michigan. She also developed a talent for designing leotards for the team and is still involved in that aspect. Her leotard designs can be found http://sachisu.wix.com.
Q. What are some of your favorite memories from attending the University of Michigan?
A. Some of my favorite memories here are winning Big Ten Championships in 2014 and 2015. It was amazing and so exciting. It was by far the best meets I have ever competed in with the team. Also when we put on my leotard designs for the first time as a team. I felt so incredibly blessed and proud in that moment to help our team stand out and look beautiful competing while repping the block M.
Q. What was the best thing about attending the University of Michigan?
A. Probably the family and tradition. Michigan is my second home. I do not know what I would have done without those girls and this sport. It helped me become the person I am today and learn how to work through adversity and become a positive leader. The team supported me through everything and made me feel a part of something greater than myself. It taught me what teamwork truly means and what it is like to work for others and how much more rewarding that is.
Q. What are some life lessons you took away from being at Michigan?
A. Every year I learned something different and every year I changed as a person. I learned confidence mostly, which was what I struggled with most. I learned that no matter what, fall or no fall, that the team had my back. I wasn't just competing for myself anymore but for a team, but not just the team; for Michigan. We wear the "M" with pride knowing that we are competing for something much grander than ourselves. But I also learned of the deep tradition that Michigan has and what an honor it is to be a part of it. I found my voice throughout these four years; how to start leading, not just by example, but also vocally. I came out of my shell and started to become more open with myself and others.
Q. What is next for you after you finish up your degree this winter?
A. I have an internship in Washington D.C,. after this semester. During that time I plan on looking for jobs in the computer graphics and animation fields. I also want to continue designing leotards for both club and other colleges. I plan on reaching out and networking in the near future for that. But of course I will always stay loyal to designing beautiful leotards for Michigan.
Q. What doors, if any, has being a Michigan graduate opened up for you?
A. Many doors have already been opened for me in the leotard business. I have already designed some for club gyms as well as Gymchix and the Michigan gymnastics camp. I have not even explored all my options which Michigan has to offer me.
Q. What advice would you give to current Wolverine gymnasts?
A. Enjoy every day because it flies by. Take advantage of every resource we have here and do not be afraid to ask for help. It's okay to plan ahead but don't forget to live in the moment because you'll never be able to relive this. The girls are your family, so there may be times which you frustrate each other, but all in all they're your biggest support group here. School and gymnastics is hard but don't forget to relax once in a while. Otherwise, you might go crazy. And never underestimate the quality time of hanging out with the girls outside the gym. Those can become the best bonding moments for you and your sisters. Forever Go Blue!
• Wolverine Wednesday: Alexandra Klass
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