Karas More Than Big Ten Freshman of the Year
3/23/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
March 23, 2016
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Freshman gymnast Olivia Karas was tabbed the Big Ten Freshman of the Year on Saturday (March 19) after Michigan earned its 22nd Big Ten championship, but the impact Karas has made goes beyond the award.
Karas was a high-level recruit coming out of the Latin School of Chicago and IK Gymnastics. Having won vault and finishing fourth in the all-around at the 2015 J.O. Level 10 National Championships, the expectations were high for Karas heading into her freshman year at Michigan. That is the expectations of everyone but Karas.
"Going in to college gymnastics, I set no expectations, and that was a good thing for me," said Karas. "If I came in here and it went the wrong way it would have been bad. So I came in here with an open mind and didn't really care how I did as long as Michigan did well."
Perhaps the lack of self-expectations also minimized the internal pressure during meets. From day one Karas has showed composure in pressure moments. She had three 9.900-or-better scores in her college debut in Cancun. She won the Big Five Meet all-around with a 39.625, the first U-M freshman since 2003 to score a 39.600 or better. In her first event at the Big Ten Championships, she posted a 9.925 on one of her biggest vaults of the season, and that is saying something.
"We knew when she was coming in that she had incredible talent," said head coach Bev Plocki. "What you don't know is how she would perform. She has been an aggressive and dynamic competitor. To be our leadoff person on beam is very impressive. That position is someone I trust implicitly. For her to be in that role tells you a lot about what I think of her."
Karas has not only been one of the best freshmen in the country but also one of the top gymnasts overall. She ranks tied for 10th nationally in the all-around and tied for second on vault. Her all-around RQS of 39.500 is tied with Florida freshman Alicia Boren for the best in the nation, and her 39.625 at the Big Five is the second best by a freshman this year (Missouri's Morgan Porter - 39.675).
A nine-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week and three-time Gymnast of the Week selection, four all-around victories, 12 event titles and 21 routines of a 9.900 or better are some of her gymnastics accomplishments this year. You combine her big gymnastics with a fun personality and willingness to connect with fans, and it makes her a fan favorite.
After meets, Karas will take pictures or sign autographs with fans. She uses heart emojis and smiley faces to interact with fans who compliment her on social media. She has been a tremendous role model for young Michigan and gymnastics fans, taking the time to interact with them.
"Whenever I am in that situation, I try my absolute best to respond to them or take pictures and answer questions," said Karas. "I put myself in their shoes and think that is what I would want if I were them. It is really fun to look at the comments people put on social media, saying they are coming to a meet, or after a meet a little girl tells me she commented on my Instagram picture. It is really cute."
@TripleTwistGym still such a fun routine to perform! did it for my seniors 😊
— liv karas (@lil_livkay) March 6, 2016
Even with all the honors she gets and all the congratulatory messages, Karas always shifts the conversation to how her teammates helped her or how honored she is to help the team.
so so so honored https://t.co/T8KRv6sqk7
-- liv karas (@lil_livkay) February 29, 2016
That humility along with a fun and energetic personality won her over with her teammates right away.
"She is really happy and upbeat," said senior Lindsay Williams. "She obviously brought a lot of talent to the team and has performed great, but she also has brought a lot of fun energy to the team and has been a really great addition."
The way she performs in gymnasts each week will keep adding to the outside expectations, but her personality and positive attitude will continue to allow her to succeed and help her team.
Communications Contact: Ben Blevins
Players Mentioned
