Open the Vault: Giving Thanks
11/21/2017 1:55:00 PM | Women's Gymnastics, Features
Open the Vault is an inside look at the Michigan women's gymnastics team as told through the voice of its student-athletes. This week, junior communication major Olivia Karas had each of her teammates talk about what they are thankful for.
As a student at the University of Michigan, there is a whole lot to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on what we are all thankful for and what we have as student-athletes at the best university in the world.
Personally, I am thankful every day for the facility we have the opportunity to practice in. Our gym is stunning. This is one of those things where we don't take time very often to be thankful for what we have. The more I think about it, though, the more gratitude I feel. The banners that hang above us are an everyday reminder of our program's success and something I think about a lot. It is very easy to get caught up in the stress and pain of preseason and season, but those banners keep us going. I'm also thankful for llamas, Starbucks holiday drinks, music, and all 10 seasons of FRIENDS. -- Liv
"As student-athletes, I think it's really easy to get caught up in a cycle of academics and athletics. In all the chaos, we forget to take a step back and look at the people who got us to the point we are at today. This year, I am incredibly thankful for my team. Before college, I remember thinking about how much I wanted to finally be part of and compete with a team, but it was also a little scary for me. Now, in my sophomore year, I truly believe that I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. They always keep me laughing and smiling, even on my bad days. Suddenly, everything I found myself afraid of doing in the past, was completely normal. They didn't give up on me, and that meant the world to me. As cliché as it may sound, they are no longer just teammates or friends, they are family. I love my beautiful teammates, and I am so thankful to have them in my life. Also I am thankful for sloths." -- Polina Shchennikova
"I am so thankful for teammates who have been so welcoming, so accepting and honestly, just so sweet. I was so nervous coming into college about how I would fit in or get along with everybody, but this team has been such a huge blessing. I feel like everyone does such a good job realizing each other's differences and respecting each other for that."Â -- Lauren Farley
"I am thankful for my family's support and love, my friends, my teammates' funny jokes that get me through my days, and my coaches, who push me to be better every day. I am also thankful for the opportunity I have to be a part of such an amazing athletic community at this university. I am forever thankful for the education I get here as well. This season, let's be super thankful and grateful." -- Sam Roy
"I'm thankful for my family, teammates and being healthy enough to do what I love with the people I love. I am thankful to have people who care about me and that love me." -- Lauren Marinez
"I am thankful for the opportunity to perform the sport I love at the best university in the world with my best friends. The people I am surrounded by are continuously supporting and motivating me, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Oh, and also sweet potatoes and rice at training tables!" -- Emma McLean
"I am thankful for all the friends I've made here and my family supporting me from home!" -- Sam Javanbakht
"I am thankful for all of the opportunities gymnastics has given me. It has given me the opportunity to compete for my country and the opportunity to be on this team. I am so happy to be part of a team with an amazing group of girls who all have the same goal in mind. I am also very thankful for my family, because truly I would be nowhere without them." -- Syd Townsend
"I am thankful for my family and friends that help me stay grounded, and also (Scott) Vetere's conditioning circuits … I'm just kidding." -- Lexi Funk
"I am so thankful for my family!" -- Maggie O'Hara
"I am thankful for my family, my health and the opportunities I have." -- Maddy Osman
"I am thankful for my family/support system, the opportunities I have been given, my faith and my health." -- Brianna Brown
"I'm thankful for my really pretty, incredible, loving and supportive Michigan family. And also I'm thankful for pugs, tater tots and my rulu pants." -- Cailee Hills
"I'm thankful for family and friends that I'm able to make memories and share laughs with every day! I'm thankful for soft landings, Lucky's gummy bears, cute puppy videos and for the random dogs I see walking down my street that I can pet and give a dog treat to (day makers). Shout out to Persey. I am also thankful for fuzzy warm things because I'm ALWAYS cold." -- Paige Zaziski
"The University of Michigan women's gymnastics team has a lot to be thankful for this year, and we all agree that we are especially thankful for our wonderful and energetic fans! Your love, commitment and support inspires us to continue this wonderful sport. There is so much to be thankful for and we want to hear about what are you thankful for this year. Tweet at us (@umichwgym) or comment on our Facebook page (MichiganGymnastics).
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Players Mentioned
