University of Georgia Athletics
Catching Up With Caroline Bradford
June 28, 2016 | Gymnastics
ATHENS, Ga. — After missing her freshman season due to injury, Caroline Bradford is eager to return to the competition floor.
Bradford, a native of Prairieville, Louisiana, took time to talk about lessons learned, spending the summer in Athens and what she's most excited for in the year to come.
Q: Where are you currently training?
Bradford:I am taking classes this summer and training in Athens!
Q: Looking back at last season, what's the biggest lesson that you hope to carry in to the upcoming year?
Bradford: Being hurt last season was difficult for me. Although I had some of the best times cheering on my teammates and pushing them in any way I could, I would have done anything to be competing out there with them. However, I have learned so much about myself through last season that I know is going to help me not only as a gymnast, but as a person. If anything, I am so thankful for last season because it has motivated me to work even harder this summer and be ready for next year.
Q: What's been most enjoyable for you this summer?
Bradford: Honestly I just love being in Athens! I went home for about a month in May and it was great to see my family and friends, but at the end of my trip I was ready to come back. Athens is my home now. It's where all of my stuff is, where most of my friends are, and where my life is. I do have a few trips that my friends and I are working on that I am really excited about, such as visiting Nashville and going to Myrtle Beach!
Q: What's one thing that you will always remember about the 2016 team outside of competition?
Bradford: Last year's team was amazing! We got along so well and had a lot of fun together. I think the one thing that I will cherish the most is our team nights. It is something we came up with on our own just because we loved hanging out with each other. Each month during the first semester, a class would host a team night. We did all sorts of things together like make t-shirts, carve pumpkins, make Christmas cookies, and have movie nights!
Q: What are you most excited for when the new school year starts?
Bradford: I can't wait for everyone to be back on campus, especially for all of our freshmen to come in! Summer is weird to me because not everyone is in the gym training together. I love it when we are all together, the music is blaring in the gym, and you constantly hear people cheering for each other and pushing each other to be our best. It is one big difference between club workouts and college workouts that I appreciate the most!
Q: What were your main goals entering summer training? How are you progressing?Bradford: Coming off of an injury, I have a lot more work to do. I've been working on getting my body really strong, along with working hard to get my skills back with better execution. Luckily, I have the most supportive coaches and trainers that are helping me reach my goals, and helping me make sure I am ready for season.
Follow the Gymdogs: Be sure to follow the Georgia gymnastics team on Twitter (@UGAGymnastics), Instagram (@ugagymastics) and on Facebook (Georgia Gymnastics) for an inside look at the Gymdogs.
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