University of Georgia Athletics
Catching Up With Natalie Vaculik
July 29, 2016 | Gymnastics
ATHENS, Ga. — Natalie Vaculik showcased a diverse skill set in 2016, featuring on vault, bars and beam for Georgia at various points including a stretch of four meets in which she competed on all three.
The rising junior claimed a bars event title in Georgia's meet at Missouri with a 9.875, her best bars performance of the season.
A native of Whitby, Ontario, Canada, Vaculik now looks to take another step in her development as she enters her third year of competition in Athens.
Vaculik took time away from her training to discuss her summer, being a Gymdog, and possibly adding new skills.
Q: Where are you currently training?
Vaculik: I am currently training at UGA, and have been all summer!
Q: Looking back at last season, what's the biggest lesson that you hope to carry into the upcoming year?
Vaculik: Hoping to carry on the determined and fierce atmosphere that we had in the gym, and also the friendships and sisterhood we had outside.
Q: What's one thing you'll always remember about the 2016 team outside of competition?
Vaculik: I will always remember how resilient and hardworking we were as a whole team, and the plans that we came up with together in order to make ourselves better.
Q: Have you been learning any new skills this summer?
Vaculik: I have been working on some new skills here and there but they remain a secret for season!!
Q: What were your main goals entering summer training? How are you progressing?
Vaculik: My main goals were to maintain my strength, and perfect some of my old skill, and also work new skills for fun! I have really enjoyed summer training and I feel strong and I'm super excited for fall training to start!
Q: What has been most enjoyable for you this summer?
Vaculik: I have enjoyed getting close with the new freshman this summer! Also I have enjoyed training, and spending time at the pool with teammates.
Q: What are you most excited for when you the new school year starts?
Vaculik: I am so excited for fall to start because we will all be together again and working collectively towards the same goal! I can't wait to see what this year brings for the 2017 Gymdogs, but I have a feeling it will be great!
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a Gymdog?
Vaculik: My favorite thing about being a Gymdog is being looked up to as a leader not only because of my gymnastics, but because of who I am as a person. I feel like I have grown so much since I started at UGA, and I have learned that there are so many great opportunities presented to me outside of the gym too!!
FOLLOW THE GYMDOGS: For all the latest on Georgia gymnastics, follow the team on Twitter (@UGAGymnastics), Instagram (@ugagymnastics) and on Facebook (Georgia Gymnastics), and keep checking in to georgiadogs.com.
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