University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Trio Reflects on All-America Nods
March 29, 2017 | Gymnastics
By: Shannon Hamilton, UGA Sports Communications Student Assistant
Kim Arnold, Leah Brown, Courtney Kupets, Agina Simpkins, and last year Brittany Rogers, Brandie Jay, and Mary Beth Box. These are just a few of the now 75 gymnasts in Gymdog history who have earned All American honors for the University of Georgia Gymnastics program. Just this past week, three of the 2017 Gymdogs joined the elite company of the Gymdogs who came before them, continuing the legacy that is Georgia Gymnastics: freshman Rachel Dickson, sophomore Sydney Snead, and junior Gigi Marino. As they head into the final stretch of the season, these three teammates carry this honor with them.
Dickson first found out about her All-American honor from one of her teammates. She recalls her emotions upon hearing of her achievement, saying "I felt an extreme sense of excitement and accomplishment because I have worked so hard and I continue to work so hard, and this honor and recognition is going to give me so much confidence for the remainder of the season."
Her teammate Snead supported this sentiment, saying "It was incredibly exciting and motivating heading into regionals. And it means a lot to represent the University of Georgia for gymnastics with the great legacy of this program that we hope to continue to carry on."
Marino added that she was able to check off one of her goals with the award, saying "It's one of the goals that most gymnasts set for themselves when they come to college. And while it wasn't something I was actively keeping track of, its really nice because it means all of my hard work is paying off and I'm doing something right."
All three of these gymnasts are first time All-Americans, each having a very different journey to this accomplishment. Marino, the oldest and most seasoned reflected upon this year and this season.
"This has been one of the most enlightening years that I have had. I went though a lot of personal things in the fall that put everything in perspective for me that I really need to stay in the moment and trust the process. I have fully embraced that and learning to enjoy the sport again like I did when I was a little kid has made me a better gymnast this year."
Snead has had a less conventional season, struggling to find a balance between her back injury and her contributions. "It is hard juggling the numbers I can put in, but it has taught me quality over quantity. I have learned how to adapt and it has boosted up my confidence because I don't get as many numbers anymore, so each turn I take I need to focus and make sure it is perfect and it has improved my gymnastics."
Dickson, the youngest of the trio, reflected on her growth during her freshman season as a Gymdog.
"I felt so young, and even though I'm not that much older now, I feel like I have grown so much. When I started out, I could feel the nerves, not scared nerves but excited nerves. After the first two meets, I really started to get into a groove and feel more comfortable showing my personality and my confidence and what I could do for this team."
These three gymnasts recognize the gravity of being an All-American Gymdog, and what it means to join the company of those who came before them. Snead remembers when Box, Jay, and Rogers were named All-Americans last season.
"I remember thinking to myself, `wow, I want to achieve that too,'" Snead said. "So to be able to reach that goal is just overwhelming."
Marino echoed that sentiment.
"It definitely puts me in some good company. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and realize how far you have come. So that was kind of a pivotal thing for me, realizing that I had achieved this goal and letting that soak in and appreciate that `wow, I really have come a long way.'"
It holds special value to these gymnasts that they are able to share in this accomplishment together. Marino says, "to be able to experience something like this with not just Rachel and Sydney, but the rest of the team just makes it even better because you have someone to share it with and as a team we are all in it together and being able to share it together and having the whole team being proud of us makes it even more special."
Snead emphasized sharing the honor as well, adding that "Gigi and Rachel are such talented and great gymnasts and being able to work with them every day is such a blessing. We push each other and the atmosphere that is created in the gym with our teammates is what pushes us and motivates us to be better."
Moving forward, this trio has a lot more to accomplish, both in the coming weeks and in the coming seasons. When asked about the future, Dickson says with a smile and confidence that "I think we are going to do great at regionals and we are going to make it to nationals and everyone is going to do really well. I want to be a big contributor to that success."
Marino adds, "At the end of the year after this season is over we will sit down as a team and talk about the season collectively and what our team goals are heading into the next season. And no matter how this season ends, we are going to want to improve upon what we have done this year. And I would be lying if I wasn't shooting for that perfect ten next year."
But it was Snead who spoke of the ultimate goal, a National Championship. "That is what we are always working towards."
The three newest Georgia All-Americans return to the competition floor on Saturday at 4 p.m. in Gainesville, Florida for the team's NCAA regional.
