Parenti flips her way to Utah State athletic honor
Editors note: Jessica Parenti was named Athlete of the Week for the week of Jan. 16-17.
Utah Statesman: When did you decide that you wanted to do gymnastics in college?
Jessica Parenti: It’s kind of always been my thought to do that. My parents always expected me to go to college. If I could get a scholarship through gymnastics it was just an added bonus.
US: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
JP: Anything, as long as it’s not punk and heavy metal.
US: When did you start doing gymnastics?
JP: When I was five. My mom just put me in it for coordination.
US: What made you keep going?
JP: I just liked it. Now I like because of the challenge. It was just something I liked to do when I was little I guess.
US: Were you good at it when you were little, or did you have to work at it?
JP: I kind of sucked when I was little. Until I hit puberty and then I got muscle control. I had to work when I was little.
US: What is your favorite thing about gymnastics?
JP: In college gymnastics the team atmosphere, and just doing everything for the team really.
US: Is there anything beyond college gymnastics?
JP: Some girls can go on [to the Olympics], but I’m done. Most people are normally done. Women gymnasts peak at like 16, so we’re old. And I’m even more old because I’m a senior.
US: What’s the hardest thing about gymnastics?
JP: Consistency. Just doing what you know to do every single time. Especially in competition. We train a lot, but we have about three or four minutes of actual competition and just trying to hit everything in that little time because everything is so crucial.
US: What do you do when you have the day off of practice?
JP: Nothing. I just like to rest. By that time you’re tired, and you have to catch up on everything else from the week. Just catch up, I guess.
US: Who has been a role model in your life?
JP: My mom. Because she has sacrificed a lot for the life I have led. I told her that how she was to me as a mom I want to be that to my children. The same type of person.
US: What is your favorite memory?
JP: We won conference last year. That was a great memory. We had a great team. It was a good day.
US: Have you ever had any injuries?
JP: I had my ulna shortened my sophomore year of college, my bone had to be shortened. I’ve had my knees scoped, my wrists scoped twice and my ankles scoped.
US: Is it worth it?
JP: I think it’s worth it.
US: What has been your favorite gymnastics meet?
JP: Conference last year.
-aedmunds@cc.usu.edu