Playing golf a challenge for WAC Gymnast of the Year
Utah Statesman: What are your thoughts on the team qualifying for regionals this year?
Jessica Parenti-Otte: I think it’s awesome. Since I’ve been here, this is only the second time going. I think we have a shot. It’s not out of the question
US: Where does this team rank among all the teams you have been a part of in your years at USU?
JP: Second. Two years ago we were ranked 16th in the nation. That was probably the strongest team.
US: What will you remember most from your time as a gymnast at USU?
JP: I think competing in the Spectrum, just how the crowd is kept into it. You don’t really realize how many people recognize you. Here in the valley everyone kind of knows what s going on. Specific moments: winning conference my junior year.
US: Coach Corn has been at USU for 30 years now, producing some very successful teams. Where do you think he ranks among the great college gymnastics coaches of all-time?
JP: I think he is really one of the founders. (He was a part of it when) the bars used to be so close gymnasts could hit their hips on them. We’ve always been a top-30 team. He’s had quite a few national experiences. He’s up there.
US: Does he get as animated in practice as he does during meets while the team performs?
JP: He doesn’t change. He has a phase in the gym where he is just as animated. He’s always really good at telling stories of past years. He’s about the same.
US: Gymnastics is a sport that obviously requires great skill. How long have you been at it?
JP: I started when I was 3 in the mommy-and-me classes to get coordination. I started the first competitive level when I was 7. I’ve been in it pretty much my entire life.
US: The balance beam is only 4 inches wide. How long did it take you to be able to simply stand up on it without falling?
JP: Little kids can figure that out really quickly, especially when they have no sense of fear. Probably when I was 4 or 5. It’s not as physical as you think.
US: How nervous do you get during the events with all the fans staring at you?
JP: The fans have never been something to create nerves. Once the first girl goes, my nerves are loose. Everyone knows what everyone else can do. It’s just a matter of what you can do in competition. My nerves are high because I want the team to do well.
US: Do you do anything unusual to prepare for meets?
JP: No. I get kind of quiet. I’m not the girl dancing to music in the locker room and screaming.
US: Your husband is a golfer for USU. How did you meet him?
JP: We met at the Aggie auction three years ago.
US: Do you like to watch or play golf?
JP: I suck at golf. I honestly haven’t tried to get good at it. I don’t even think I’ve played a whole round of golf. It’s gonna take me a while. I enjoy watching Preston, but it’s pretty slow.
US: Aside from gymnastics, which is your favorite sport?
JP: None. There’s no other sport to really be good at. In high school I did diving, but that’s about it. I’m not coordinated with anything with a ball.
-sbhilsop@cc.usu.edu