Memories of the Michigan tradition and competition, combined with friendships that will last long into the future - that's what senior co-captain Heather Kabnick of the Michigan women's gymnastics team treasures most about her four years as a Wolverine.
With this in mind, she looks ahead to her final three days of competition, starting today in Los Angeles, at the NCAA Championships.
Kabnick's parents started her in gymnastics when she was six years old, and she competed in individual club gymnastics up until college.
"All little kids start in gymnastics, but it just depends upon who sticks with it that gets a gymnast to the college (level)," Kabnick said.
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She had her choice of three universities - Georgia, Florida and Michigan. Kabnick said that she opted for Michigan because of the combination of coaching and academics.
"The atmosphere and the U-of-M tradition are also really big reasons for why I chose to come here - all the extras that Michigan had was what made the difference," Kabnick said.
Despite the fact that Kabnick has been competing for more than 15 years, she has managed to stay focused and motivated in competition.
"Being on the Michigan team has motivated me just because of the atmosphere," she said. "And that says a lot because once you have been doing it for so long, it is hard to find something to motivate you and keep you wanting to do it."
The fans and the excitement of competition keep Kabnick's intensity level alive, which is why the senior names the floor exercise as her favorite event. She said it is the most fun because it draws the most attention and participation from the crowd.
Kabnick looks back on her time as a Wolverine with fond memories. She said that she has developed strong friendships and a great relationship with her coaches.
"This year, especially, has been a great year for everyone on the team because we all click and the coaches have stuck by us through ups and downs, keeping us motivated - their good attitude makes it easier for us."
Kabnick has had a stellar year in virtually all of her performances, finishing the regionals as the all-around champion two weeks ago, scoring a 39.375.
"It was really exciting, but I didn't expect it," Kabnick said. "It was a trade-off and I would have taken it the other way if our team had won."
She said her fondest memory as a Michigan gymnast was winning the regionals last year, because it had never been achieved by any team other than Alabama in 10 years.
She would have traded her individual victory to give herself and her team that feeling again.
Kabnick is also a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Counsel - a group organized to help involve Michigan's athletes in the community.
Through this, she participates in service activities, including reading to kids and visiting Motts Children's Hospital. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in the medical or health field.
Kabnick attributes much of her success as a Wolverine to the strength of the Michigan gymnastics program, on both the athletic and academic levels.
"It is an incredibly strong program," she said. "We have been up and coming for a while, and we have a lot of potential to do really big things."
The only thing that Kabnick said she regrets is that she did not appreciate her experiences as a gymnast earlier.
"You realize how good everything is right before it is about to end. The incoming freshmen should enjoy it, appreciate it, because it all goes so fast.
"It is an important four years where you make a lot of memories."
04-16-98
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