Jan. 22, 2008
A Q&A with women's gymnast Lindsey Montross, a sophomore from Roseville, Calif.
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student?
When you are a Penn state student, you belong to one of the largest families...Penn State
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student-athlete?
Competing in the Big Ten is a fantastic experience. Not only do we represent one of the most respected universities in all the country, but we compete against the best of the best and that makes me and my teammates better and stronger.
Why Penn State?
Penn State has an all-around great program; amazing athletics and education. And I love the family atmosphere the school has.
What is/has been your favorite class at Penn State and why?
I had an awesome time in math 200. My teacher had a great personality and really got to know me as a student and an athlete.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
Rec Hall! It's a blend of the old and the new. All I have to do is look at the pictures of past athletes to know I'm where I want to be. I want to be part of the history one day.
When I am not at class or practice, I am ...
You can typically find me in my dorm relaxing or studying.
What have you found to be the biggest differences between Junior Olympic and college competition?
College competition is much more team oriented and I love it! I represent and compete for Penn state.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, in the gym?
I've learned how much my teammates rely on me and how much potential I still have to grow as a gymnast.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, out of the gym?
I've learned to become more of a responsible adult with managing my school work and free time
What has been the hardest part of practice and why?
Practice is only difficult when I know I have an exam coming up or a paper to write. I know I need to focus on what I'm doing in gym, but I admit my mind is somewhere else sometimes.
At what age did you begin participating in gymnastics, and why/how did you get into it?
I was 3 years old when I first started. I went to a friend's birthday party at the gym and my mom couldn't pry me off the equipment. After that I would just flip and dance around at home and ended up breaking part of our coffee table. My mom decided to put me in a safer environment to focus all my energy in. She put me in dance as well and when I was 7 years old I had to decide which one I wanted to stick with and I chose gymnastics.
To someone who doesn't know gymnastics and is seeing a meet for the first time, how would you describe your sport?
Gymnastics is a blend of artistry, strength, speed and courage. You don't need to know the rules to admire the skills of the athletes. Once little kids see a meet, they want to get out there too.
How would you describe the personality of the team this year?
Young. Ten of us are freshmen and sophomores.
What is your favorite event and why?
I've always loved bars and floor. Bars is a really unique event and floor is just fun. You get to bring your personality to the event and I absolutely love to dance.
Who is the craziest person on the team and why?
I don't know if there is anyone in particular. We're all a little crazy.
Who would you consider the leaders on this team to be and why?
The seniors are the leaders, they have the most experience. They are the ones that everyone looks to for guidance.
What advice would you give to young gymnasts?
Gymnastics takes a lot of time and commitment. You have to really love the sport.
What is the best advice you have ever gotten, and from whom did you receive it?
Bigger. Better. Faster. This reminds me that I have more to give. I can always improve. I should never settle for what I've done. Continue to improve. My Dad told me this.
What is your favorite sport (other than gymnastics) to watch at Penn State and why?
I was never a big fan of football until I got here. It just really brings everyone together as one big family. It's awesome.
If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation, where would you go and why?
I would love to travel around Europe or go back to Australia. Maybe even the Caribbean. I love exploring new places.
What are your hidden talents?
I'm really pretty good at art. I never thought I was, but turns out I am. I guess that's why I love performing on floor. It's creative and I like that.
Finish this sentence: "We Are Penn State. We Are ... "
...As One
Check back often for more "Inside Women's Gymnastics" with the student-athletes from the 2008 Nittany Lion squad!