April 3, 2008
A Q&A with women's gymnast Danielle Hover, a freshman from Hamburg, N.Y.
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student?
Being apart of such a famous and distinguished academic institution where there are so many opportunities for success.
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student-athlete?
There are definitely a lot of great perks to being a student-athlete, like being able to schedule your classes early ... but my favorite thing is definitely the pride you feel when you step out onto the floor, court, or field in Penn State colors.
Why Penn State?
Because it's exactly the kind of school I wanted to go to. Great gymnastics, athletic program, academics and town!!
What is/has been your favorite class at Penn State and why?
My favorite class at Penn State so far has been HRIM 201. It is the introductory class to my major, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. I find the topics very interesting and the professor is funny and entertaining.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the front of Old Main because it always looks so pretty at all times of the year... specifically at night when the stars are out.
When I am not at class or practice, I am ...
hanging out with my teammates in the dorms.
What have you found to be the biggest differences between Junior Olympic and college competition?
Gymnastics becomes a team game in college and the competitions are so much more exciting and rewarding than in Junior Olympic.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, in the gym?
Even though I have only been here for a semester I feel like I have learned so many things on all of the events from new skills to competition techniques. Overall I have already become a much better gymnast physically and mentally.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, out of the gym?
Time is precious.
What has been the hardest part of practice and why?
Pre-season was pretty hard with the morning conditioning and afternoon practices each day, but it definitely has made our team stronger in many different ways.
At what age did you begin participating in gymnastics, and why/how did you get into it?
My parents own the gym that I was at so naturally I started classes when I was 3. They decided when I vaulted over my crib that gymnastics may be a good fit for me.
To someone who doesn't know gymnastics and is seeing a meet for the first time, how would you describe your sport?
First I would tell them to give it a chance, since sometimes people don't give the sport enough credit. And then I would remind them that if some girl falls on their stomach off bars, don't be alarmed, it happens often and they'll get up shortly. And finally I would tell them to enjoy watching people fly.
How would you describe the personality of the team this year?
We are a very young team but I know we work extremely hard each day to prove that we can have a successful season together.
What is your favorite event and why?
Bars. It has been my favorite since I was little because I've always enjoyed to swing!
Who is the craziest person on the team and why?
We are all quite crazy in our own ways really.
Who would you consider the leaders on this team to be and why?
I think Lindsay Borkan is a good leader because she always thinks about the team's well being and is up for doing anything as a group. She also steps up and takes charge when need be.
What advice would you give to young gymnasts?
This sport takes a lot of hard work, dedication and physical and mental strain. But if you stay committed, gymnastics can be the most rewarding thing you will ever do in your life.
What is the best advice you have ever gotten, and from whom did you receive it?
My dad always taught me to never give up and that I could have anything that I worked for.
What is your favorite sport (other than gymnastics) to watch at Penn State and why?
The Football games in Beaver Stadium are obviously amazing with 110,000 fans cheering on our team and Joe Pa, but I am also a fan of the Basketball games since it is my favorite game to watch on television.. besides gymnastics of course.
If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation, where would you go and why?
Honestly I have always wanted to go to Hawaii to relax on the beaches and experience the beautiful waterfalls... but if I had to choose from the entire world I would have to pass up on Hawaii for the time being and go somewhere farther. Probably Australia.. that would be cool.
What are your hidden talents?
Umm.. not really hidden but I used to play basketball and run track in high school so I'm pretty fast and can shoot a 3 ball =) I also sang the national anthem for all of my high school's basketball games during my senior year.
Finish this sentence: "We Are Penn State. We Are ... "
PENN STATE, AS ONE!!!!
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