April 9, 2008
A Q&A with women's gymnast Alexandra Brockway, a sophomore from Macungie, Pa.
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student?
Most of all, I love the fact that I have so many supporters and friends around me daily, who help me succeed inside and outside of the gym; something that not every University provides.
What is your favorite thing about being a Penn State student-athlete?
I love that there are so many challenges involved with being a student-athlete, the wonderful support I am constantly given day in and day out and the handfuls of opportunity provided for me.
Why Penn State?
Everyone here is one big family, and that makes life easier when things get rough; there's always someone to pick you back up.
What is/has been your favorite class at Penn State and why?
CAS215 because I have always been interested in being active with "arguments" and debates (everyone who knows me is laughing right now...) and that class was a great experience for me given my interests.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
Bodyworks Fitness and Tanning Salon ( I think I'm there more than anywhere else.)
When I am not at class or practice, I am ...
Spending time with my boyfriend, having girl time with my best friends, and studying in between all of that.
What have you found to be the biggest differences between Junior Olympic and college competition?
It is now a team sport, where everything you do (good or bad) affects everyone else on your team; not just you as the individual.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, in the gym?
A good attitude is key to success. When you have a positive attitude, it is contagious to the rest of the team, and good things happen.
Since coming to Penn State, what has been the biggest thing you have learned, out of the gym?
Reading is important. I never read anything in high school, but your grades in college depend wholly on reading the assigned material.
What has been the hardest part of practice and why?
The hardest part for me is getting through practice when everything on your body feels like it's going to fall off. I've learned more and more to brush it off and realize that no matter how tired and sore I am, my ability to do gymnastics doesn't change.
At what age did you begin participating in gymnastics, and why/how did you get into it?
I started at seven years old because I asked to take a gymnastics class at my local gym.
To someone who doesn't know gymnastics and is seeing a meet for the first time, how would you describe your sport?
A gymnastics meet will show you how hard we've worked throughout the year, the different tricks we've practiced, and the awesome team spirit that we have.
How would you describe the personality of the team this year?
We have a variety of personalities, but it works out well that way. We can work hard and play hard at the same time. Each person brings something special to the overall personality of the team.
What is your favorite event and why?
Beam, because I finally believe in cues; and I believe that they have helped me get through rough situations!
Who is the craziest person on the team and why?
Nobody will straight up tell you, but each girl has a bit of craziness in them. I've seen it all!
Who would you consider the leaders on this team to be and why?
Every girl has the potential to be a leader; as every girl has flaws that they could work on. So, I believe that the potential lies in the girls who are willing to realize those aspects of themselves and contribute them for the betterment of our team.
What advice would you give to young gymnasts?
You must always be happy with the choices that you make; for those choices will determine your overall success happiness in the future.
What is the best advice you have ever gotten, and from whom did you receive it?
"Your hard work and dedication WILL pay off. It might not be today or tomorrow, but you will see it eventually, somewhere throughout your life." - My mother, Gina.
What is your favorite sport (other than gymnastics) to watch at Penn State and why?
Football, because it's such a huge deal here and I can be crazy and go all out for the games.
If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation, where would you go and why?
Italy and then California; and then I would never come back!
What are your hidden talents?
I don't think I've hidden any of my talents.
Finish this sentence: "We Are Penn State. We Are ... "
- AMAZING...or "As One!" =)
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