April 1, 2015
By Gabby Richards, GoPSUsports Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - As a collegiate athlete, when you commit to a school, you are committing to the coach and program, too. For senior Krystal Welsh, her commitment to Penn State wasn't something that was going to change with a shift in coaching leadership; she was meant to be a Nittany Lion.
"We are so happy she stuck with us from the beginning," women's gymnastics head coach Jeff Thompson said. "She committed to the previous coaching staff and she could have left if she wanted to. But, she stayed and we are, have been so grateful for that."
Four years ago, the then freshman began her collegiate gymnastics career as an all-around competitor. The Maryland native and Junior Olympic Nationals competitor was excited to continue competing close to home so her family would be able to watch her preform regularly.
"As soon as I stepped on this campus I knew it was for me," Welsh said. "I absolutely loved it, everything about this place felt like home. Looking back, we were such babies when we were freshman; I know I have grown so much as a person since then."
Being an all-around competitor is no easy feat and even harder for a rookie. Welsh's confidence in her craft and ability to perform in every event has helped guide a rather successful career for the Nittany Lion.
As a freshman, she competed in every meet for the Nittany Lions, including the NCAA Regional Championships. She claimed her spot in the starting rotation from the get-go, a spot she has owned for four years.
"Every year of competing in college has helped me learn how to step up," Welsh said. "I have learned so much about myself and have learned how hard I can push myself."
If Welsh's career at Penn State could be summed up in one word it would be consistency, a word Coach Thompson has used to describe her on more than one occasion. She has been present in the rotation for every meet, except on two occasions, in her entire career. It wasn't until her senior year where she missed a stick on vault for the first time.
"She has been an all around competitor from the start," Thompson said. "She is just a joy to watch. She is incredibly consistent, which gives her confidence. Confidence is contagious. She has such a positive attitude and that is contagious, too. Krystal [Welsh] just gives off this `I know I am going to rock this routine' vibe and it rubs off on the whole team. That is something I am going to miss about her."
The senior has taken on a `big sister' role on the team, not just because of her success in the gym, but for her innate leadership skills. Her leadership doesn't go unnoticed, as she is a member of the Athletic Director's Leadership Institute at Penn State and was a Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Honoree this year.
"She leads quietly," Thompson said. "She leads by example. Krystal could be having a bad day, but you would never know it. She never brings a negative attitude into the gym because she knows that people look up to her. When one of the younger girls is having a bad day, she is the first to take them aside and talk it out with them."
Welsh's innate big sister qualities have not only made her a great role model, but have influenced her desire to pursue a career in a field where she can help people.
"I want to be an Occupational Therapist," Welsh said. "I have had to come back from injury, I know how hard it is physically and mentally. I want to be able to relate to people in that sense and use my experience to help someone else."
Much like Welsh, gymnastics is a unique sport. Where most collegiate sports opportunities can lead to professional opportunities, gymnastics works in the opposite direction. Typically, gymnasts will work towards the Olympic team before coming to college. Looking back on the past four years, Welsh has no regrets on the path that she chose.
"I am happy with what I have done," Welsh said. "Sure, we set goals each week and at the start of the season, but I have accomplished all that I have wanted to do in this sport. This sport has taught me so much, lessons I know I will take with me after I graduate. I am going to miss it."