A Moment with the Seniors
February 28, 2014 06:40 PM | General
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(l-r) Hope Sloanhoffer, Bethany Yurko, Amanda Carpenter and Erica Smith look to finish their Mountaineer careers on a strong note.
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks Photo
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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – As hard as it is to believe, the West Virginia University gymnastics team will host its final regular-season home meet this Sunday.
The meet is always a bittersweet moment for the Mountaineers (5-7, 0-2 Big 12), as the team pays tribute to its senior gymnasts. The 2014 senior class has amassed a four-year record of 52-31, earned the 2012 East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) Championship title and laid a strong foundation for the Mountaineers in the Big 12 Conference. The foursome has competed at three straight NCAA Regional Championships and has its sights set on one final run this year.
The Mountaineer seniors took time out of their busy prep week to share their thoughts on the WVU gymnastics team – a family they know they will have for life.
Amanda Carpenter
Lancaster, Pa.
I knew I was a Mountaineer when….
I came onto the campus for my unofficial visit. I immediately fell in love with the school and the team.
There have been so many great moments at WVU, but my favorite moment so far has been…..
Winning the 2012 EAGL Championship.
When I put on my WVU leotard, I feel…….
Proud to be able to represent the Mountaineers.
Senior Meet is always special! I’m most looking forward to……
Being able to compete with such a talented team and being with my classmates to celebrate one of our last meets together as gymnasts.
I wouldn’t be a Mountaineer if it wasn’t for…….
(Head Coach) Jason Butts and (assistant coach) Travis Doak working so hard to get me to Morgantown. They have helped me fulfill my dreams of getting an education and competing the sport that I love.
There are so many people that have helped me get to where I am now, but I especially want to say thanks to……
My mom, Tracy. She has always been there for me and worked so hard to get me to where I am today.
If I could leave the team one message, it would be…..
Always have fun while competing gymnastics.
I know I will always be a Mountaineer because ….
I love everything about WVU and this team. I’ve made so many memories that will be with me forever. Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer!
Hope Sloanhoffer
Cornwall, N.Y.
I knew I was a Mountaineer when….
I came on the WVU campus for the first time and met the coaches and the team and learned about the exercise physiology program. I knew this team would become my second family, and I knew this was where I belonged.
There have been so many great moments at WVU, but my favorite moment so far has been…..
Signing (Team IMPACT teammate) Krista Mae Peraldo. She has brought so much joy to our team, and I am so thankful I got to be on the team with her this year.
When I put on my WVU leotard, I feel…….
The pride of West Virginia!
Senior Meet is always special! I’m most looking forward to……
Competing in front of our home crowd with an incredible team by my side.
I wouldn’t be a Mountaineer if it wasn’t for…….
My parents and club coaches encouraging me to just go visit one more school before I made my decision.
There are so many people that have helped me get to where I am now, but I especially want to say thanks to……
My parents (Nancy and Cordell), who have helped me along this journey since day one, my brothers Ken and Nick, who always came out to support me, and my sister, Hayley, who I can always go to for anything. Also, my best friends, Emily and Michaela, who I know I can always turn to on every great day and every bad day. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along my journey!
If I could leave the team one message, it would be…..
To give it your all and hold nothing back. Leave a legacy at WVU that you’re proud of, with no regrets. Take care of each other, push each other to be better every day and achieve your dreams together.
I know I will always be a Mountaineer because ….
This place has become my second home. I’ve made friendships here that will last forever. I will forever and always be a Mountaineer.
Erica Smith
Blue Springs, Mo.
I knew I was a Mountaineer when….
I arrived on campus. The first thing I remember seeing was the WVU Coliseum.
When I put on my WVU leotard, I feel…….
Pride in myself, my team and my school.
Senior Meet is always special! I’m most looking forward to……
Taking the Coliseum floor one last time with my team.
I wouldn’t be a Mountaineer if it wasn’t for…….
The support of my family, coaches and teammates.
There are so many people that have helped me get to where I am now, but I especially want to say thanks to……
My mom, Maria, who has always supported everything I do.
If I could leave the team one message, it would be…..
No matter what we face, facing it together is what is important. Also – always have fun!
I know I will always be a Mountaineer because ….
I will always love WVU, and I always want to have a relationship with my teammates, who have become part of my family.
Bethany Yurko
Cumberland, Md.
I knew I was a Mountaineer when….
I first came to WVU gymnastics camp in middle school. Also, my parents are alums.
There have been so many great moments at WVU, but my favorite moment so far has been…..
Winning the 2012 EAGL Championship.
When I put on my WVU leotard, I feel…….
Pride and confidence.
Senior Meet is always special! I’m most looking forward to……
Seeing how far my senior class has come since freshman year.
I wouldn’t be a Mountaineer if it wasn’t for…….
Coming to the WVU gymnastics camp for seven years!
There are so many people that have helped me get to where I am now, but I especially want to say thanks to……
My club coach, Kris Lloyd, and definitely my parents, Kim and Tony.
If I could leave the team one message, it would be…..
Go confidently in your dreams and never hold back.
I know I will always be a Mountaineer because ….
I will always have a family at WVU.
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