Gymbacks Look Ahead to NCAA Championships in Fort Worth

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Second-year head gymnastics coach Jordyn Wieber, junior Kennedy Hambrick and graduate student Maggie O’Hara discuss the success they’ve had this season and their feelings ahead of their appearances at the NCAA Championships in Forth Worth, Texas this Friday, April 16.

“I am incredibly thrilled that Kennedy and Maggie have earned the opportunity to compete at the NCAA National Championships,” said Wieber. “Kennedy has proven to be one of the top all-arounders in the country and has truly earned the chance to compete against the best. Maggie has been a clutch performer all season, with some of the most beautiful lines on bars in the country. I am thrilled that she will be showcased and will represent Arkansas at NCAA’s. They have both been integral parts of this team’s remarkable success this season and I am looking forward to seeing them shine on the big stage.”

On what it means to represent the Gymbacks and the University of Arkansas at Nationals…. 

O’Hara: “Being able to represent Arkansas at nationals is a dream come true. While I would much rather be doing this with my whole team next to me, I feel very honored to be competing this weekend and they are a huge reason that I’m here. This is one of the biggest gymnastics opportunities I’ve had individually, but I feel both excited and blessed that I get to call myself a Gymback while doing it. I’m also super proud of Kennedy and couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to represent us in the all-around.”

Hambrick: “It means that I get to represent my team in the competition even if the whole team isn’t here. I wouldn’t be at nationals if it wasn’t for my team being by my side the entire season cheering each other on and enjoying every moment.”

On the Razorbacks’ success this season as a team and how they developed as a gymnast…

O’Hara: “The team really put everything into this season; from COVID precautions to every ounce of effort we had in the gym, we earned our success. My success as an individual can be attributed to my team and the family culture that is embedded in this program. I have felt so welcomed and supported in every aspect of my life and it has made this gymnastics experience so joyful, to say the least. I have learned that no goal is too big and that if you choose joy to be your driving force, you can achieve every single one you set.”

Hambrick: “The team has grown so much and has become much more consistent and confident. They’ve taught me that the bond between teammates is so important and irreplaceable. As the team grew closer and more confident, I feel like I have become more confident in myself as well. I have learned to enjoy the time I have left with this sport because it could be cut short like we experienced last season.”

On what’s in store for Razorback gymnastics in the future…

O’Hara: “I think Razorback gymnastics is just at the beginning of their ascent. To think about the success we had this year and know there’s so much more left in the tank is pretty incredible. We have an awesome group of freshmen coming in next year, and I think this current team will continue to build on what we started this year. I believe this team should be contending for a national championship in the not-too-distant future and the most special thing is, we just enjoy the heck out of doing gymnastics together.”

Hambrick: “We are looking forward to getting back in the gym and improving even more than we already have. This team is so special because we see each other as family. Each person has their role and a special place in my heart in their own unique way.”

On their rotation groups at nationals…

O’Hara: “I am so thrilled to rotate with Minnesota. After being in the Big Ten for four years, I was always a big fan of theirs. The gymnasts are pretty amazing, so I’m super excited that I got lucky enough to be an extra member of their squad this weekend.”

Hambrick: “I am so excited to be rotating with Oklahoma! It’s going to be so much fun, and I can’t wait to get to know the girls better while we’re in Fort Worth!”

Additional details about the Gymbacks’ appearance at NCAA Championships this weekend can be found, here.

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