University of North Carolina Athletics
Junior Gymnast Key Contributor to Team's Success
February 18, 2003 | Women's Gymnastics
Feb. 18, 2003
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- In her first home meet of the 2003 season on Jan. 31, junior Anna Wilson did something that has only been done once before in school history - she earned the highest score a gymnast can receive, a perfect 10. Wilson's score was a first for UNC in the floor exercise and broke the school record of 9.975 that she had tied last year.
"You never think it's going to happen to you," said Wilson. "It was one of my best routines, and the judges had already been throwing out really high scores for great routines."
Wilson's routine was the best of several strong performances by her teammates, who took the top six spots of the Jan. 31 meet. Sophomore Olivia Trusty and freshman Courtney Bumpers were second to Wilson with scores of 9.925.
"This is my first year as a college athlete, and not only did I get to see a 10, but I got to see a 10 from a teammate," said Bumpers, who would post her own 10.0 the following week. "It was very exciting."
Wilson, who had twice in her career received a perfect score from one judge but not the other (a gymnast's final score is the average taken from two judges' scores), said she looked at one judge who flashed a 10, then looked at the other who was also holding a 10 and couldn't believe it.
"I didn't even know what to think," said Wilson. "It's amazing to give all you have and have it count for everything, to contribute to the team's score."
Wilson's score is the result of hard work and dedication. During routines, she focuses on corrections that she has worked on in practice, concentrating on one skill at a time. Confidence, persistence and a calm attitude are key factors to completing a successful routine without overdoing it.
"I go up there thinking I've got to give it my all. No matter what score you get, as long as you do your best and give everything you have it's worth it," the experienced gymnast said.
Like other members of the North Carolina gymnastics program, Wilson values the support and guidance of her team. A transfer from the University of Pennsylvania her sophomore year, she appreciates the bond between Carolina teammates that did not exist in the more individualized club level in which she competed before college.
"Team unity is key," Wilson said. "The only way you think individually is 'I'm going to do my best so I can help the team.'"
A native North Carolinian, Wilson made the decision to return to her home state after her freshman year at Pennsylvania. She was eager to be closer to her family in Newbern, N.C., and her boyfriend in Greensboro, N.C.
"The coaching staff here is great," Wilson said. "(Head Coach) Derek (Galvin) is very good. He cares about the person as well as gymnastics and academics."
After a great start to the 2003 season, Wilson, like her teammates, is optimistic about what the remainder of the season may have in store for them.
"It's unbelievable that we've broken records already. These are some good first steps. I want to continue to improve on everything and to draw the team closer," she said.
Players Mentioned
