University of North Carolina Athletics
Gymnastics Spotlight of the Week: Sarrie Rubin
January 30, 2008 | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 30, 2008
1) How did you get started in gymnastics?
My mom said I used to have too much energy, so she brought me to a gymnastics "Mom-n-Tots" class to use up energy. Instead, however, I just got more energy and didn't want to leave.
2) What is your favorite and least favorite event? And why?
My favorite event is bars, but I am unable to compete on that event because I've had surgery on both of my shoulders. Therefore, my favorite event that I'm capable of competing on is floor exercise because it's just one of those power events and I really like to tumble a lot. My least favorite is beam because I get the most nervous when I compete on beam.
3) What has been your proudest gymnastics moment in your collegiate career?
My proudest team moment was winning EAGL Championships in 2006 when I came to Carolina. Also, last year at Regionals I competed on vault for the first time and I got a 9.8! After that, everyone got the highest vault score we've ever scored.
4) Of all your teammates, past and present, who have you learned the most from? And why?
Well, I have learned a lot from Shawna, but I think we've both learned a lot from each other, especially being captains together this year. We try to solve conflict with teammates to better communication. We have also learned how to take an authoritative role, while also being a friend.
5) What is the hardest part about gymnastics?
It is definitely when you're having a bad day and you still have to go into practice to try to put 100 percent effort into what you're doing. Also, being a senior, especially a fifth-year senior, and trying to set a good example for the underclassmen even when having a bad day.
6) What is the best advice you have ever received?
"Don't sweat the small stuff." My mom gave me a book that talks about it in high school because I was having a rough time doing International Elite gymnastics during my sophomore year. I don't necessary follow it all the time, but sometimes I can put things into perspective and try to let the little things that bother me go.
7) Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
I have one pre-meet ritual: I always need to have candy that I bring to the meet. Generally Sour Patch Kids or Watermelons and Swedish Fish. The funny thing is when I first transferred here everyone made fun of me, but now everyone always asks for candy! So, I have to bring extra.
8) Since this is your last year competing in college, what do you think you will miss the most?
I am definitely going to miss my teammates the most. We've just become so close and have such good friendships. We live together, we eat together, we go out together, we hang out together and we're still not sick of each other! I am also going to miss my coaches, Derek and Penny very much, as well as gymnastics in general. It's pretty much what I've identified myself by all these years. I've done gymnastics for twenty years and it's going to be pretty hard letting it go. Luckily, though, my body will finally be able to heal; I won't miss the pain!
9) Who in your life do you admire the most? And why?
One person that definitely is a "go-to" person for me when I have problems is my brother, Ryan. He is four years older than me and he's always supported me in everything I do.
10) What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to move to Las Vegas, Nevada and go to graduate school at UNLV for hospitality or hotel administration; I haven't decided which one yet. I also want to get an internship in event planning and I want to get a job in the hotel industry.
