University of North Carolina Athletics
Gymnastics Spotlight: Tina Jacob
March 20, 2010 | Women's Gymnastics
March 20, 2010
Senior Tina Jacob is a talented balance beam performer and leader on the University of North Carolina gymnastics team. The East Atlantic Gymnastics League has recognized Jacob for her achievements on balance beam and in the classroom. Jacobs was named to the EAGL All-Academic team all four season, the EAGL first-team for balance beam in 2009 and second-team for balance beam in 2008. Jacob's personal best on balance beam is a 9.875, which she earned at NC State in 2008. The Raleigh, N.C. native recorded a personal best 9.800 on floor exercise this season on Valentine's Day when the Tar Heels hosted EAGL rival Maryland.
Jacob and the Tar Heels play host to EAGL opponent Rutgers University on Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m. in Carmichael Arena. After the meet, Jacob and fellow seniors Teri Diamond, Christine Nguyen and Kara Wright will be honored by their teammates, families and friends for their achievements as Carolina gymnasts.
Head Coach Derek Galvin on Jacob: Tina is the most responsible person on the team. She watches out for her teammates. She is very conscientious about what she does for the team, for Penny and I. I am going to miss her tremendously. She is a stable, predictable, reliable, solid person. And if that were all she brought to the team that would be a tremendous gift to the team, but in addition to that she is an exceptional balance beam performer. She has a beautiful aesthetic presentation as a dancer on floor exercise and beam. This year hasn't been quite as consistent for her as past years because the rules changed for how you compose beam routines and Penny had to add some changes to Tina's routine to meet those new rules and it's made it a little bit more difficult for her to gain the consistency. But when she's on, when she hits she is absolutely incredible. She's been stronger this year. She's looked better on floor. She's had a foot problem and I know she is still dealing with some discomfort and pain in her foot, but she keeps pushing through it and has done really well this year. She's stepped into the bar lineup at times and done a great job there too. We're going to miss her tremendously and if there was any way we could keep her around we would love to, but we can't. Every person on the team would tell you that she is an amazing individual not only because of the way she approaches her gymnastics, but the way she carriers herself in life. She's a wonderful model for anyone who wants to gain the admiration and respect of their peers.
TarHeelBlue.com: Looking back at your time as a Carolina gymnast what are your favorite memories?
Tina Jacob: I have so many good memories, but I think my favorite ones come from when we travel. I love it when we are all having fun together, and certain trips will always stand out in my mind. My top three would probably be getting stuck in the Charlotte airport and making the most of it sophomore year, the trip to Cancun junior year, and one of the van rides this year.
THB.com: What are your plans for after graduation?
TJ: I am in the process of interviewing with the Teach for America program, and I am interested in teaching elementary school. My other option that I am considering would be to go into nursing - take a few more classes, gain some experience, and then apply for a program. I know those are two totally different plans, but I think I will be happy with either situation.
THB.com: What is your greatest individual accomplishment as a Carolina gymnast?
TJ: I guess it would be making it on the EAGL first team for balance beam last year. That means that I consistently had some of the highest beam scores within our conference throughout the season.
THB.com: What is the best class you took as a student at Carolina and why?
TJ: I really enjoyed my exercise physiology class with Dr. Battaglini. I took it over the summer and the atmosphere was really relaxed, but I still learned a lot. Dr. Battaglini is a great professor - he's very enthusiastic, and I didn't even mind that the class was at 8 a.m.
THB.com: How will the lessons that you've learned as a Tar Heel athlete transfer to post-college life?
TJ: Being a student-athlete at Carolina has given me so much more confidence in my abilities to handle difficult situations. As a gymnast for most of my life, I am used to working hard and giving my best effort, but throughout my experience here at UNC, I've become more comfortable in going for what I want and communicating with and leading other people. I am typically a very quiet person and becoming more comfortable and confident in myself will help with anything I do after graduation.
THB.com: What is the best advice Coach Galvin gave you?
TJ: Derek has given us so much good advice, but I think the best advice I've gotten from him is to do the right thing, respect the people around you and give all you've got. If you do that, then there is not much to worry about, and it's so easy to have fun and enjoy your experience - and I've enjoyed my time here very much.
THB.com: What is the best thing about being a UNC gymnast?
TJ: The best thing is just having a community of friends and coaches who love you and care about you. I feel so comfortable with my team and am blessed to have them in my life.
THB.com: What is your favorite event and why?
TJ: Beam is my favorite event because I'm usually pretty good at it and I enjoy the challenge.
THB.com: What will you miss most about Carolina?
TJ: I will miss the people and the feeling that I just belong here. I'm excited about the future, but my team here is my family and it will be strange not to be around them almost every day.
THB.com: What advice would you give to young gymnasts who hope to one day compete at the collegiate level?
TJ: I would say work hard, push for goals, but most importantly keep it fun. If you're not having fun, then it's much harder to give your all.
THB.com: What does the meet against Rutgers, your last home competition mean to you?
TJ: I've been trying not to think too hard about this last home meet. It will mean so much to me, and hopefully will be a great wrap-up to a wonderful four years here at Carolina. I will enjoy getting to share this time with the friends I've made here, and I'm sure Saturday will be an emotional day.
Players Mentioned
