Junior Gymnast Juggles Dreams, School
by Kara Peetz and Natalie Vacanti
Hard work and dedication are essential parts of Seminara's life. Even though gymnastics isn't part of her school life, it still occupies most of her free time. She is anticipating her college years where she can compete on a higher level and hopefully continue onto a career related to sports psychology or nutrition.
At age seven, Seminara began her gymnastics training. Through the many years of training, she is found at Nebraska Gold Gym. Though her coaches have changed, she has remained faithful to her gym.
Competitions began at age nine for Seminara. These competitions include a great deal of traveling and intense training. A lot of her preparations are not required, yet she does them for her own well being. "It is not required by our coach at the gym but for better performance, I try to eat somewhat healthy to have enough energy," said Seminara.
Between the months of January and April she will compete in eight meets. This year the meets will be held in Iowa, Colorado, California, and Nebraska. After the state competitions, regionals will be held in North Dakota and then, if the competitor qualifies, nationals are held in Michigan.
Seminara has qualified for nationals the past two years and is preparing to return this year to compete at the national level once again.
Even though Seminara is constantly at the gym, she still has school to worry about. On a regular day she goes from school directly to her homework. After two hours of doing homework, it's off to the gym for a tedious four hours of training Monday through Thursday. Her day isn't over yet. In the case of having more homework (like a Baker double multiple test) she stays up for a long night of studying.
Seminara says that it is sometimes hard to participate in a non-school sponsored sport because these athletes do not get as much recognition. But on the other hand, she says it's pretty neat that not many other people are gymnasts, and that makes her unique.
Seminara said she is actually glad that Marian does not sponsor a gymnastics program because it would take up more of her time and cut into her club gym time. Seminara said that this club sport requires more time than a school-sponsored sport because of all the traveling. With all this extra effort, Seminara said she needs support and is content with her family backing her progress all the way. "They don't put any pressure on me and are always there when I need them."
Since gymnastics is such a main part of her life, it's a good thing she doesn't see injuries or missing out with friends as obstacles that can't be conquered. As with anything, practices can be exhausting and overwhelming at times, but Seminara sticks with it because she knows hard work pays off.