Kari Djonne '16 Recruiting Profile

I started out as a gymnast. It was my life. I ate-slept-breathed gymnastics. It was all that I cared about. But due to an injury I had to stop. That was 12 years of my life that felt wasted. But was it actually? The answer is no. I learned so many things through gymnastics that most people wouldn't learn that young. I learned how to balance my time; with having to do school work, but at the same time be at the gym. While in gymnastics, I would always think to myself is this all worth it? After stopping I realized how much of an impact it had on the type of person I was. I knew body control, I knew time management, I knew how to balance the more important things compared to the least. Overall, I learned who I was. I knew that I didn't need friends to be who I am today. I just needed my sport. Although, I did leave the most important thing in my life at the time, I was fortunate enough to find diving. I already knew how to do the flipping portion, so therefore I only had to worry about the mental aspect. I am hardworking, therefore I was able to learn many dives in a short amount of time. I also noticed that this sport was more forgiving to my body. I feel healthy and strong now. Right from the start, I knew diving was the sport for me.