Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Annabel Sturgis, New Trier gymnastics

Annabel Sturgis is a senior gymnast for the Trevians. She recently finished third on the uneven bars in the Glenbrook South sectional.

1. Do you have any pre-meet or pre-routine rituals?

A lot of the time my teammates and I, we will talk to each other about our goals and what we’re going to do. The start of the meet we do a cheer as a team and (one of the captains gives) a speech.

2. What is your favorite event?

Bars. I think I do a lot of skills that I really enjoy doing it. I like practicing them too. It’s super fun. I like learning unique skills and don’t think you get as much of a chance with other events.

3. How’d you first get into gymnastics?

I’ve been doing it basically my whole life. I started competing on a team in like fourth grade. That’s when I started taking it more seriously. And in high school I switched from club and that’s when I started to really enjoy it more.

4. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

I want to try diving. Again I think a lot of the skill I have translate. It looks super fun to land in the water. It looks fun to just jump.

5. What are your plans for next year?

I don’t know where I’m going. I plan to go in college and major in political science. I don’t know where or any details. Some schools are near, some are farther.

6. What is your dream job?

I have no idea. It would be fun to be a campaign manager. I think that would be cool.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the mat?

I like hiking a lot. It’s nice to get outdoors. It just feels good to be outside. I see a lot of cool nature. I like to see things change throughout the seasons and it’s a good chance to talk with people if you go with others.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Twizzler nibs and Chex Mix, the cheddar one.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I lived in India for a few years when I was younger. I don’t think a lot of people know that. My dad’s job (took us there), for like kindergarten and first grade. I was pretty young.

10. You are going to state as a team. How do you and the team want to finish the season?

I think as a team we are all super excited to go. Only one girl on the team has gone before and not with the team. We are just really happy that we made it here. I know this is going to be my last meet ever. I just want to perform my best and show the skills I like doing. It will be a fun experience being there as a team and getting to see other gymnasts in that environment.

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