2008 Woodie Awards
Senior gymnast Heenan steps up as team's natural leader
TYLER ESTEP
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Sports
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"Katie Heenan epitomizes college gymnastics and what a senior should be doing out there," Georgia gymnastics coach Suzanne Yoculan said.
"She represents the foundation and core of everything our program stands for."
Heenan, a senior Gym Dog from South Riding, Va., has been a model of consistency and hard work during her four years in Athens.
An Academic All-American and nine-time All-American in gymnastics, Heenan has often been in the background while junior Courtney Kupets, a five-time NCAA individual champion, garnered much of the attention.
That said, she's emerged as a leader this season, and Kupets couldn't agree with her coach's statement more.
"She is a great gymnast and a great athlete, but she can take that and put it into a team atmosphere and not just want it for herself, but want it for her team at the same time," said Kupets, who's missed much of the season with an Achilles injury.
"She's not just a gymnast, she's not just a college gymnast, she's a student-athlete. She does everything in a way that you would like to do it yourself one day."
Especially with Kupets going down this year, Heenan has had the chance to fully develop and embrace her role as team leader, in or out of the gym.
"She's definitely made herself known as a leader on this team," Kupets said. "She's not bossy, she's not overbearing, but she makes herself known as a leader. If someone has a problem or if we have a problem as a team, we're going to her."
"Even if it's not a time of need, she always steps it up for us," sophomore Courtney McCool said. "I always tell her I want to be just like her."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Uncle Mark
posted 4/22/08 @ 9:55 AM EST
Instinctively knowing the right place & time to step up with the right stuff is the mark of great leadership. Katie demonstrates this consistently.
Doug & Trixie Jones
posted 4/22/08 @ 11:09 PM EST
May our Best Wishes be added to all that Katie Heenan is receiving for her outstanding accomplishments in her outstanding record in College Gymnastics! She has worked long and hard to be the special person that she is. (Continued…)
Andrea
posted 4/24/08 @ 8:22 PM EST
I have loved watching Katie's gymnastics and sad to see her retiring. Best wishes for a wonderful future!
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