This is the sixth in a series of weekly spotlights on the members of the Gopher women's gymnastics team. This week we learn more about junior Alexis Russell. Alexis, the team's lone junior, hails from Maplewood, Minn. She is an all around competitor, and had an outstanding meet last weekend, setting personal best scores in the all around, and on bars and floor. Here we learn more about Alexis...
How many siblings do you have?
Two brothers, Anthony and Tyler
Are you the only gymnast in your family?
Yes
Who in your family are you most like?
Mixture of my mom and dad
How old were you when you started gymnastics?
2 1/2
What is your favorite event to compete in?
Floor
What is the most difficult thing the coaches have you do in practice?
Anything involving strength and conditioning
What is the most fun thing the coaches have you do in practice?
Aerobics
What is your pre-competition ritual?
Eat a big breakfast, take in come caffeine and a lot of visualization
What makes you love gymnastics?
Being able to appreciate where I am today and how I have overcome all of the challenges and hardships to get here
Was there a gymnast who was your idol when you were growing up?
Donimique Dawes
If you had a free afternoon, what would you spend your time doing?
Laying in bed watching TV and sleeping
What is your favorite winter activity in Minnesota?
Watching movies with buddies and drinking tea or hot cocoa
What is your favorite summer activity in Minnesota?
Barbeques and hanging with friends
Other than gymnastics, which sports do you love to watch in the Olympic Games?
Track & Field, diving
What is your favorite Gopher team other than gymnastics?
Women's basketball
What is your favorite magazine to read?
Cosmopolitan
If your life story were going to be made into a movie, what actress would you want to play you?
Jada Pinkett Smith
Do you like to cook, and if so, what’s your favorite meal to make?
Salmon, mashed potatoes and vegetables, fruit pizza. Yes, I like to cook when I make good food.
What is one thing you have to pack for every road trip?
My iPod, Gatorade, and homework - even if I don't do it!
What is one song you could listen to over and over without getting tired of hearing it?
"That's the Way Love Goes" by Janet Jackson
What is your most prized possession?
My family
If you won millions of dollars in the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy with your winnings?
I would pay off my parents' house and buy a car
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Virgin Islands (I've never been there, but it sounds fun!)
What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
My athletic scholarship
What is your favorite memory as a Golden Gopher so far?
Competing at NCAA Regionals at home in 2008
What are you most proud of?
The scar on my foot from surgery in October 2008 - it makes me feel tough!
What is one goal you hope to accomplish before you graduate?
Earning a 4.0 GPA and smiling in my beam routine
Looking ahead to your post-college career, what would your dream job be?
Working in Washington, DC with Barack Obama
Describe yourself in three words:
Social butterfly, generous, and sassy
