This is the seventh in a series of weekly spotlights on the members of the Gopher women's gymnastics team. This week we learn more about sophomore Ana Balboa. Ana is a native of Monterrey, Mexico, and is one of two international student-athletes on the women's gymnastics team, along with Yuri Nagai from Japan. Ana competed on vault and beam as a freshman last season. This year, she has been a regular in the floor exercise and balance beam line ups this season, and has the important position of being the lead-off performer on the beam. Here we learn more about Ana...

How many siblings do you have?
Two

Are you the only gymnast in your family?
No, my sister was a gymnast and my brother still is.

Who in your family are you most like?
My dad and brother

How old were you when you started gymnastics?
Six

What is your favorite event to compete in?
Floor

What is the most difficult thing the coaches have you do in practice?
Three-minute drills

What is the most fun thing the coaches have you do in practice?
Aerobics

What is your pre-competition ritual?
Just listen to music and relax

What makes you love gymnastics?
The feeling of adrenaline when I'm competing

Was there a gymnast who was your idol when you were growing up?
Dominique Moceanu

If you had a free afternoon, what would you spend your time doing?
Watching TV and shopping

What is your favorite winter activity in Minnesota?
I dont know yet, it's too cold.

What is your favorite summer activity in Minnesota?
Going to the lake

Other than gymnastics, which sports do you love to watch in the Olympic Games?
Diving and volleyball

What is your favorite Gopher team other than gymnastics?
Men's gymnastics

If your life story were going to be made into a movie, what actress would you want to play you?
Sophia Bush

Do you like to cook, and if so, what’s your favorite meal to make?
I like to bake any kind of dessert

What is one thing you have to pack for every road trip?
My iPod and camera

What is one song you could listen to over and over without getting tired of hearing it?
"Home Sweet Home" by Motley Crue

What is your most prized possession?
My computer

If you won millions of dollars in the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy with your winnings?
A car

What is your favorite vacation destination?
Cancun, Mexico

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
My computer

What is your favorite memory as a Golden Gopher so far?
Competing at the Sports Pavilion

What are you most proud of?
Being in Minnesota doing gymnastics and studying at the U.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish before you graduate?
Being a better person in every aspect of my life.

Looking ahead to your post-college career, what would your dream job be?
Working in a company related to fashion or music

Describe yourself in three words:
Loyal, compassionate, generous