Hangin' with the Huskers: Catching up with Maria Scaffidi

Junior Maria Scaffidi was unable to compete in 2009 due to an injury suffered in preseason training. She will return to the Huskers' lineup in 2010, vying to regain her spot as an all-arounder. A junior from Hartland, Wisc., Scaffidi emerged as a strong all-arounder for the Huskers in 2008, opening the season with the first individual crown of her career at Iowa State. As a freshman, she filled many roles for the Huskers as an all-around competitor, a two- and three-event specialist and as a strong, dependable leadoff on every event.

What did you do this summer?

"I went home this summer. I enjoyed family time; I haven't done that for a while. I took some summer classes, I took nine credits. I took one course online and two in the classroom. I met up with some old friends from back home. That was a lot of fun. I hadn't seen them for a while, it was awesome to reunite."

Did you keep up your training routine while you were at home?

"Yeah, I went into the gym a couple of times. I did more stuff at home. I ran, did sprints and kind of just kept in shape that way. I did some gymnastics, I just wanted to keep in shape and give my body a rest."

What is your hardest class this semester?
"I would probably say my hardest class is my online class. I think online classes are harder to begin with and this is a special education class. It's a lot to remember. It's very interesting; it's just hard to keep up with stuff."

How did sitting out last year change your perspective about gymnastics?

"I have a lot more appreciation for competing. I watched a lot last year and know how my teammates work so hard. I couldn't wait to come back and be a part of that. It's always hard, but it's exciting to be back."

How are you feeling now after your injury?

"Everything is pretty good. It hurts every once and a while, which is probably to be expected. My shoulder is a little sore but that just comes with getting used to things again after having time off."

How has your rehab been going after the injury?

"Last year I did a lot of rehab. Sometimes I get scared to do stuff, because I haven't done it for a while, but once I do it I am ok. Your muscles have great memory with things. My coaches are really good; they know what they're doing. I've just been doing what they have been telling me and I think our whole team looks really good so far this year."

How do you think the new girls are meshing with everyone else?

"They are good. I think we have a really strong team bond this year. They're a good group, they're very hard workers. I think they fit in just great, especially with Maddie (Steinauer) transferring this last year. She is such a fun, loving girl, it's been really nice to have her as well."

What do you think the new girls will bring to the team?

"They all have different personalities. I just think that they are going to be a huge part in gymnastics and cheering. They always motivate us when we're having a bad day. They're very, very good at that."

What is one thing that really excites you about this season?

"I think our team bond and how close we are."

What do you spend your time practicing now in the fall?

"We're just getting everything together because we have intrasquads coming up. It's just getting all the technical stuff together."

Now that it's getting colder out, if you could on a tropical vacation anywhere where would you go?
"Hawaii."

What is your favorite season?

"Spring."

What was one of your favorite Halloween costumes growing up?

"A football player, a Green Bay Packers football player. I was Brett Favre at the time."

Where is your favorite place to eat in Lincoln?

"Mr. Goodcents."

What is unique about being a student-athlete at Nebraska?
"I think that we have so much help and support. The Hewitt is awesome. When I came here I couldn't believe it. I think that definitely separates it from other schools."

What do you remember from your first visit here?

"I actually came to a camp here. I just remember the girls and Dan. It was fun to be with the girls. I was a little older than the other girls at the camp, so I got to know the team better."