Hangin' with the Huskers: Getting to Know the Freshmen

Freshmen Hannah Bower, Janelle Giblin and Brittany Skinner join the Nebraska women's gymnastics team in hopes of providing strong skills and solid depth to the Huskers' lineups in 2010. Bower, a native of Loveland, Colo., comes to Nebraska as the first 5A three-time state all-around gymnastics champion in Colorado history. Giblin and Skinner both trained at Airborne Gymnastics in Santa Clara, Calif. Giblin earned the 2008 level 10 state bars, beam, floor and all-around champion en route to taking the 2008 regional level 10 bars, beam, floor and all-around crown. Skinner was a three-time level 10 national qualifier and four-time level 10 regional qualifier. In 2009 she made the NorCal State team while taking second on bars and placing third in the AA at the state meet. She was also the 2009 Regional vault and all around champion also taking a second on beam.

What do you remember from your recruiting visit here?
Hannah: "(I remember) the Hewit was delicious."
Janelle: "The first time I came here I remember how cold it was. The team and everyone got a long really well. The facilities were great."
Brittany: "Probably the campus. It was pretty, but not too big. I knew that I would be able to figure it out pretty easily."

What is the biggest thing you've learned since you've come to college?
Hannah: "Stress management in dealing with the new things that are thrown at you."
Janelle: "Being from California, I've had to learn to live on my own and survive without anyone telling me what to do."
Brittany: "Time management, starting things earlier rather than later."

What is your favorite class?
Hannah: "Theater."
Janelle: "Psychology is really interesting to me."
Brittany: "The sociology class I am in, it's a women in composition class."

What were your goals coming in to your freshman year?
Hannah: "My goal is to just get back into gymnastics and do the best I can with what I've been given."
Janelle: "My goal is to compete and get through the season and figure everything out, also to mature as a person."
Brittany: "(Earn) a 3.0 GPA and to compete in all four events."

What are you most looking forward to this year?
Hannah: "I was looking forward to freedom and meeting new people."
Janelle: "I was looking forward to getting away and being on my own, being in a different state and seeing what else is out there
Brittany: "The team and to travel with everyone."

What is your favorite food at the Hewit?
Hannah: "Their sweet potatoes. I am in love with them."
Janelle: "The pasta that they make is my favorite."
Brittany: "The pasta station."

What is one thing you wish you could bring from home to Lincoln?
Hannah: "The moutains."
Janelle: "The sunshine."
Brittany:  "The ocean."

What is the best thing about being a student-athlete at Nebraska?
Hannah: "The coaches and the faculty truly care about you."
Janelle: "How we're treated."
Brittany: "They treat you like royalty. There is no way you could fall behind. Everyone helps you stay on top of things."

How would you describe your style of gymnastics?
Hannah: "I think I am a mixture of both boldness and elegance, but probably more bold."
Janelle: "I would say more elegant."
Brittany: "Unique, it just all flows together."