Hangin' with the Huskers: Maddie Steinauer

In this edition of "Hangin' with the Huskers" we caught up with junior Maddie Steinauer. The Omaha, Neb., native comes to NU from Cal State Fullerton, where she competed from 2007-09. As a Titan, she was named to the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches Academic Honor Roll and the Western Athletic Conference's All-Academic Team. In her freshman season, Steinauer competed on vault at the NCAA Regionals in Corvallis, Ore., finishing in a tie for 14th (9.775). She was a second-team All-WAC selection as a result of her fourth-place finish at the 2008 WAC Championships. She is one of four juniors on the NU roster in 2009 and will provide important depth for the Huskers on numerous events.

What is it like coming back to your home state for your junior season?
"I like it a lot. It's nice to go home on the weekends if I want and see my family when they come up for football games. It's really nice to be back."

What was a big factor in you deciding to come back here?
"I just missed home and missed Nebraska. I've always wanted to be a Husker and I got the chance to do so this year."

What are you most excited about this season?
"I'm most excited about possibly making it to Nationals. This team is more experienced and I know we have a lot of potential on the team. (It's exciting to think about) how far we could get."

Why do you think it is important to have girls from Nebraska/the Midwest on the team?
"I'm the only one from Nebraska on the team so it's cool because I get to show everyone around. If they don't some things about Lincoln or the area I can fill them in on some stuff."

What was the culture-shock going from Omaha to California?
"It was way different. Nebraska is a lot more slow-paced and in California everyone is really busy. It was a lot more diverse in California."

What is your favorite TV show?
"I like 'The Biggest Loser.' That is the only TV show I watch."

What is your favorite professional team/athlete?
"Nastia Liukin. I think she is really pretty and her gymnastics is gorgeous."

What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
"My mom's casserole."

What is the first thing you do when you go home?
"I say hi to all my brothers and sisters. I like to go to their sports events and functions when I can."

Who is the craziest/funniest girl on the team?
"Brittnee Habbib."

Where is the coolest place you've traveled for gymnastics
"California."

What are your goals heading into the season?
"My goal is to try to make line-up on every event that I am working toward. I would like the team to get to Nationals."