Guest entry by Marshall Nelson, assistant coach of UCLA's women's gymnastics team.
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November 23, 2004
Bruin diary: Initiation! :)
It's hard to believe it's already the end of November. We're through our second intra-squad, Thanksgiving is upon us, and before we know it, we'll be boarding a plane for Utah. I guess time flies when you're working hard and having fun!! First of all, I need to convey how extremely honored I am to be here. To work alongside such passionate, inspired, creative, and talented leaders and teachers such as Val and Chris - I am challenged and inspired every day. Little did I know when I packed up my car over a year and a half ago and headed west from Chicago that I would have the opportunity to become part of the most successful NCAA gymnastics team in recent history. I guess it's hard to predict where the road will lead, but if you follow your heart and your passions, they seldom disappoint.
For all of you Bruins out there I have yet to meet, I am a former Nebraska Husker. I grew up in Colorado, where I began my coaching career at a local club while living and training at the Olympic Training Center. I continued coaching boys and girls at the developmental level throughout my collegiate career, and upon graduating I became an assistant coach at the University of Missouri. I then took a break from coaching to pursue my other passion, performing. Sometimes when you take a risk, things don't always go as you had envisioned. The door didn't open for me at that time, so it was back to coaching. This time the road led to Chicago, where I worked as an assistant to both the boys and girls team at an up-and-coming club. I then got a phone call from a former teammate who lives in the LA area and happens to know Miss Val. He told me they were looking for male gymnasts to perform in the summer show at Sea World San Diego. The door opened: I went for it; and the rest is history!
As for the team...I met most of the team for the first time the day they reported way back in September. The next day we were off to Woodward for a week of training and for freshmen initiation, myself included. I didn't quite know what to expect, and I am sure the same could be said for them. By the end of the week, after long hours in the gym and more time in meetings than I could have ever imagined (I was warned about the meetings) we had begun to define ourselves as the 2004-2005 Bruins.
We've come a long way since September, but we've still only just begun. With all the variables that come into play during a season, it's hard to predict where our road will lead. What I do know is that I have never been part of a team with so much tangible potential. From the talent and the honesty to the sacrifice and the dedication, this group of athletes has what it needs to write its own success story this season. It is a new era for the Bruins, and I am thrilled to be part of the journey. The challenges will be many, and the rewards will be great. It comes down to the choices we make, our commitment to each other, and our honest approach to each new day.
To all you BRUINS out there…Let's have a GREAT day!!!