Name: Angela Stein
Year: Senior
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Major: Criminology
Relationship Status: Single
Courtesy: Angela Stein
Her Campus (HC): When did you start gymnastics?
Angela Stein (AS): I started gymnastics when I was two-years-old at a birthday party and then I started competitive gymnastics level four at the age of six-years-old.
HC: Was college gymnastics an option for you?
AS: I transferred from the University of Wisconsin after freshman year and I did NCAA college gymnastics there. I have been lucky enough to experience what it’s like being a part of an NCAA team as well as a club college team.
HC: Is there any particular reason why you left the University of Wisconsin?
AS: I wanted to be closer to home and do gymnastics for the passion and love I have for the sport, not because someone is forcing me to do it six hours a day.
HC: What made you choose to come to Florida State?
AS: The criminal justice department is ranked number one in the nation here and that was definitely part of it. I was also influence by the circus and gymnastics team because they both sounded like fun programs to be apart of.
HC: What’s your favorite event in gymnastics and why?
AS: My favorite event is balance beam. I think it’s because when I’m on beam I feel like it’s just me alone with the beam. Sounds a little cliché but I don’t hear any of the audience at all; I’m just zoned in and it’s really fun for me. It also comes a little bit easier for me compared to the other events. The beam and I just click.
HC: How did you get involved with the gymnastics club here?
AS: I coached at Trusdell Gymnastics, which is where we practice. While I was coaching there I met the former president and she automatically was like, “you need to join the gymnastics team” and I said I would love to and it was just there, perfect.
HC: What’s your favorite memory since being on the club team?
AS: We went to Gainesville and we were competing against multiple teams but we were specifically concentrating on UF because we haven’t beat them in four years and last year we finally beat them.
HC: Have you seen improvement in your skill level since becoming a member of the club here?
AS: My skill level has changed throughout the years because I went from being the NCAA to here. Once I got here my skills were maintained or improved throughout the season. I have seen a lot of improvement in the other girls on the team. Some of them are new to gymnastics and enjoy learning about the sport. Everyone improves no matter what level they are at.
Courtesy: Angela Stein
HC: What made you decide to join the circus?
AS: I needed something that was brand new, a big challenge and big spark. I needed something really exciting. All of those categories seemed to fit right in at the circus. Also you meet so many great, new friends. It’s another team environment and there are great coaches.
HC: What was your act in the circus?
AS: Last year I was on Russian bar. The bar is what you can see in the picture.
HC: What’s your favorite part of being in the circus?
AS: My favorite part I always say is being a part of the team. I do like how everything falls into place in April when we have our main shows… you think about how far everyone has come since starting. I also love the costumes, the adrenaline of performing in front of thousands of people, and also I like the support of my friends and family that come to visit and watch me in the show.
HC: What do you think is the best thing about being both a part of the circus and the gymnastics club?
AS: Being able to be active all of the time but having a lot of variety as well. You don’t just have to do one thing. You will never get bored.
HC: Has being in the circus influenced your gymnastics in any way? How?
AS: I would definitely say I gained a lot of growth mentally, physically, and with the team environment.
HC: Any advice for those who might want to join the circus?
AS: Just have fun with it; don’t take it too seriously.
HC: What advice would you give retired gymnasts that may want to return to the sport through the club but might be worried they’ve had too long of a break?
AS: If you’re a retired and you still have it in you and inside your heart and your gut is telling you that you miss it I would say give it a shot and go for it. Don’t be embarrassed to come to the practices because everyone is at different levels. Nobody is going to judge you at all.