LSU freshman all-around gymnast Myia Hambrick competed on all four events in her first college meet against Iowa on Jan. 9.
Hambrick’s performance was a microcosm of her first month of college competitions. She posted impressive clips of 9.850 on vault and bars, exemplifying the talent every college in the country was clamoring for during her recruitment. But in the final two events, she fell on beam and floor.
When the season’s start didn’t go exactly to script, Hambrick turned to the gym, where she impressed the coaches and teammates with the work load she can handle.
“She has the determination, the heart and the soul to be what we need on this team,” said senior
all-arounder Rheagan Courville. “She is so mentally tough that she really rubs off on everyone else because we see how hard she works in the gym, and it resonates in the competition. If she just is refined and builds her confidence a little bit, she will be a huge competitor for us.”
Senior all-arounder Jessie Jordan knew Hambrick would be a great all-around gymnast when she first saw her.
Jordan said Hambrick has strength and raw attributes like no one she has seen before, so she wasn’t concerned with Hambrick’s early inconsistent performances. She pegged it as something all freshmen go through.
“As a freshman, it is hard to come in and compete perfectly every time. That’s something that comes with the territory,” Jordan said early in the season. “The little consistency flaws will pass. I am fully confident in her and her ability to grow in that aspect and to grow into an extremely good all-around gymnast.”
Hambrick grew. After a month characterized by inconsistent performances, she competed without a mistake in the last four meets. In that time, she scored a 9.850 or better seven times and set a new career-high on every event, including a career-high 39.575 in the all-around Friday night.
Hambrick said she was nervous in the first meets but learned to control her emotions during competition, and it has translated to prosperity.
“It’s not necessarily blocking out [the crowd], but learning how to play to my strengths and focus when I need to but also have fun,” Hambrick said. “I was just uptight and thinking way too much about it. [Breaux] always tells me ‘no mind, Myia, just don’t think about it.’”
LSU assistant coach Bob Moore said Hambrick has all the physical intangibles to be an All-American, but her best attribute is her attitude. He compared it to Jordan’s world-class mind and Courville’s national-championship talent.
“Myia is a very gifted, natural athlete,” Moore said. “She is also humble. There’s no telling what this kid can do … She is now at a point where she is so grateful to have people around her that are equally talented, and that helps push her to another level.”
The transition from club level to college gymnastics is difficult for many gymnasts because it has been an individual effort their whole life. But whether she is asked to compete in the lineup or help a teammate, Hambrick personifies the team player.
“I knew coming in here it is about the team,” Hambrick said. “I just contribute where they need me to and keep working hard to push the other girls even if I’m not in the lineup. That is something that some people have to work at, but for me it comes naturally. I was just excited to be a part of the team.”
You can reach Jacob Hamilton on Twitter @jhamilton_TDR.