Freshman all-arounder Myia Hambrick has the chance to see what life is like in the eyes of one of the most decorated gymnasts in LSU history.
LSU coach D-D Breaux has paired Hambrick with senior all-arounder Jessie Jordan in practice. Their similar styles, leadership and work ethic will be tested, which will benefit the duo in many ways.
“I want Myia to experience what it is like to train with Jessie Jordan,” Breaux said. “To see how Jessie trains, how Jessie is focused and to see how Jessie manages herself during practice.”
Jordan is one of the most accomplished athletes in collegiate gymnastics — a six-time All-American and a two-time All-Southeastern Conference performer, who is also ranked as a one of the nation’s top all-around gymnasts early this season.
Breaux had requested that Jordan mentor Hambrick for the remainder of this season, Jordan’s last for LSU.
“I know Jessie has asked me why we are doing this again,” Breaux said. “I tell her we are doing this because I want [Hambrick] to approach practice with the same kind of maturity and methodical repetition that you have.”
Hambrick said she believes that the two were paired because she sees herself as a younger version of Jordan.
“Jessie and I have similar gymnastic styles,” Hambrick said. “We also want to be leaders for the team. We both have expressed that need and want. Our personalities are kind of alike too. I think it was just a match. It was a no-brainer.”
Jordan is currently shaking up the national rankings, where she stands third in the all-around, No. 11 in uneven bars, second in beam and first on floor.
She also excels in the classroom as a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
“She is very focused in everything that she does, which I think is a very good [quality] for anyone to have,” Hambrick said. “She is just a really cool person to be around. She creates a really calm environment. She is not worried about a whole lot. She gives me advice if I am having trouble with something, or just a better way to do it. [Her focus] is something that training with her has definitely rubbed off on me already.”
Breaux said she knows if all else fails, Hambrick will learn one thing for sure just by being around Jordan.
“Jessie is this person who puts on blinders, that goes on and handles her business,” Breaux said. “What you are seeing is a maturity that can factor any sort of distraction out of her practice, and she does that in competition as well. That is what I am hoping Myia can take away from this.”
You can reach Christian Boutwell on Twitter @CBoutwell_TDR.