The transition from club to college-level gymnastics is difficult for many athletes. But they are also student-athletes, and in many cases, they are in a new city.
For sophomore all-arounder Sydney Ewing, the transition was limited to an athletic basis. A Lafayette native, Ewing was able to contribute from the season opener to the NCAA Individual Event Finals in 2014.
But for sophomore all-arounder Shae Zamardi, the already difficult transition was exacerbated by being in a foreign country with a new culture, in a college environment for the first time and so far away from her family.
“Last year was a transitional year for [Zamardi],” said sophomore all-arounder Ashleigh Gnat. “I know it wasn’t easy moving away from her family. We did our best to be there for her and comfort her.”
At the end of her freshman season, Zamardi contributed on bars just once in the season opener, but she performed two exhibition floor routines and once on bars.
The Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada native went home for the summer. LSU coach D-D Breaux said Zamardi came back to school in better shape and with polished routines more suitable for college competition.
“If you saw me last year and compared it to this year, there is a huge difference,” Zamardi said. “There has been a growth and maturity. Last year, I was a bit tentative to show my full potential, but this year, I said, ‘Nothing is holding me back.’”
Zamardi was making a case for being a starter on bars and floor, but she was held back again.
This time Zamardi had a severe high ankle sprain, prohibiting her from training to the best of her ability. While still hurt, she injured the same hamstring she previously had surgery on while at club level.
LSU associate coach Jay Clark said Zamardi had more potential on bars for this season, so her training focused on it after she sat out for a month letting the two injuries heal.
“I could see that she wanted the starting spot, and she worked for that starting spot,” Breaux said. “I always tell the kids my expectations are up here, and your delivery is down here. Her delivery and our expectations have closed the gap.”
When she returned to training, Zamardi secured one of the opening in the bar lineup and has competed in all four of LSU’s meets.
Zamardi ranks No. 13 in the Southeastern Conference in the event with a 9.844 average. She recorded highs of 9.900 in the season opener and at the Metroplex Challenge last Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas.
“She has totally changed her attitude and mindset when it comes to being a part of this team,” said junior all-arounder Randii Wyrick. “She’s willing to do the corrections the coaches give her and listens to any advice we give her. She really just wants the best for this team.”
Zamardi said the rough patch she went through was good for her growth as a person. Although she is away from her family, she said her teammates and coaches have become her family in the South.
“I couldn’t imagine myself being anywhere else,” Zamardi said. “Although it was hard to adjust, [LSU] is where I am supposed to be. I am supposed to be with this team.”
You can reach Jacob Hamilton on Twitter @jhamilton_TDR.