Link to Article on The Red & Black
Olivia Sayer
Senior Haley de Jong poses for the crowd at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia, on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. The University of Georgia gymnastics team falls to the University of Alabama with the final score: Georgia – 197.325 Alabama – 197.525 (Photo/Laney Martin: @laneymartinphotography)
On March 10, No. 18 Georgia gymnastics lost its final game of the regular season to No. 2 Michigan.
On a night many of the senior gymnasts had been imagining for a while, it did not come without its challenges. The meet was originally scheduled for Stegeman Coliseum but had to be relocated due to unforeseen construction at Georgia’s home site.
Albeit the circumstances, seven senior Georgia gymnasts were recognized before the meet at Gas South Arena with each of their families by their sides. As the crowd applauded, each gymnast was able to personally reflect on her journey thus far as a member of the red and black.
“Georgia gymnastics has provided me with endless opportunities,” senior Haley de Jong said. “It has been a journey of many ups and downs, but the support and love has always been constant. I have grown immensely as a person and am truly blessed to call Dawg Nation my family. This year has been nothing short of amazing, and I am always honored to represent the G with pride.”
This recognition was not only special for the athletes, but also for the coaches. After the meet, head coach Courtney Kupets-Carter discussed how much she appreciates the senior class.
“I could talk endlessly about this senior class,” Kupets-Carter said. “They have absolutely turned things around just within the team, how they feel about gymnastics and where this program is going. I truly believe that this group has just made it enjoyable to coach in the gym — they enjoy each other. We had a long celebration for them in the locker room before we came out just to honor them and tell them those things.”
After the senior festivities concluded, Georgia began the meet on vault. Led by senior Amanda Cashman, who’s perfect landing earned her a 9.900, Georgia posted its second highest score this season. A quartet of athletes — junior Katie Finnegan, graduate Josie Angeny, freshman Naya Howard and senior Soraya Hawthorne earned a 9.850, bringing Georgia’s total to 49.300 on the event.
On March 10, No. 18 Georgia gymnastics lost its final game of the regular season to No. 2 Michigan.
On a night many of the senior gymnasts had been imagining for a while, it did not come without its challenges. The meet was originally scheduled for Stegeman Coliseum but had to be relocated due to unforeseen construction at Georgia’s home site.
Albeit the circumstances, seven senior Georgia gymnasts were recognized before the meet at Gas South Arena with each of their families by their sides. As the crowd applauded, each gymnast was able to personally reflect on her journey thus far as a member of the red and black.
“Georgia gymnastics has provided me with endless opportunities,” senior Haley de Jong said. “It has been a journey of many ups and downs, but the support and love has always been constant. I have grown immensely as a person and am truly blessed to call Dawg Nation my family. This year has been nothing short of amazing, and I am always honored to represent the G with pride.”
This recognition was not only special for the athletes, but also for the coaches. After the meet, head coach Courtney Kupets-Carter discussed how much she appreciates the senior class.
“I could talk endlessly about this senior class,” Kupets-Carter said. “They have absolutely turned things around just within the team, how they feel about gymnastics and where this program is going. I truly believe that this group has just made it enjoyable to coach in the gym — they enjoy each other. We had a long celebration for them in the locker room before we came out just to honor them and tell them those things.”
After the senior festivities concluded, Georgia began the meet on vault. Led by senior Amanda Cashman, who’s perfect landing earned her a 9.900, Georgia posted its second highest score this season. A quartet of athletes — junior Katie Finnegan, graduate Josie Angeny, freshman Naya Howard and senior Soraya Hawthorne earned a 9.850, bringing Georgia’s total to 49.300 on the event.