Arizona's McDermott uses new work ethic to earn NCAA berth

Her freshman year was a big adjustment from elite gymnastics at Parketts National Training Center in Allentown, PA., to college competition. But this year, she found her rhythm and it propelled her to today's NCAA Gymnastics Championships in Gainesville, Fla.

"I was really burnt out last year from the change to practicing every day, to doing what I wanted, when I wanted, and I really slacked off as a result," McDermott said. "This year I have really gotten into a grove and I'm enjoying myself more."

UA head coach Jim Gault agreed.

"Kristin has developed a stronger work ethic and has really come on during the latter part of the season and she deserves to be at the championships," Gault said.

McDermott will compete in the all-around at 10 a.m. Tucson time as one of the twelve individual competitors at this years meet not affiliated with one of the 12 teams competing. This will be the second time in her brief collegiate career that she has competed in the all-around.

One of the events that has stopped her from competing in the all-around before now was the vault.

Gault said that McDermott's vault performance is crucial if she wants to to advance to the finals.

"The vault that Kristin learned two years ago was illegal and has been trying to learn a layout vault," he said. "After performing at regionals she has been concentrating on vaulting since then."

McDermott should be familair with Florida - the Gators were one of the teams that recruiter her out of high school.

"It will be weird going back to the same place that I made my first collegiate visit," McDermott said. "I had visited Arizona four times before my trip because I had some prep meets out here before, so I felt a little more comfortable going to school here.

"Going back there now will be a challenge, but I'm looking forword to it."

Gymnastics was not even her first choice of sports. After her allergies started to become a problem for the one-time soccer player, she needed some aerobic exercise to help improve them. Gymnastics was suggested.

"When I was little I played soccer. I wasn't that good and was always getting sick," McDermott said. "My parents noticed that I always did cart-wheels on the soccer field when I was bored so here I am, and I'm glad I did."