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Athlete of the Week

Perfection is hard to come by, and for most athletes, it's practically unobtainable.

However, last Friday night at McKale Center, sophomore gymnast Randi Liljenquist was perfect, as she gave a flawless performance on the floor to earn the first 10 in her career.

"It still hasn't quite hit me," Liljenquist said. "I was speechless after it happened, and I guess I am still in shock."

She is only the second gymnast in school history to receive a 10 on the floor event.

"It was a great routine," head coach Bill Ryden said. "She has the capability to do those kind of performances."

In her second season with the Wildcats, Liljenquist has taken on the challenge of competing in all four events and has earned the all-around title three times this year.

"She has more confidence in the college game this year," Ryden said.

Growing up in Tucson has made Liljenquist the hometown favorite. At every home meet, hundreds of girls would scream her name and stay after to get her autograph.

"I think it's a neat experience to be a role model for others," Liljenquist said.

"When I was young, I used to look up to the older girls and want to be just like them. And now, here I am."

Indeed, she has arrived, but it has not always been perfect 10s for Liljenquist. She has undergone two major surgeries in two years in order to continue her career.

"She has gone through so much to get where she is right now," Ryden said. "She has a great work ethic and is very dedicated to herself and to this team."

When she is not in the gym, Liljenquist is studying to become an elementary school teacher. Liljenquist also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend.

"We usually go and play pool," she said. "But I just bought some golf clubs, and now, Roberto (Acosta) is trying to teach me how to play."

Liljenquist also claims to be very superstitious in gymnastics and life as well. She says she has to knock on her forehead three times when her coach says anything positive about her. And whenever a black cat crosses in front of her car, she has to do a complete U-turn before she can continue on her way.

But the one that stands out the most is her lucky underwear.

"I have lucky underwear from last season that I wear during meets," said Liljenquist as she tried not laugh.

"My mom bought me some new underwear, but every time I would wear them, I would fall on some event," Liljenquist said. "Now it's back to the old pair again."

Liljenquist said she is going to wear the underwear from the night she received the 10 for the remaining meets in her career or until they fall apart.