Photo by: Red Box Pictures
Washington Gymnastics is Purple Strong
February 20, 2018 | Gymnastics
By Kimberlie Haner
At the University of Washington, everyone is celebrated, welcomed and supported on campus. The Huskies promote inclusion and unity while playing for those who have helped them get to this point in their athletics careers. The gymnastics team is no exception. They all work together to stress the values of Purple Strong.
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The Gym Dawgs are from all over the country. From North Carolina to Canada to Seattle, this squad features diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures. With their different life experiences, the team learns from each other and builds each other up to be the best they can be. This is what Purple Strong means to the team.
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"Purple Strong is about empowering yourself and empowering others to work as a team," junior Monica Riley said. "It embodies what Washington stands for. We work hard together to reach our common goals."
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This team has proven that they can come together to achieve those goals. In 2017, the Huskies went to NCAA Nationals for the first time since 1998. So far in 2018, they are ranked in the top 20 and have impressive meet wins, including a victoryΒ over Oregon State on February 10. Washington has reached or surpassed a 197-point team total twice already this season, a number eclipsed or matched just twice last season.
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The attitude of being Purple Strong is infectious among the team and on campus. It is an inclusive environment and respect is given to all. In gymnastics, the members of the team give a particular emphasis to respecting those of all ages because they understand the importance of reaching out and being kind to those younger fans who look up to them.
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"I am Purple Strong for all of the little girls that look up to me," sophomore Evanni Roberson said. "I do it for the girls who look up to me and want to be here one day."
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Both Riley and Roberson understand that they would not be where they are today without the support of their families, coaches and everyone who has had a Purple Strong mentality along their journey. Becoming a collegiate gymnast is a difficult journey. To have the support and belief of others despite different backgrounds and appearances means everything to an athlete.Β
Β
"I am Purple Strong for the little girl that I used to be that fell in love with the sport," Riley said. "I do it for her and all those who supported her and believed in her along the way."
Β
We encourage fans to come support the Huskies and support being purple strong at the meet against Stanford on March 24. Click here to purchase tickets today.Β
At the University of Washington, everyone is celebrated, welcomed and supported on campus. The Huskies promote inclusion and unity while playing for those who have helped them get to this point in their athletics careers. The gymnastics team is no exception. They all work together to stress the values of Purple Strong.
Β
The Gym Dawgs are from all over the country. From North Carolina to Canada to Seattle, this squad features diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures. With their different life experiences, the team learns from each other and builds each other up to be the best they can be. This is what Purple Strong means to the team.
Β
"Purple Strong is about empowering yourself and empowering others to work as a team," junior Monica Riley said. "It embodies what Washington stands for. We work hard together to reach our common goals."
Β
This team has proven that they can come together to achieve those goals. In 2017, the Huskies went to NCAA Nationals for the first time since 1998. So far in 2018, they are ranked in the top 20 and have impressive meet wins, including a victoryΒ over Oregon State on February 10. Washington has reached or surpassed a 197-point team total twice already this season, a number eclipsed or matched just twice last season.
Β
The attitude of being Purple Strong is infectious among the team and on campus. It is an inclusive environment and respect is given to all. In gymnastics, the members of the team give a particular emphasis to respecting those of all ages because they understand the importance of reaching out and being kind to those younger fans who look up to them.
Β
"I am Purple Strong for all of the little girls that look up to me," sophomore Evanni Roberson said. "I do it for the girls who look up to me and want to be here one day."
Β
Both Riley and Roberson understand that they would not be where they are today without the support of their families, coaches and everyone who has had a Purple Strong mentality along their journey. Becoming a collegiate gymnast is a difficult journey. To have the support and belief of others despite different backgrounds and appearances means everything to an athlete.Β
Β
"I am Purple Strong for the little girl that I used to be that fell in love with the sport," Riley said. "I do it for her and all those who supported her and believed in her along the way."
Β
We encourage fans to come support the Huskies and support being purple strong at the meet against Stanford on March 24. Click here to purchase tickets today.Β
Players Mentioned
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