Former GymHawk Jessa Hansen sits down with senior standout, Emma Stevenson. In 2012, Stevenson competed in all 13 meets and set career highs on three events. Stevenson marked a career best of 9.875 on vault three times, 9.90 on bars against Minnesota and 9.90 on the floor exercise against Penn State. Stevenson was named to the 2012 Big Ten All-Championship Team for her 9.875 floor exercise performance. Additionally, Stevenson was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
What is your first gymnastics memory?
“I attended every open gym session to mimic all of the older girls’ floor routines.”
What is your most prized possession?
“My photos, because they’re irreplaceable. I love the memories and conversations that old pictures bring back to life.”
Do you have a favorite place in Iowa City?
“The Ped Mall. I love to people watch, and there is always some type of activity going on.”
What is your favorite food?
“Definitely sushi. I discovered sushi my freshman year at Iowa, and I can’t imagine not eating it now! I can’t pass up a good Kobe Tempura or Snake roll from Takanami.”
What is your favorite music?
“I love any type of Spanish music. Danza Kuduro is my favorite Spanish song right now, and it is actually my new floor music. I traveled to Spain this summer and fell in love with that lively style of music. I’ve even gotten the team hooked on some songs.”
What is one place you want to visit?
“Japan, because I have relatives who live in Osaka, Japan. I would love to visit them and learn about the Japanese culture.”
What did you do the past summer?
“I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain. It was genuinely an experience of a lifetime. I significantly improved my Spanish communicative skills, backpacked through Spain, and visited Lisbon and Paris. I still keep in contact with a few Alicante natives who keep my Spanish speaking skills up to par.”
If you could guest star on any television series, which would you choose?
“Friends, without a question. I absolutely love that TV show. All the characters are so relatable — I want to meet all of them.”
What would be your ideal career?
“A profession that mixes physical therapy with Spanish.”
What is your favorite thing about team road trips?
“The bus games are a riot and never fail to make me laugh to tears. All of us get really into it.”
What is your most memorable gymnastics moment?
“Standing on the podium with my team at the 2010 Big Ten Championships.”
Who has made the biggest impact on your life?
“It’s been a combination of my parents, coaches and friends. These people have always been there for me, and without them I would be a much different person.”
What are your goals for 2013?
“I want to qualify to the NCAA National Championship as a team.”
What is the most valuable thing you have learned at the University of Iowa?
“Being at Iowa taught me to have patience in myself and how far hard work can get you.”
What is one word that describes you?
“Intuitive.”