Central Michigan University Athletics
Danielle Espinoza Profile
3/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
March 22, 2006
By Chad Twaro
Sports Information Student Assistant
Central Michigan University sophomore Danielle Espinoza was born to be a gymnast.
"I was an energetic child. My mom said I was always doing flips and tumbling around the house. So she figured I might as well do it for a sport and I stuck with it," Espinoza said.
In some ways, the Rossford, Ohio native is still that fun loving child. As a freshman, she arrived on campus trying to crack into a senior laden lineup that experienced unprecedented success nationally. With the elements already in place for a national contender, Espinoza knew from the get-go she had to prove herself.
"I wasn't sure what my role with the team was going to be when I got here," Espinoza said. "At a program like this, not many freshmen get a chance to compete in meets. You have to show you can be relied upon."
Espinoza did just that as she was the only freshman from last year's team to compete in any events. In addition to competing, she was asked to step up in other areas. Against Bowling Green, she was asked to step in and compete on the balance beam. Espinoza responded with a season best 9.800 in the event. In addition to that, Espinoza got to experience the satisfaction of beating nationally ranked Stanford in a dual meet and competing in the NCAA Regionals.
"I was so proud to be competing at regionals as a freshman. It showed that all of my hard work paid off," Espinoza said. "The atmosphere against Stanford was amazing, the yelling and enthusiasm from the crowd and ourselves made that an experience to remember. That was an incredible win for us."
The success, however, has not gone to her head. Espinoza is always the first to put team goals ahead of personal accolades, as her individual accomplishment was achieved when she got a scholarship to compete at CMU.
"My high school didn't have a varsity gymnastics team, so I had to compete on a club. I knew it was going to be difficult to get a scholarship to a Division I college but it was my dream. So, I set out to work harder than everyone else," Espinoza said. "I owe so much to my parents, I wouldn't have done it without them. They kept me going when I doubted whether or not I could compete in college. When I got a scholarship to Central Michigan, it was a dream fulfilled."
Espinoza's work ethic and dedication has increased further with a higher level of competition in college. With all she accomplished as a freshman, the sky is the limit to her potential, and the sky is exactly what she is shooting for.
"I want two more MAC titles and to get back to regionals before I leave, I want another ring. My personal goal is to score a 10 on the floor exercise," Espinoza said.
In spite of her success at CMU, Espinoza continues to look toward the seniors for support, especially after watching Kara Reighard compete at the NCAA Regionals last season with a torn ACL.
"It was amazing to watch her compete at regionals with the condition her knee was in," Espinoza said. "It was an inspirational performance to say the least. The seniors have really helped me feel like I belong here."
While Espinoza is still a sophomore, she fully understands what she means to this team now and in the future. She is fearless and relishes the thought of stepping up and becoming a leader.
"I'm definitely ready to be a leader," she said. "I've learned a lot from the seniors in my two years with the team. I want to be the person everyone looks towards for support."
However, Espinoza is more focused on finishing the current season strongly with the MAC Championships less than a week away. After a win over Western Michigan, the Chippewas have the momentum they've been looking for.
"We had a difficult start to the year," Espinoza said. "But every team has their struggles. The important thing is how everyone deals with it when it happens."
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