In a new series, FloGymnastics is shining a spotlight on seniors heading into their final college season. First up, is Michigan's stellar senior, Nicole Artz.

Artz has been a standout gymnast and a strong all-arounder for the Wolverines since her freshman year in Ann Arbor, MI. Artz has been a rock for Michigan and comes through with some clutch routines each season. In her time with the Wolverines, she has become a much-improved bar worker, allowing her to excel in the all-around.

Artz shines on beam and floor with impressive career highs of 9.95 and 9.975, respectively. Her personal accomplishments at Michigan are impressive, including being a six-time NCAA All-American and five-time Big Ten champion. Look for Artz to have her best season yet as a senior and help push Michigan to big things this year!




FloGymnastics: What is your major? When are you planning to graduate?
Nicole Artz: My major is elementary education and language arts. I will student teach all of next year and graduate next spring.

What is the biggest thing you have learned about yourself during your time at Michigan?
I have learned that it is important to be patient. That things might not come as easy as I want them to be, so relax and be patient.

How is your role on the team different being a senior this year?
I am a captain this year along with [Talia Chiarelli], and as seniors we have a say in more decisions. However, we value others' opinions as well.

What is your biggest personal accomplishment?
Winning three Big Ten championships as a team! Having three is really cool, and I am looking forward to a fourth!

What is your favorite part about competition day?
The adrenaline you feel when competing! You put so much work into preseason and practice, so when you finally get to go out and perform makes it so much fun.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
I have become less superstitious as I have gotten older. My meet day usually starts with a bagel for breakfast, followed by a lot of time on hair and makeup. As a team we always scream as loud as we can to get all the bad energy and tension out.

How have your coaches at Michigan helped you become a better gymnast?
[Assistant coach Scott Sherman], he is a saint! I owe everything I have learned on bars to him. I had none of the skills in my routine when I came to Michigan. [Assistant coach Dave Kuzara], he has taught me how to be patient with each other and how to problem solve. [Head coach Bev Plocki], she has shaped me into the person I want to be in life after graduation. All the coaches have been a great blend and helped me in their own special way.

What are your plans after graduation?
I would love to return to Wisconsin and get a teaching job. I would love to go back to my gym I grew up in and coach. I want to stay connected to the sport by coaching and doing choreography.

How do you spend your time outside of the gym?
I spend most of my time outside of the gym doing homework. I spend a lot of time on the phone with my mom and relaxing with my roommates. I also love getting my nails done and shopping!

What is something others might not know about you?
I played third base on the varsity softball team in high school.

What is one word to describe your attitude/personality inside of the gym?
Outgoing.

What motivates you inside and outside of the gym?
My teammates and coaches motivate me every day in the gym. In the classroom, I am my biggest motivator. I have always been hard on myself and expected a lot of myself.

What is your nickname that your teammates call you?
Nico. It started in club gymnastics and really stuck when I came to Michigan.

Michigan has been close to making Super Six in the past few years. What do you think will be the big difference to get to the Super Six this season?
I think it is our attitude. We need to go into this season much more confident. We need to instill confidence in ourselves and each other.

What are your team goals this season?
We are planning to take one meet at a time and set goals for each meet. As always, we have goals to win a Big Ten championship. We have made it a goal to put more focus and attention on regionals. We then of course have goals to go on to the Super Six and win a national championship!

What would you tell a future recruit about why to come to Michigan?
Tradition! Michigan always has the same big goal and big picture, and that will never change due to tradition. Michigan also has the perfect balance between education and academics. Also Bev recognizes the importance in education and is supportive in every way.

What is your team theme this year?
"Money in the bank." Each day we come into practice to make "deposits." The coaches give us coins to deposit into the bank for things like quality gymnastics, good attitude, being a good teammate, sticks, etc.

Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I can't believe it is already my senior year. It went by so fast! I would just encourage others to cherish these moments, because they really are the best years of your life.

Stay tuned to FloGymnastics as we take a look at more seniors as they head into their final season.