In the Fall of 2012, The University of Georgia was fortunate enough to have Calhoun native Mary Beth Box join the gymnastics team. In her very first competitive routine as a Gymdog, Box scored a 9.9 on the floor exercise against NC State, and has continued to contribute to Georgia’s champion tradition. As a Sophomore, Box earned first team All-America honors on beam with a 9.9 in NCAA Prelims, was a second-team All-american on floor, tied for third on beam in the NCAA event finals, and lead the Gymdogs on beam in the last eleven meets of the season. She has just begun her Junior year at UGA, and will undoubtedly help lead her team through a successful 2015 season. 

 

While her gymnastic accolades speak for themselves, Mary Beth Box is one of the most genuine, kind-hearted athletes to grace the sport of gymnastics. Her energetic personality and contagious laugh capture the hearts of everyone she meets, and as a former teammate, her loyalty and friendship are things I continue to treasure. Box is a gymnast you won’t want to miss in the upcoming years. 

 

What is your favorite memory as a gymnast, so far?

This is a tough one! I honestly can't choose! Either my first time competing for the University of Georgia, competing in Stegeman Coliseum for the first time, or watching my teammate, Lauren Johnson, become the SEC vault champion!

 

 If you weren’t doing gymnastics, what would you be doing? Why?

Playing tennis because I am certain that I would be involved in another sport or enjoying Greek life in a sorority because I think that experience would be fun!

 

Have you ever done anything embarrassing in practice? Competition?
My freshman year, I accidentally grabbed the wrong competition jacket and couldn't march out with the rest of my team.

If you had an off day from practice, how would you spend your free time?

Shopping in our cute boutiques downtown, hanging out with friends, or catching up on studies.

Describe your pre-competition routine.

A breakfast of oatmeal and a white chocolate mocha from Starbucks, shopping (especially at away meets), and at least a solid hour on makeup and hair!

What is your worst habit in the gym?

My worst habit in the gym is chalking up before every turn on beam. 

If you made a life bucket list, what would be your number one activity to accomplish?

Either traveling the world or becoming fluent in Spanish.

Photo by GymShark

How do you recover after a hard workout in the gym?
I am an ice bath junkie. After almost every practice, you'll find me with a towel wrapped like a scarf, phone in hand, listening to music as I soak in gloriously cold water. However, now you'll find me gracing the icy waters a lot less! I recently discovered Normatec (fondly referred to as "fluffy legs" and "moon boots") which has become my newest and preferred recovery treatment of late!

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome in gymnastics?

Confidence or lack thereof.  I have definitely made strides within these past years but it is something that I can constantly work on and want to improve. Confidence is one of those things that applies to every aspect of gymnastics and ultimately, every aspect of life. Having better confidence instantly sets you up for success.

Who inspires you to be a better person? Gymnast?

The people around me such as my family and friends inspire me to be a better person. As a gymnast, my coaches and teammates.

 

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

I would do or plan something special for my parents because they've done so much for me and helped shape me into who I am today.

What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is not reaching my potential.

 

What makes you laugh the most?

Listening to other people's laughter.

 

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Eggs, bacon, and a biscuit.

Do you have nicknames? If so, what are they?

My nicknames include Boo, Boom, and Boom Box.  Boo is a childhood nickname that has stuck with me throughout the years and Boom Box (often shortened to Boom) is actually a nickname initially used by Courtney McCool-Griffeth and her husband Garrett because I am a powerful tumbler! The name stuck and now, you'd be hard pressed to hear anyone call me by my real name within the gymnastics world!

 

How would your friends describe you?

Outgoing, loud, talkative, laughing

Are you a clean and organized, or messy person?

Depends on how busy I am! I prefer to be organized and clean but when I have a lot going on, things tend to get messy.

Photo by GymShark

What’s your favorite fast food chain?

Chick Fil A.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?
Definitely morcilla. It's blood sausage. Needless to say, i tried it before knowing what was in it!

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert for sure!

On a scale of 1-10 how funny would you say you are?

4/5 but if we were talking about my laugh, definitely a 10! Apparently my laugh is contagious or it's just other people laughing at my laugh...

 

What is your favorite breakfast?

I don't have a favorite. I love it all! Easily my favorite meal.

In Mary Beth Box's first competitive routine as a Gymdog, she scored a 9.9. See Here. 


Video By Cassidy McComb

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