Senior Spotlight: Florida's Claire Boyce
Senior Spotlight: Florida's Claire Boyce
In this ongoing series, FloGymnastics spotlights this year's NCAA seniors heading into their final season. Next up is Florida's Claire Boyce.
In this ongoing series, FloGymnastics spotlights this year's NCAA seniors heading into their final season. Next up is Florida's Claire Boyce.
Florida's lone senior, Claire Boyce, is back this season and is looking forward to her best season yet. Boyce sat out last season due to a hip injury and is eager to begin her senior season. Boyce has seen time in the bar, beam and floor lineups in her two competition seasons at Florida. She has been a part of two national championship teams (2014, 2015). Boyce is looking forward to getting back on the competition floor and helping her team win another title this season.
FloGymnastics: What is your major? When are you graduating?
Claire Boyce: Applied physiology and kinesiology with a specialization in fitness wellness. I will graduate in August 2017.
What have you learned about yourself in your time at Florida?
It has gone by so quick! I have learned to be independent and how to manage my time. I have had to set my priorities and learn to balance school and gymnastics. I have met so many new people which has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone.
What is your role on the team this season as a senior?
Being a senior I have the most experience. I try to lead by example and the girls turn to me a lot to ask me questions. I like to have fun in the gym and keep the mood light.
You are the only senior on the team this year. What is that like?
It is a little weird being the only senior. I do not have anyone to experience my "lasts" with. I feel that everyone on the team is a leader in their own way, so I do not feel any pressure as the only leader.
What is your biggest accomplishment personally?
Winning two national championships as a team. Also graduating with a great degree and having a successful time at Florida. Coming back from injury has been a challenge, so I feel that overcoming that is a big accomplishment for me personally.
You missed all of last season due to injury. What has your road to recovery been like?
Sitting out last year was very hard, but I learned a lot during the process. The comeback has been hard, because I took so much time off. I have had such great support from all of my teammates and coaches. They want me to be back and have a successful senior season. I am almost back to full strength. I am hoping to get into the lineups this season and contribute. Being able to compete this season will be the best feeling ever!
Have you considered coming back for a fifth year?
My body has been through a lot, so I am still deciding. I am not ruling it out yet; however, if I accomplish what I want to this season, I will be happy with that.
What is your favorite part about competition day?
Competing is so much fun and why we do gymnastics. I love the behind-the-scenes part of competition day, doing our hair and makeup along with our loud music.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to start applying for nursing school.
What is something people might not know about you?
I have two brothers who are very talented in music. They have taught me how to play piano and guitar.
How do you like to spend your time outside of the gym?
I love to be outside, tanning or going to the beach. Anything outside with my friends.
What is one word to describe your attitude/personality in the gym?
Energetic.
What motivates you in and out of the gym?
I have always wanted to do well for myself and those that support me. My family has done so much for me and that is a big motivator for me. Also my team!
What are your team goals this year?
To win a national championship. We have so much talent and potential to win this year. We also want to win the SEC championships.
Why would you tell a future recruit to come to Florida?
We are a big family. The coaches make you feel so comfortable and are so welcoming. The whole Gator community has so much pride, and it is an honor to represent Florida. We have amazing facilities and coaches that support us every step of the way.
Anything else you would like to share?
I am thankful for my team and the opportunity to compete at Florida. This is going to be a year to remember as we have so much talent and team chemistry.
Related:
Senior Spotlight: Michigan's Nicole Artz
Senior Spotlight: Oklahoma's Chayse Capps
Senior Spotlight: Georgia's Lauren Johnson
Senior Spotlight: LSU's Ashleigh Gnat
Senior Spotlight: Stanford's Rachel Daum
Senior Spotlight: Auburn's Kullen Hlawek
Florida's lone senior, Claire Boyce, is back this season and is looking forward to her best season yet. Boyce sat out last season due to a hip injury and is eager to begin her senior season. Boyce has seen time in the bar, beam and floor lineups in her two competition seasons at Florida. She has been a part of two national championship teams (2014, 2015). Boyce is looking forward to getting back on the competition floor and helping her team win another title this season.
FloGymnastics: What is your major? When are you graduating?
Claire Boyce: Applied physiology and kinesiology with a specialization in fitness wellness. I will graduate in August 2017.
What have you learned about yourself in your time at Florida?
It has gone by so quick! I have learned to be independent and how to manage my time. I have had to set my priorities and learn to balance school and gymnastics. I have met so many new people which has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone.
What is your role on the team this season as a senior?
Being a senior I have the most experience. I try to lead by example and the girls turn to me a lot to ask me questions. I like to have fun in the gym and keep the mood light.
You are the only senior on the team this year. What is that like?
It is a little weird being the only senior. I do not have anyone to experience my "lasts" with. I feel that everyone on the team is a leader in their own way, so I do not feel any pressure as the only leader.
What is your biggest accomplishment personally?
Winning two national championships as a team. Also graduating with a great degree and having a successful time at Florida. Coming back from injury has been a challenge, so I feel that overcoming that is a big accomplishment for me personally.
You missed all of last season due to injury. What has your road to recovery been like?
Sitting out last year was very hard, but I learned a lot during the process. The comeback has been hard, because I took so much time off. I have had such great support from all of my teammates and coaches. They want me to be back and have a successful senior season. I am almost back to full strength. I am hoping to get into the lineups this season and contribute. Being able to compete this season will be the best feeling ever!
Have you considered coming back for a fifth year?
My body has been through a lot, so I am still deciding. I am not ruling it out yet; however, if I accomplish what I want to this season, I will be happy with that.
What is your favorite part about competition day?
Competing is so much fun and why we do gymnastics. I love the behind-the-scenes part of competition day, doing our hair and makeup along with our loud music.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to start applying for nursing school.
What is something people might not know about you?
I have two brothers who are very talented in music. They have taught me how to play piano and guitar.
How do you like to spend your time outside of the gym?
I love to be outside, tanning or going to the beach. Anything outside with my friends.
What is one word to describe your attitude/personality in the gym?
Energetic.
What motivates you in and out of the gym?
I have always wanted to do well for myself and those that support me. My family has done so much for me and that is a big motivator for me. Also my team!
What are your team goals this year?
To win a national championship. We have so much talent and potential to win this year. We also want to win the SEC championships.
Why would you tell a future recruit to come to Florida?
We are a big family. The coaches make you feel so comfortable and are so welcoming. The whole Gator community has so much pride, and it is an honor to represent Florida. We have amazing facilities and coaches that support us every step of the way.
Anything else you would like to share?
I am thankful for my team and the opportunity to compete at Florida. This is going to be a year to remember as we have so much talent and team chemistry.
Related:
Senior Spotlight: Michigan's Nicole Artz
Senior Spotlight: Oklahoma's Chayse Capps
Senior Spotlight: Georgia's Lauren Johnson
Senior Spotlight: LSU's Ashleigh Gnat
Senior Spotlight: Stanford's Rachel Daum
Senior Spotlight: Auburn's Kullen Hlawek