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November 27, 2007

Getting to know... Kari Pearce!

It is safe to say that there will be a huge cheering section for Kari Pearce at this year's home meets. An Ann Arbor native, Kari is the reigning Michigan state champion in the all-around, vault, balance beam, and floor exercise. In addition, she is a top six finisher in the all-around at L10 Nationals for the past three years (2005-2007) and a Junior Olympic national champion on vault for two out of the past three years (2005, 2007). Pearce was a Level 10 standout with Geddarts Twistars and a teammate of Michigan sophomore Maureen Moody.

Kari shared with us some of the initial challenges she encountered in transitioning from high school to college, her personal goals for the upcoming season, and what attracted her to the university.

On what attracted her to the University of Michigan...
"I have lived in Ann Arbor for ten years, and I have wanted to go to Michigan for as long as I can remember. It also has a wonderful reputation in academics and athletics."

On some of the challenges that she has encountered thus far in adjusting to college gymnastics (training-wise)...
"I have been really sore these first few weeks of college, but I'm slowly getting used to the conditioning."

On some of the challenges that she has encountered thus far in balancing both academics and gymnastics...
"There is a lot more studying required for college than there was for high school, so I feel that I have to manage my time a lot better."

Her favorite event...
"My favorite event is floor, because you can put your personality into it."

On what her new floor exercise routine will be like...
"Well, my floor music is 'Bad to the Bone'. Need I say more?"

On whether she has a particular nickname...
"No. Most of my last team just called me by my last name 'Pearce' or Kar or KP."

On what she is looking forward to the most about the upcoming season...
"The whole team atmosphere at competitions."

On what she likes the most about college thus far ...
"I like getting to know a lot of new people."

On her personal goal for the upcoming season...
"I just want to be as big of a help to the team as I possibly can and have fun while doing it."

On the type of profession that she is interested in pursuing after graduation....
"I am really not sure. I am trying to keep an open mind about many different careers."

To learn more about Kari, check out her athlete bio!

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