In a stand-out season, Sophomore Saniya Lipscomb has turned various heads with versatile and impressive performances, being top five ranked on all four events. Lipscomb’s performances have been nothing short of admirable as she demonstrates her commitment and dedication when she sets foot on the mats. Consistently conveying top-notch performances all around, her motivation for perfecting her craft has been seen by audiences, coaches, and even judges.
Coach Diane Roberts, head coach of girls’ gymnastics, commends Lipscomb’s hard work and dedication. Roberts highlights and emphasizes the dedication that Lipscomb applies to the sport.
“Saniya is one of the hardest workers on the team, she does not bring others down with her problems, She encourages her teammates and shares in their successes, and she understands her role on the team and embraces her challenges,” Roberts said.
As Lipscomb’s role as a team player is evident, her commitment to perfecting her skills plays a large role in her craft overall.
“I just try to be very goal-oriented because that’s what really carries you out through a season, making and setting something for yourself and achieving that, working hard for that all throughout seasons, practices, and competitions, making yourself a better gymnast and finding what helps you be better at your sport,” Lipscomb said.
As any sport, gymnastics is additionally a mental sport, requiring the right mindset and resilience. Although Lipscomb has had lots of success within the sport, she has faced many obstacles and challenges to be the best gymnast she can be.
“The most challenging thing about gymnastics is probably the mental aspect of it. You have to set your mind to something and train your body to do it over and over until you get it right,” she said.
After overcoming these challenges, Lipscomb has found comfort in having a supporting environment, an environment that makes sure she’s up to par and one that picks her up whenever she seems to fall.
“My team plays a really important role because at the end of the day they’re there and they understand and they support me,” she said. “Throughout practices and competitions, they really help me better myself. It saves yourself a lot more mistakes that you make and breaks a lot of bad habits that you have. So they help me fix everything I need to do.”
As Lipscomb continues to conquer the physical and mental aspects of gymnastics, she serves as an inspiration to other admiring athletes. Portraying resilience and determination required for the craft of gymnastics, Lipscomb stands confident to showcase perfection on the mats.
“I stay committed by keeping a very good mindset of myself and everything to come in the future. What I want to be, what I want to do, how I want to apply myself to my sport, and my goals that I have for myself.”
