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Our next athlete up in our 20 Questions feature is Splitz Senior Sophie Bockenek. Sophie has been a strong competitor for Region 5 for quite a few years now, she has battled through injuries and gym changes to get where she is today. Sophie will be off to college in the fall and will certainly be missed from Region 5.

Get to know Sophie a little better and look for her on the competition floor this year in her Senior year!

How did you get into Gymnastics? How old were you? I got into gymnastics when I was 5 years old after going on a field trip to a gym.

What is your favorite event? My favorite event is vault because it’s the one event that doesn’t make me nervous.

What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is being able to meet people who will become lifelong friends. The bonds that i’ve made with my teammates, coaches, and friends from region 5 are so special to me.

If not already committed to college, what college do you want to attend? I am committed to the University of Pittsburgh.

What is your favorite meet to compete at? My favorite meet to compete at is definitely JO nationals, but my favorite invitational to compete at would have to be the Chicago style meet. 

Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment was winning the all around at Eastern’s in 2013, although overcoming my adversities such as injuries and scholarships feels most rewarding to me.

Favorite skill to train and/or compete? My favorite skill to train and compete is my series on beam, a back handspring back layout stepout.

Dream Skill? I have always dreamed of learning a shaposh, even though bars isn’t my strong suit.

Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? I most admire Aly Raisman. Aly is a prime example of how hard work pays off and I have always looked up to her and admired her work ethic.

What is your all time favorite leotard? My all time favorite leo is actually my competition leo from this past season. I love the color and the way the rhinestones are arranged.

Do you still have your very first leo? I do still own my very first leo. It was a GK leo that was all silver with a red and white ribbon-like design on it.

What were the first Olympic Games you remember watching? The first Olympic Games I remember watching were the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to become a NICU physician when I am older.

Where do you go to High School? I attend Gabriel Richard Catholic High School.

What is your favorite color? My favorite color is yellow.

What do you like to do outside of gymnastics? I love spending time with my two dogs. Whether I’m sleeping with them, playing, or taking them on a walk,

If you weren’t a gymnast what sport do you think you would try? If I weren’t a gymnast I would run track or play hockey since I used to play back in my younger days.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live? If I could live anywhere in the world I would probably still live in the United States, but I would move up East. I’ve always found an interest in the east coast.

If you could have lunch with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why? If I could have lunch with anyone dead or alive I would chose my grandpa. My grandpa passed away when I was very young and I would love to have the chance to talk to him about how far I’ve come in gymnastics.

Tell me something interesting about yourself….. Something interesting about myself is that I’m also part of the varsity band at my school. I play the flute and have found a great liking towards it. Playing an instrument is a hobby that I love and hope to keep up throughout my entire life.

2nd Place Beam Routine from 2016 Michigan State Meet