Q&A with Alyssa Lewandowski
Mar 04 | Women's Gymnastics
When did you first get started in gymnastics?
I was 3. I took mommy and me classes. (the rumor is that I was one of those younger kids that always had too much energy so they decided to stick me in a sport, who knew it would become something I love.
What got you interested in gymnastics?
I guess I could thank my mother, grandmother and great grandmother for that one. She stuck me in classes and that's where it all began. ..
What is your favorite event and why?
I honestly can say I like all the events… well not bars of course cause I somehow do not have any type of talent on bars except for a dismount. My favorite is floor. I like how I can perform a routine that is of my own style. I love to smile big and just have fun out there. It’s honestly a minute and 30 seconds for me to enjoy the attention.
What has been your favorite thing about the Rutgers program so far?
Well since I just transferred here last spring… I love the girls, it wasn't hard for me to kinda fit right in. They were more than welcoming and soon enough (more like the first two weeks since winter break practices are like the whole day -- not really but close) they became a second family. I also love the head coach, Chrystal. She is one of the reasons I am doing the high level gymnastics. She encourages me to learn new skills and take my gymnastics to a higher level of difficulty.
What made you decide to come to Rutgers?
Wisconsin just wasn't doing it for me. I didn’t like the -20 degree weather and I missed the city like atmosphere. But my biggest reason was I didn’t like being far away from my family. I realized that Jersey is where I belong.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of gymnastics?
I like to go down the shore, lay on the beach and absorb the sun, and I love to just have fun. I'm also someone who would rather always do something than just sit at home.
If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?
I know I’ve already met this person but I wish I could just for one day talk to my mom. I was only 9 when she passed away and I feel I never really got to know her. There are just a lot of things I wish I could tell her.
What is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
I guess I can say a lot of people don't know that I live with my grandparents. My grandma and grandpa have raised me since I was 9 years old. I love them so much and couldn't ask for better guardians.
What is your major and what is your desired profession upon graduation?
My major is sports management. I honestly didn't want to do sports management but all my transfer credits went to that major. It all works out because I eventually want to own my own gymnastics school. (I know… how predictable a gymnast wanting to own a gymnastics school it's okay, I laugh too.) I want to find a job first and become financially stable, pay off all my loans, and then go into owning my gym.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I honestly just hope to see myself with a well paying job that allows me to live comfortably. I also want to be truly happy with what and where my life takes me.
