Boise State Athletics
Photo by: Allison Corona
Meet the Gymnastics Freshmen - Dani Shafer
10/12/2018 10:46:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Today begins our Meet the Freshmen Friday series. First up is Dani Shafer of Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?
A: For 16 years.
Q: What is one of your favorite gymnastics memories?
A: Making it to the 2017 Junior Olympic Nationals.
Q: Did you have a role model growing up?
A: My parents were both my role models, but I like Shawn Johnson a lot, too.
Q: What made you choose Boise State?
A: The coaches and the whole atmosphere of how everybody wants to help you.
Q: What do you think of Boise so far?
A: I love it. It's similar to where I'm from [Colorado], so it kind of makes me feel like I'm at home. There's a lot to do, so it's nice.
Q: What is it like being part of this team?
A: All the upperclassmen were super welcoming when we first got here and made us feel like we fit in on day one. They made the transition super easy. Everybody wants the same goal and works super hard, so it's easy to work hard.
Q: What are you most excited about this season?
A: I'm most excited to just experience college gymnastics as a college gymnast, versus going to the meets. I've been to so many meets, but actually experiencing it and everything that has to go with it.
Q: How have classes been going?
A: My classes have been good. I am taking math, which I love, so that one is easy. I think I'm going to be an accountant, and I'm taking accounting. It's fun to finally be able to take classes that apply to what I want to do, because I do a lot of extra studying just because I want to. I really want to know the topics.
Q: What is the biggest difference between club and college gymnastics?
A: The fact that everybody wants to get better and work hard. Everyone is equally motivated.
Q: What is the hardest part about college so far?
A: Believing that you can be as good as the upperclassmen one day and realizing that they were in our place before.
Q: How would you say you've most improved since you got here?
A: My technique in all the little things.
Q: What's the best way to relax after practice?
A: Hanging out with my friends; all the friends that I've made over the summer.
Q: Would you say you're usually early or late?
A: Early.
Q: What is a movie you could watch over and over again?
A: Horrible Bosses, because I do watch it over and over again.
Q: Did you play any other sports growing up?
A: I played soccer until I was six.
Q: If you could go anywhere for free, where would you go?
A: I would travel to somewhere with really pretty scenery, like Greece or Iceland.
Q: Does your family have any unique traditions?
A: Every memorial day, we run in a 10k in Colorado.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: If money didn't matter, I would probably be a cake decorator. Either that, or something that has to do with college sports.
Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?
A: For 16 years.
Q: What is one of your favorite gymnastics memories?
A: Making it to the 2017 Junior Olympic Nationals.
Q: Did you have a role model growing up?
A: My parents were both my role models, but I like Shawn Johnson a lot, too.
Q: What made you choose Boise State?
A: The coaches and the whole atmosphere of how everybody wants to help you.
Q: What do you think of Boise so far?
A: I love it. It's similar to where I'm from [Colorado], so it kind of makes me feel like I'm at home. There's a lot to do, so it's nice.
Q: What is it like being part of this team?
A: All the upperclassmen were super welcoming when we first got here and made us feel like we fit in on day one. They made the transition super easy. Everybody wants the same goal and works super hard, so it's easy to work hard.
Q: What are you most excited about this season?
A: I'm most excited to just experience college gymnastics as a college gymnast, versus going to the meets. I've been to so many meets, but actually experiencing it and everything that has to go with it.
Q: How have classes been going?
A: My classes have been good. I am taking math, which I love, so that one is easy. I think I'm going to be an accountant, and I'm taking accounting. It's fun to finally be able to take classes that apply to what I want to do, because I do a lot of extra studying just because I want to. I really want to know the topics.
Q: What is the biggest difference between club and college gymnastics?
A: The fact that everybody wants to get better and work hard. Everyone is equally motivated.
Q: What is the hardest part about college so far?
A: Believing that you can be as good as the upperclassmen one day and realizing that they were in our place before.
Q: How would you say you've most improved since you got here?
A: My technique in all the little things.
Q: What's the best way to relax after practice?
A: Hanging out with my friends; all the friends that I've made over the summer.
Q: Would you say you're usually early or late?
A: Early.
Q: What is a movie you could watch over and over again?
A: Horrible Bosses, because I do watch it over and over again.
Q: Did you play any other sports growing up?
A: I played soccer until I was six.
Q: If you could go anywhere for free, where would you go?
A: I would travel to somewhere with really pretty scenery, like Greece or Iceland.
Q: Does your family have any unique traditions?
A: Every memorial day, we run in a 10k in Colorado.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: If money didn't matter, I would probably be a cake decorator. Either that, or something that has to do with college sports.
GYM | Senior Video
Friday, March 14
WBB | Highlights vs Nevada
Monday, March 10
GYM | Boise State Gymnastics Vlog
Tuesday, January 28
GYM: Team Retreat
Monday, September 09
