2023 Gymnastics Senior Reflections
2/24/2023
Ahead of their final home meet with the Ivy Classic this Sunday, the Brown women's gymnastics senior class of 2023 reflected on their careers and their time at Brown.
The group was honored at the team’s annual senior Meet back on February 12.
Abby Contello – Baldwinsville, N.Y.
What's your favorite Brown Gymnastics moment up to this point?
There are so many cherishable moments from my time on this team. I think one of my favorites was winning the first day of USAG Nationals in 2022. The excitement on everyone's faces when we looked at the scoreboard to realize we had won was priceless. It was truly a testament to the work we had put in all season and to the potential this program has. We turned a lot of heads that day.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
Our senior class is incredibly close and supportive of one another. We have been through so much as a group and I couldn't imagine the past four years without them. We have helped one another grow in so many ways, and I expect us to remain very close in our time after Brown.
Describe the feeling going into Ivies. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Senior Day was bittersweet. It wasn't the last time we will compete in the Pizz since we host Ivies, but it was the first reminder that our careers are nearing their end. As I close out my career, I think about the little girl that dreamed of competing in college and really try to take in every moment for her. This last year is really just a celebration of everything, and I'll be ready to move on when the time comes.
What will you miss about Brown Gymnastics?
I'll miss everything, but especially the seemingly trivial moments with my teammates that really bonded us. It's comforting knowing the relationships I've built is something I'll always be able to take away with me.
What are your postgraduate plans?
I am taking a gap year to gain more clinical experience before going to medical school. The time remains largely unplanned, and that's something new I look forward to.
Lauren Lazaro – Wellesley, Mass.
What's your favorite Brown Gymnastics moment up to this point?
My favorite Brown Gymnastics moment was when we placed second at GECs in 2022. We were at home so the energy was unmatched. It was our best meet yet that season and it felt so good to have all of our hard work come together. The team was so thrilled and we were all on cloud nine.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
The relationship I have with my fellow seniors is so special. From day one, we have all been so close and attached at the hip. They truly feel like my sisters, and we absolutely love spending time together. We have countless amazing memories and I will forever be grateful to have them.
Describe the feeling going into Ivies. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
I am so thankful for Brown Gymnastics and all of the opportunities it has given me. I have had such an enjoyable career here, and the team has really shaped me into who I am today. Although it makes me sad to think about walking away from a sport that has been my entire life, I am so lucky to have made so many memories on such a special team.
What will you miss about Brown Gymnastics?
Brown Gymnastics really feels like a family. Everyone loves each other and I feel so supported by all my teammates and coaches. I am going to miss spending every single day with my teammates, endless laughs, and competing by their sides.
What are your postgraduate plans?
I am going to graduate school to pursue my Master of Biostatistics!
Jasmine Lee – Bremerton, Wash.
What's your favorite Brown Gymnastics moment up to this point?
It is so hard to choose, but I would probably say competing at Oregon State this year. The environment was electric and it was so awesome to see everyone in their element on the big stage. We also got to take a trip to see a waterfall and I am so happy that everyone got a little taste of the beautiful PNW!
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
Our class has been extremely close from the start and nothing has changed. They've had my back through all of the highs and lows. I love and appreciate each one of them dearly and am so thankful to be a part of such a special group!
Describe the feeling going into Ivies. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
I went into senior day with an immense sense of gratitude. I am so grateful to be back out there competing after missing the past two seasons and especially grateful to be doing so alongside the most incredible team. With my gymnastics career soon coming to a close, I am really trying to enjoy each and every moment that I have left in the gym and on the competition floor. Gymnastics has shaped me into the person I am today and I cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds.
What will you miss about Brown Gymnastics?
I will definitely miss the team the most. My teammates and coaches are my second family and they have been my greatest support system throughout my time at Brown. I feel so lucky to have been a part of a team built upon unwavering love and support. We lift each other up and constantly push one another to reach our full potential. While I will no longer be seeing everyone at practice each day, I know that the bonds I've formed through Brown Gym will stay with me for life.
What are your postgraduate plans?
After graduation I will be taking a gap year and applying to medical school.
Ella Poley – Newton, Mass.
What's your favorite Brown Gymnastics moment up to this point?
My favorite Brown Gymnastics moment up to this point was competing at GEC's last year. The energy was amazing, and everyone was so excited to compete. Then when we found out our team score at the end of the meet, everyone was jumping up and down screaming because we had broken the program record. It was so exciting. We had all worked so hard that entire year to accomplish that goal, and to finally do it was amazing to see our hard work pay off.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
My relationship with my fellow seniors has always been super close. We were a close class from the start of freshman year, and I really cherish that relationship we created among each other. Everyone is super supportive of everyone, and I am so thankful to be a part of a class with such smart, talented, and kind women.
Describe the feeling going into Ivies. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Going into Ivies, I am honestly very excited to be competing in my last home meet ever. I am definitely a little sad knowing that this is the last time I will be competing in the Pizzitola, but to have that meet be Ivies is really special. I am very excited to see our team just do what we are capable of, and I think it will be a memorable end to my competing at Brown.
What will you miss about Brown Gymnastics?
I am really going to miss seeing my teammates every day. Whether it is in practice or outside of it, they never fail to make me laugh or be supportive of me and everyone else, and it is going to be hard not having this every day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
After graduation, I plan to gain some work experience within the legal field before attending graduate school. I ultimately want to work in the healthcare law and policy field.
Carolanne Van Zandt – Covington, La.
What's your favorite Brown Gymnastics moment up to this point?
My favorite Brown Gymnastics moment so far was definitely breaking the school record on floor and as a team at the 2022 GEC Championship. The joy we experienced as a team when the final score popped up on the board was absolutely unmatched.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
My fellow seniors are my best friends!!!! I am always astonished by how close we are as a group of six. They all know and love me so well and I am so grateful that Brown gymnastics brought us all together. I could say a million things I love about each of them, but (so I don’t start crying while writing this) all I can say now is how much I love them and how proud I am to be their friend.
Describe the feeling going into Ivies. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Going into the end of my collegiate career, I am really filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Having lost a season and a half, I am so aware of the gift that it is to do gymnastics at Brown. It is such a unique and wonderful opportunity and I am just trying to soak it all in for these last few weeks.
What will you miss about Brown Gymnastics?
I’ll definitely miss my teammates the most. We spend so much time together that our relationships are so full and free and silly. My teammates brighten my days and make me so proud, and I know I will miss them a lot next year.
What are your postgraduate plans?
Hopefully, I’ll be starting medical school in the fall!
