Docksiders' Betsy Zander Heads to GW
University!
Betsy Zander has been a Level 10 gymnast at Docksiders for 4 years. Going into her senior year last fall, she was still looking for a college program that would be a good fit both for academics and gymnastics. Her other senior teammate had already committed to
a university and Betsy felt the
pressure to figure out a plan for her college future. After corresponding with several
universities and taking a few visits, nothing seemed to feel right.
Her junior year, the results of which are known to be critical for securing a college scholarship, was not an easy one for Betsy. She had a season with many ups and downs, similar to a roller coaster ride. She started the 2009-2010 season with a strong performance but then had an injury to her triceps muscle that kept her out for several competitions. Just when she was making her comeback before the State meet she was diagnosed with mononucleosis, yet another set back. She came back to full strength for Regionals in April and placed 3rd in the All-Around to secure a spot in the Junior Olympic National Championships for the second time in her gymnastics career. Just a week later she broke her toe and was unable to compete, missing her opportunity to shine in front the college coaches.
Betsy had never really considered George Washington University. It was close to home and her dream was to find an adventure far from Maryland. When the GW Assistant Coach contacted Coach Bob Ouellette and decided to come in for a visit they were very impressed with Betsy. The offer of a Full Athletic Scholarship came in at the beginning of December and Betsy had some tough decisions to make. After going for a visit to the college in January she knew that she would fit right in with the team and coaches. She just got the feeling that this was the right fit for her.
With her 4.0 GPA at Severna Park High School and membership in the National Honor Society since 2007 she was easily accepted to GW, which has one of the toughest academic standards in the country. After weighing her options, Betsy accepted her offer and on April 11, 2010 signed her National Letter of intent to George Washington University for a Full Ride! She plans to major in Business/Marketing.
Betsy’s senior season was her best season ever. She went out on top, earning the title State Floor Champion at the Maryland State Championships. She went on to Regionals in Virginia Beach, Virginia where she again placed 3rd All-Around and earned her third trip to Nationals. Four weeks later in Dallas, Texas Betsy competed in her final competition as a Docksiders gymnast. She scored a career high All-Around with a 37.575 and placed 8th. Finishing with the highest point total of her career at her final performance was certainly something to be proud of.
Looking back on her gymnastics career Betsy believes that being a Docksider has taught her many life lessons, the most important being teamwork. Though Docksiders is not just a team, it is family, the saying “The team is only as great as its weakest link” really comes in to play because Betsy knows that every team member is needed to help each other in order to succeed. This lesson is one that will serve her well in college gymnastics as the focus shifts from individual performances to being all about the team. As Betsy moves forward into the next chapter in her gymnastics career we wish her the best of luck at GW University. From a Roller Coaster Ride to a Full Ride, this Docksider is following her destiny with big plans for success! Sometimes dreams change ……and the adventures we look for can be found right in our own back yard! We are all looking forward to watching Betsy compete at GW next season! Go Betsy! Go Colonials!
