Redshirt senior gymnast Beaté Jones has come a long way in the ASU gymnastics program since her freshmen year.
A foot injury in 2010 kept her from competing during her junior year, but she was able to take advantage of keeping a year of eligibility by redshirting.
She competed in 2011 and is currently excelling in her final season with the team.
The Sun Devils have seen a lot of success this season and there are no signs of stopping.
Jones sat down with The State Press to discuss her injury, final season, team’s current success and future.
The State Press: How did you feel knowing that you would have to sit out a whole year?
Beaté Jones: At the time, I was really bummed and really upset about it because I had had such a successful sophomore year. That summer, I was ready to go and ready to compete, and it happened literally in the first week of practice. It was kind of rough because I knew the team expected me to be there, so I just felt sad, like I let down the team at that time. At that time, I was really upset about it.
SP: How tough was it coming back?
BJ: It was pretty rough. Doing the physical therapy and stuff my junior year was rough just because I wanted to be out on the floor. Then coming into my junior year, I was excited to get back in, but it was just rough because I hadn’t done anything for almost a year and a half, and I was expecting myself mentally and physically to be where I was my sophomore year. It was pretty rough, but I wouldn’t trade any minute of it.
SP: How has your final season been so far?
BJ: It’s been awesome. It’s funny that you ask about my junior year because some people say, “Oh, well your junior year, it was rough for you and everything,” and it was. But I wouldn’t trade it because I wouldn’t have this right now. This year has been the best year ever. It’s my best college year. Even my sophomore year was amazing, but I think that this year is awesome because I’m doing everything I want to do.
I’m leaving everything on the floor and I feel like my team is doing it, too. I care about the team right now more than I do about myself individually. So I feel like they get a sense of that, and as long as they feel that way, then I’m happy. I definitely know that they feel that way now. I’m just glad I got my fifth year to do it.
SP: How has your relationship been with coach John Spini?
BJ: It’s been an awesome relationship. He’s kind of got that “father figure” thing going on for him. Obviously, in my first few years, we kind of bumped heads. With certain girls, he’ll yell at you and everything. My freshman year, I definitely had my share of getting yelled at. But once competition and season came in, he knew right away I was a competitor, (and) he knew right away how to deal with me. He stepped out of my way when he knew I had to take over certain things, and then he stepped in when he needed to.
He definitely has my back no matter what. This year, I think our relationship has been awesome because he trusted me enough to let me lead the team.
SP: How far can you guys go (this year)?
BJ: This team can go as far as we let it go. There’s nobody that’s going to stop us except for ourselves. As of right now, we’re the talk of the town. We’re the most improved team, and there is no other way to go but up. As long as we stay focused and don’t take anything for granted, we definitely have a chance of doing amazing at Pac-12s and at regionals, and I’m really hoping for nationals.
This team is amazing. It’s definitely my favorite team out of being here for five years. I love it.
SP: What are you planning on doing after the school year and season are over?
BJ: I haven’t really thought that far ahead, other than I want to coach. I know that. Obviously, I’m going to have to figure out a new workout regimen, I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. I was thinking about a month of Zumba, see how that goes, and we’ll see what happens there.
No, I definitely am hoping (to) be the manager for the gymnastics team next year because, if I can do that, I can stay close to ASU and also get to know behind the scenes of coaching and everything. So that’s what I’m looking forward to.
You might just see me on South Mountain hiking every morning, but we’ll see.
Reach the reporter at gdemano@asu.edu
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