Q & A with Courtney Dennison - Oregon State University Athletics

Courtney Dennison (Tucson, Ariz./Marana HS) is a junior on the Oregon State gymnastics team. Courtney has performed as an important part of the balance beam lineup, which is ranked ninth in the nation, and as an alternate on the vault in 2007. Throughout the season she has provided a consistency to the beam lineup in the lead-off spot keeping the pressure off of her teammates with solid scores. Courtney is studying Human Development and Family Science and recently earned Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention. Thursday morning, Courtney took time to talk about her experiences thus far in her career at Oregon State.

Let’s start with the obvious question. You’re from Tucson, Arizona. How did you end up at Oregon State?

Michael (Chaplin) came down to recruit me. He told all about Oregon State and the gymnastics team and I like the sound of it. I came on my recruiting trip and liked the environment a lot better than anywhere else. I kind of wanted to go away from my home but the team atmosphere was great and I really liked the coaches a lot.

Going back to Tucson this weekend for regionals; does that provide extra motivation or incentive to do well in your hometown in front of your friends and family?

Not really anything different. I think of it as any other away meet and I don’t feel any added pressure. I’m excited because my family will be there and my nephew.

You’ve had a spot at the front of the beam lineup since you were a freshman. This year you’ve taken the lead-off spot. Does that change your mindset or put added pressure on you to perform?

I think it is pretty much the same thing. I don’t think of where I’m at in the lineup or anything. I just go out and do what I do in practice everyday.

You had a scary moment in December when you hit your head on the vault at the Orange & Black Exhibition prior to the season. How has that affected you since?

It affected me a little bit on vault with the fear aspects. It’s getting a lot better now and I’m able to do vaults again and now I’m an alternate.

As a team you reached the NCAA Championships last year. Now having made how has that raised you expectations for this season?

A lot. We’re trying to make a name for ourselves. Making nationals last year helped us a lot, but this year we want to reach the Super Six to give us a bigger name.

You’re studying Human Development and Family Sciences. What are your plans for the future?

I’m studying HDFS and am trying to get into the double degree major for education to become a kindergarten teacher.