Q&A with a Razorback: Sarah Nagashima

By Kyle VrskaArkansas Media RelationsOne of the leaders during the Razorbacks’ run to the NCAA Super Six a year ago, Sarah Nagashima earned All-America honors last season and recorded the first top three finish by a Razorback in school history. Nagashima rocked the balance beam for a 9.90 in the NCAA event finals to earn her All-America honor and as a junior recorded career bests on the beam, floor, bar and all-around.

Nagashima was named to the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women Academic Team and the Southeastern Conference Honor Roll as a junior and has been on the SEC honor roll two times in her career.MR: What is something about gymnastics people may not know?SN: How many hours and how many days and weeks and months we spend preparing for four months of competition. We train everyday of every week for 20 hours a week for competition that only lasts a third of the year.MR: What makes gymnastics so exciting?SN: Seeing difficult routines, that no one can dream of doing, nailed. Defying gravity and the laws of physics is pretty exciting too (Laughing).MR: If you could play any other sport, what would it be and why?SN: I’d probably play soccer. I played it when I was little and it was fun.MR: How important is it to give back to the community and what do you plan to do?SN: It’s very important to make the team look good. It’s also good to get your name out there and bring positive publicity to the program and to the individuals.MR: What is your major and what do you plan to do after graduation?SN: I’m an apparel studies major. I want to move back to Seattle and get a job.MR: Why did you choose the University of Arkansas?SN: I chose the U of A because of the gorgeous facilities, the team, the coaches, I like the community a lot and the campus is beautiful.MR: What is your favorite event?SN: Balance beam because it is really mentally challenging.MR: What is the toughest event?SN: Probably balance beam.MR: What was it like making the trip to the Super Six last year?SN: It was amazing. We were striving for that goal since day one, so it was really awesome to be able to accomplish that. MR: What are your expectations for this year?SN: Number one. We are striving for the national championship. That goal is the number one thing on our minds right now.MR: What are your hobbies?SN: Photography, drawing and desiging clothes.MR: Does it really rain all of the time in Seattle?SN: Yes, but it’s not pouring down rain. It’s just a light drizzle.