20 Questions With Katie Sweetin

Each Tuesday leading up to the 2008 gymnastics season, we'll get to know a different ISU gymnast by asking them 20 questions. This week, meet Katie Sweetin, a sophomore from Overland Park, Kan.

Distance From Home ? 241 miles

1. What's your favorite thing about being a student at Iowa State?

I love the fact that ISU is in a small town and everyone is very supportive of the school here!

2. What's your favorite thing about being a gymnast at Iowa State?

I love how close we all are as a team and how much fun we have doing gymnastics.

3. Why did you choose Iowa State?

The girls on the team and the beautiful campus.

4. When did you begin participating in gymnastics?

I started gymnastics when I was three years old.

5. Who's your funniest teammate?

Jody Mckellar, hands down. She always makes me laugh.

6. What's your favorite sport other than gymnastics?

I love watching soccer. I used to play when I was little. Both of my brothers are really into it. It's what I grew up with.

7. Do you have any hidden talents?

I taught myself last year at Big 12's how to make the most annoying high-pitched noise. Ask former teammate, Ashley Alden, about it.

8. Tell us something the average person wouldn't know about you...

I am deathly afraid of rollercoaster's, birds and squirrels.

9. What's your favorite class?

My favorite class at Iowa State so far has been HS 110 with Ms. Dukes.

10. What's your favorite TV show?

I am a reality TV freak... I love Grey's Anatomy, Life of Ryan, The Hills and So You Think You Can Dance, just to name a few favorites.

11. When I'm not at class or practice, I'm probably...

(what do you like to do in your free time?)

Sleeping... I love to take naps. Throw on a good movie and I am sound asleep before it even starts. If I'm not sleeping, I am most likely shopping or by the pool in the summer.

12. Do you have any pre-meet rituals?

I did when I did club gymnastics. I used to eat a Cinnamon Crunch, bagel bread sliced, with cream cheese before every meet. But the only thing I can think of now is just listening to music to pump me up.

13. What is your favorite part about competing in Hilton Coliseum?

I love the fans. They make me love to do gymnastics again.

14. What is the most fun you've had on an ISU gymnastics road trip?

The singing on the bus. Also, when we watched the Farce of the Penguin. What a weird movie.

15. What's the best advice you've ever been given?

As an athlete, it isn't always easy. My coach once gave me this quote and I really enjoyed it...."Somewhere behind the athlete you've become, the practices, the coaches who pushed you, the injuries, meets, the long time dedication, and the friendships you've made along the way, there is a little girl who fell in love with gymnastics... perform for her."

16. If you could have dinner with any three people (living or deceased), who would they be?

Lance Armstrong, Santa Clause and Carrie Underwood.

17. Where would your dream vacation be?

Maui, Hawaii. If I could just sit outside in a bath tub, watch the sunset and listen to the ocean, I'd be set!

18. You're trapped on a deserted island, but can have three items... what are they?

Book on survival, a yacht, and some food to hold me over until I get back home...

But let's hope I don't get trapped on a deserted island. I'm not a big fan of the being outdoors, alone idea...

19. Tell us something you'd want us to know about your teammates...

We might be the best group of singers in the world. We have thought about making a band.

(this is entirely our own opinion.. don't take it seriously ha ha)

20. How would you describe this team?

We are indescribable. We are such a diverse group of girls, but that's what makes us so close. We always have a good time together and would do anything for them.