In this ongoing series, FloGymnastics spotlights this year's NCAA seniors heading into their final season. Next up is Stanford's Rachel Daum.

Rachel Daum has continued to improve each season at Stanford and is looking for her senior year to be her best yet. Daum was a solid competitor on vault, beam, and floor for the Cardinal last season, competing vault for the first time at NCAA nationals. Daum has goals to be in the bar lineup this season and perform all-around to help bring Stanford back to the Super Six. Daum is an active member in committees outside of the gym, along with preparing for graduate school following her senior season.

FloGymnastics: What is your major? When are you graduating?
Rachel Daum: Major: Human biology (pre-med). I will graduate spring 2017.

What have you learned about yourself in your time at Stanford?
I was homeschooled in high school, so I have learned a lot of new strategies to study. I have also learned new social strategies along with how to balance academics and gymnastics.

What is your role on the team this season as a senior?
I have more of a leadership role. I have always tried to lead by example, but this year I have become more of a vocal leader. I check in with the freshmen on a weekly basis to help them in any way possible.

What is your biggest accomplishment personally?
Last year I came back from a wrist injury and was able to compete three events for the first time. I struggled with academics my freshmen year, so coming back and being able to make the Pac 12 All-Academic Team last year was a big accomplishment for me.

What are you still looking to accomplish this season?
I would love to do all-around this year and add bars to my resume. I have been training bars well and competing in our intrasquads.

What is your favorite part about competition day?
I love the feeling after you hit a good routine for your team--the feeling of hard work paying off! I also love competing in front of a large crowd.

How have your coaches at Stanford helped you become a better gymnast?
They have always believed in me and kept me on track when coming back from injury. They have instilled confidence in me and helped me learn it isn't about how many numbers I do, it is the quality that I do.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to med school after graduation, I am not sure where yet though.

How do you like to spend your time outside of the gym?
I like to hang out with my friends, watch movies, read, and travel to San Francisco.

Tell us something about you that others might not know about you?
I will a twin brother who plays tennis.

What is one word to describe your attitude/personality in the gym?
Perfectionist.

What motivates you in and out of the gym?
My teammates--seeing how well they are doing pushes me.

What are your team goals this year?
Making Super Six.

Why would you tell a future recruit to come to Stanford?
Stanford is the best of both worlds with academics and athletics. You meet so many different kinds of people with diverse backgrounds. It is inspiring to be surrounded by greatness.

You are a part of some great committees outside of the gym, tell us about those.
I am on the SAC (Student Athletic Committee) where I travel to the Pac 12 headquarters for meetings. I am part of the financial committee, which has been a great experience. We work to decide and make progress on how student athletes can spend their scholarship funds. I also tutor a fifth-grade boy in math--which is a lot of fun.

Anything else you would like to share?
Don't count Stanford out--we are ready for a great season!


Related:
Senior Spotlight: Michigan's Nicole Artz
Senior Spotlight: Oklahoma's Chayse Capps
Senior Spotlight: Georgia's Lauren Johnson
Senior Spotlight: LSU's Ashleigh Gnat