In this ongoing series, FloGymnastics spotlights this year's NCAA seniors heading into their final season. Next up is Oregon State's Madeline Gardiner. 

Madeline Gardiner has been a consistent and strong performer in her first three seasons at Oregon State. In her time in Corvallis, OR, Gardiner has become an all-around performer who has no weak event. She has been known for her beautiful beam work, which has qualified her to the NCAA Nationals and event finals in her freshman and sophomore seasons.

She is a three-time All-American on all-around (2014) and beam (2014, 2015). Gardiner is the definition of consistency, as she has competed in all 27 meets in her career and has hit 138 out of her 141 routines. Look for Gardiner to make the most of her senior year and help the Beavers accomplish big things this season. 



FloGymnastics: What is your major? When are you graduating? 
Madeline Gardiner: Major: Exercise and sports science. Minor: Chemistry and medical humanities. I will graduate spring 2018

What have you learned about yourself in your time at Oregon State? 
I have learned how much of a homebody that I am and that I don't love change. This is has taught me that I thrive when I am busy, and I am happier that way. 

What is your role on the team this season as a senior?
Personally, I have never been a loud leader. I am able to understand where others are coming from when they have struggles, so I try to help the freshmen as I can empathize with them. I have always been a very mental gymnast, so I can help the freshmen understand how to make their gymnastics the best it can be no matter what. 

What is your biggest accomplishment personally?
As a freshman I was named female athlete of the year at Oregon State. Also I am proud of how far I have come, as I am much more of a confident gymnast and person. 

What are you still looking to accomplish this season? 
Personally, I want to try to help the team get a better place than we did last year. 

What are your team goals this season? 
We want to get back to NCAA Nationals. We also are aiming for the Pac-12 title after being so close last year. 

What is your favorite part about competition day? 
I love meet days! I love getting ready with my team and being in the locker room getting ready. We play music and dance as we do our hair and makeup. I also love that we can celebrate the hard work that we have put in for our fans. 

Do you have any pre-meet rituals? 
I am quite superstitious! Every meet I wear a new pair of white socks. I wear the same hairstyle at every meet throughout the season. I also have a specific chair I must put my gym bag on in the arena. 

How have your coaches at Oregon State helped you become a better gymnast? 
I have always been a mental gymnast who has struggled with mental blocks. My coaches have been so patient with me and understanding that sometimes I need to step back. [Oregon State assistant coach Brian Amato] has been fantastic with my mental blocks on bars. I have learned how important it is to communicate with my coaches and explain to them how I am feeling. They are all great at preparing me for what is coming and giving me extra time when necessary. 

What are your plans after graduation? 
I want to go to med school and become a family physician.

How do you like to spend your time outside of the gym?
I love the outdoors! I love to go on hikes and visit the pretty waterfalls here. I also love to visit the zoo, and I enjoy reading. 

Tell us something about you that others might not know about you?
I am super scared of roller coasters. I also have a fear of Dr. Seuss.

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

What motivates you in/out of the gym? 
My teammates and coaches motivate me inside of the gym. I love doing gymnastics for them and they give me 100 percent support. Outside of the gym I have a lot of internal motivation. I am a very curious person, so I love to learn and answer questions. 

Do you have any nicknames? 
Maddie and Mad-Dog.

Why would you tell a future recruit to come to Oregon State?
I love everything about Oregon State! It is a relatively small school that is in a college town. The community here is so involved and excited for you. Beaver Nation is amazing and so supportive. We have the best coaches here, and my teammates are amazing.

You have been to the NCAA Nationals as a team and personally? Talk to us about those experiences.
Going as an individual was an interesting learning experience. I was able to rotate with Oklahoma both times I went, and I learned a lot from them. I was able to bring new things that I saw and learned from them to bring back to my team. As a team it was the ultimate celebration to make nationals. It was time for us to go out there and enjoy the moment. It was the most fun meet I have ever been a part of, as we just let go of the pressure and did what we love to do.

​Anything else you would like to share with us? 
I am pretty excited about this year. We have a big team with nine freshmen. I am excited for the freshmen to grow into their role and seeing them shine. ​​

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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
Senior Spotlight: Stanford's Rachel Daum
Senior Spotlight: Auburn's Kullen Hlawek
Senior Spotlight: Florida's Claire Boyce
Senior Spotlight: Utah's Baely Rowe
Senior Spotlight: Auburn's Kelsey Kopec