University of Michigan senior Brooke Parker is a key performer for the Wolverines. She has competed on all four events but is particularly strong on vault and floor. Just last weekend at Maryland, Parker broke into the bars lineup and scored a 9.9 for a career high. Before college, Parker was a senior international elite gymnast who trained at Capital Gymnastics National Training Center.


What is your favorite memory as a gymnast, so far?

Winning the Big Ten Championship last year, during my first season as a Michigan Wolverine.

 

If you weren’t doing gymnastics, what would you be doing? Why?

I would probably run either for fun or competition. I usually run during the summers when we have a little break from gymnastics, and I have always enjoyed it.

 

Have you ever done anything embarrassing in practice? Competition?

Yes, one time during my junior year of high school I brought my old floor music to the competition instead of my new music. I ended up doing my new choreography to my old music!

 

If you could be any other gymnast, who would you be? Why?

I would want to be Kerri Strug because what she did at the 1996 Olympics to win the Gold for the USA team. It was truly amazing and will be remembered by many for a very long time.

 

What motivates you to work hard in and out of the gym?

The Michigan gymnastics family is my main source of motivation. The team, the coaches and everyone on our support staff mean so much to me and have made a huge impact on my life, so I want to give back as much as I can by contributing in every way possible.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Becoming a Michigan Wolverine and peaking in my gymnastics career during my senior season.

 

Besides gymnastics, what is your favorite sport to watch/play?

I’m not very good at sports other than gymnastics, but I enjoy watching baseball. One of my favorite summer activities is going to a Nationals baseball game with my family.

 

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome in gymnastics?

Having confidence on a couple of events has been a bit of a struggle for me during the first few years of my collegiate career, but after working inside and outside of the gym this past year I have gained a lot of confidence, which has really helped me this season.

 

Describe your pre-competition routine. 

I usually start getting ready extra early, so I don’t feel rushed at all. I enjoy listening to either country music or the High School Musical Pandora station while I get ready. After I finish my hair and makeup, I visualize my routines for a bit and do some breathing exercises then I’m ready to go!

 

How would you describe your personality?

I would describe my personality as energetic. I am always trying to put my full energy into whatever it is I am doing.

 

Who are three of your role models outside the gym?

My mom, my dad, and my coach, Bev. These are three people that have truly made a huge impact on my life. I hope that one day I can give back as much as they have given me, and will remember and cherish everything they have taught me for the rest of my life.

 

What song would you sing at Karaoke night?

Let it Go, from the movie Frozen.

 

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

I think the first thing I would do is buy a house with a five star kitchen and then donate some to charities and Michigan Athletics.

 

Who is your best friend and how did you meet?

My best friends name is Becca. We met way back in the second grade and have been best friends from near and far and through thick and thin.

 

How would your friends describe you?

I think my friends would describe me as loving to laugh, motivated, and wearing my heart on my sleeve.

 

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPhone?

Wagon Wheel, by Darius Rucker

 

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Sing, for sure. I can sing now but it’s not very pretty, so I would love to learn how to sing beautifully.

 

If you could witness any event past, present, or future, what would it be?

Michigan Gymnastics first National Championship!  

 

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

The most daring thing I’ve ever done was probably when I jumped off of a cliff into the water when I was about 13 years old.


Related:
Friday Focus: Nebraska's Jessie DeZiel 
Friday Focus: LSU's Rheagan Courville
Friday Focus: Stanford's Kristina Vaculik