2018 NCAA Gymnastics Regional Championships

Podcast: Utah Coach Megan Marsden Talks Silver Lining Of Pac-12 Finish

Podcast: Utah Coach Megan Marsden Talks Silver Lining Of Pac-12 Finish

We talked to Utah's Coach Megan Marsden about their Pac-12 finish, MyKayla Skinner, MaKenna Merrell-Giles, and this year's goals.

Apr 5, 2018 by Sarah Lorish
Podcast: Utah Coach Megan Marsden Talks Silver Lining Of Pac-12 Finish

In this episode, FloGymnastics talks on the phone with Utah coach Megan Marsden to chat about recovering from Pac-12s, heading to regionals as the No. 1 seed, and the Utes' attack plan for NCAAs. 

Listen below to hear the full interview, or click right to specific topics:

  • (00:00) Practice leading up to regionals
    • Slowing down and focusing on details
    • Practicing for regional warmup timing and meet format
  • (01:56) Pac-12s
    •  "Utah gymnastics doesn't feel like we've really maxed out yet in any one competition"
    • Coming in second place in conference championships with mistakes on bars and beam
    • Capitalizing on potential for regionals
    • Using Paz-12s as motivation for NCAAs
  • (05:08) MyKayla Skinner
    • Winning the all-around
    • 98 out 98 career routines hit
    • "I've never worked with an athlete quite like her."
    • (05:35) Mental toughness and performing at the back of every lineup
    • "That's the kid you look to"
  • (06:36) MyKayla Skinner and MaKenna Merrell earn regular season All-American honors
    • One-two punch
  • (07:43) Ute's position heading into regionals
    • "A contender but still an underdog"
  • (09:27) The Success Factor
    • Being at home for regionals
  • (11:45) Goals for NCAAs
    • Outcome goals
    • (14:00) "For us, it's to be there on that night and perform better than we did last season."
    • (14:24) "Control Goals"
  • (16:00) Running four all-arounders
    • Kari Lee, Missy Reinstadtler