DeKALB | Holly Reichard’s career has been nothing if not interesting. After being named MAC Gymnast of the Year after her sophomore season, Reichard spent a good portion of her junior year sitting due to injury.

Now a senior, it has fallen on Reichard to lead a young NIU team that spent much of the season ravaged by injury. Reichard sat down with the Northern Star to discuss how the team has performed thus far, and how she was introduced to the sport.

Northern Star: How did you get into gymnastics?

Holly Reichard: As a little kid, I could never sit still so I was always running around. My mom thought that the best thing for me was gymnastics so she signed me up for it and I liked it so I stuck with it.

NS: What do you like to do other than gymnastics?

HR: I work really hard at gymnastics so when I am not doing gymnastics I am really lazy and I just like to relax. I guess when gymnastics is over though then I will start to train for track.

NS: What do you like most about the sport of gymnastics?

HR: I am a really competitive person and I like to win. I like being able to compete against myself and try to do the best that I can do and I like competing for my school and representing them.

NS: Have you been pleased with the way the season has gone thus far?

HR: We have had our fair share of ups and downs this season but ever since our meet against Western Michigan we have been moving upward. I am excited and looking forward to see how we perform the rest of the year.

NS: What has been your favorite moment with NIU gymnastics?

HR: My favorite moment every year is going to the MAC championship with all the girls and competing with them. It is really a lot of fun and I look forward to it every year.