If a score was given in gymnastics for leadership, Aimee St. Martin would be in the high 9s.
St. Martin is a team captain on the Overland gymnastics team that features gymnasts from eight Aurora high schools and coach Lisa Sparrow considers her leadership as a key factor as the team aims to win a second consecutive Class 5A state championship.
The 16-year-old St. Martin has a 4.3 weighted GPA at Grandview and hopes to attend the University of Denver.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
My favorite high school memory would definitely be on Nov. 4, 2011. On this day we, Overland gymnastics, won state! It was amazing being victorious, but the best part was that we all won as a team, either through competing or cheering our teammates and always having each other’s backs.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
My biggest sacrifice I have to make playing a sport is my social life. It’s tough not going to do something with your friends over the weekend, but during season school and gymnastics are my top priorities.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
My coaches, Alan and Lisa, constantly remind me to rise above my mistakes by squashing them and learning how to make a correction. This has definitely helped me in gymnastics and life.
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
Yes, I am a leader and a captain of my team. A good leader shows their leadership through example, character, and encouragement and knows how to be a leader but also how to be lead. Most importantly, they bring the team up, no matter the situation.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
When I have a meet, I bring my favorite pair of sweats! I know I can’t wear them during competition but when I’m waiting to compete I like to be comfortable. I also bring a necklace my coach Lisa made for us last year, right before state. It’s like my good luck charm.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition? If not, how do you get focused?
I listen to music on the way up to the gym, either something that gets me pumped up or country! Right before competition, I always visualize my routines.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
I’ve always wanted to try volleyball because I have the right “body shape” for it and always have fun when I play it with friends! Volleyball is in the same season as gymnastics, but that’s okay because gymnastics is my true passion.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
I would spend the day with my two grandpas. They passed away before I was born and I always wanted to meet them, tell them about my life, and hear their laughs. It’d be amazing to finally meet them.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
Another true passion I have is reading because I can always get lost in books and I love imagining myself in the situation and how I would react!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself beginning my career as a physical therapist or whatever I decide to be, after graduating college with my bachelor’s and master’s. In addition, I will hopefully be settling down with that special someone, getting married, buying a house, thinking of kids, and doing all the adult like things. But just because I will be an adult, doesn’t mean I’ll stop being a kid at heart.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
