Former UGA gymnast and current graduate student Chelsea Davis tries “to never go into things with the fear of failure but rather with the sheer determination to make it happen no matter what.”
Hometown:
Austin, Texas
High School:
iSchool High
Degree objective:
Master’s in kinesiology
Other degrees:
B.S. in psychology
Expected graduation:
Summer 2015
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
—Three-time Scholastic All America Honor
—UGA L.E.A.D. member
—Cathy McMinn Consistency Award
—NACGC Women’s All American
—All SEC Team: Bars
—Athletic Director Honor Roll
—SEC Academic Honor Roll
—NCAA First Team All American
—Regular Season Vault MVP
—SEC Freshman of the Week
—Full athletic scholarship
Current Employment:
Rankin Smith Student Athlete Center
Family Ties to UGA:
None until I came here. Now my family has all converted to Georgia fans!
I chose to attend UGA because…
… I fell in love as soon as I stepped foot on campus! The traditions, the pride, and the Southern hospitality put Georgia in a league of its own. Moving so far away from home I wanted a place that would feel like a new home. I fell in love with the people here, and felt like I was being welcomed into the Bulldog family. A huge part of my decision was gymnastics since I would be getting a full scholarship. The coaches, team and facilities were second to none. With 10 national championships, you can’t go wrong!
My favorite things to do on campus are…
I love to get a good cup of coffee and find a bench or just walk around North Campus when I have some extra time or a break in my schedule. I’m a sucker for the gorgeous architecture and beautiful landscaping and trees! Also, as any true Dawg fan, I love attending any sporting events, but mostly Gym Dog meets and football games! Nothing compares to the pride of running out of the tunnel in Stegeman Coliseum!
When I have free time, I like…
… to read for pleasure rather than textbooks, grab coffee, go to Georgia baseball games, and just enjoy Athens with my friends.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
I would have to say just moving across the country to go to college. It was a huge life decision and scary at the time but it was so worth it! Just being able to go from a mostly home-schooled and sheltered gymnast to a normal college student with 30,000 other people was an amazing eye opening experience for me.
My favorite place to study is…
… at a coffee shop … usually the SLC. If not there then I actually love studying just in my apartment!
My favorite professor is…
… my neurobiology professor James Lauderdale. He could make almost anyone enjoy the difficult subject because of his fabulous lectures.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… my mom! When I was 13, my mom and I set out on our own so that I could train with great coaches. She and I lived in a small apartment in Dallas while my dad kept our house in Austin. Those six tough years with her made us super close, and I love every minute I get with her now because it is so rare.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
I think I really live my life with this mentality anyway. I try to never go into things with the fear of failure but rather with the sheer determination to make it happen no matter what. I love going after my goals no matter how unattainable others may think they are. The effort and time put into things is what makes it that much better when you succeed. If I do fail then I know I am stronger for it and I have the knowledge to be better prepared to succeed the next time I try.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… travel with my family all over the world!
After graduation, I plan to…
… attend graduate school here at UGA, then physical therapy school after that.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
… running out of the tunnel at my last Gym Dog meet is something I will hold in my heart forever. It is tied with the experience of graduating in Sanford Stadium and watching the fireworks!