Jan. 31, 2002

Most teenagers would have given up their dream if they knew it included a four-hour drive everyday, but Erin Stoll's passion for gymnastics drove her to follow through even despite the distance. She diligently attended Rolla High School, but instead of focusing on history, math and English, the unconventional student used her seventh period to drive halfway across the state to train at the All-American Gymnastics academy in St. Louis, Mo.

The long journey to St. Louis began when Erin was six years old.

"I was tearing up the house and swinging from towel racks. I actually broke one and that's when my mom signed me up for lessons," she laughs.

Erin began taking learning gymnastics in a small gym in Rolla, Mo. As she progressed through the years, she realized that she was going to have to find another gym. Her gym in Rolla was so small it was not allowed to host regulation meets.

During her junior year of high school, Erin decided her passion for gymnastics was worth the drive to St. Louis everyday. In addition to school, and afraid of becoming too involved in one particular sport, Erin became active in running track and dancing competitively.

Hard work and dedication soon paid off from the long hours put in during high school. Erin knew she wanted to be a part of the Missouri gymnastics team since she was little. Every year Erin and her mother would visit Mizzou's Cat Classic. She would sit and study each gymnast's name and moves during every meet.

At an early age, she knew she would one day be a part of the Missouri Team.

"When I was 11, I remember sitting in the backseat riding home from the meet. I turned to my mom and told her, 'That's what I want to do'," she said.

Seven years later Erin accomplished her goal. As a member of the Missouri gymnastics team she excels on the floor and the beam. The beam is her savory event, "if I'm having a bad practice I can go to beam and everything will change."

Support from fellow teammates also turns around a bad practice. Erin and her fellow freshmen gymnasts live in the dorms. By spending so much time together the freshman team has become a great support system for each other.

After 12 years of gymnastics, Erin still shows passion for the sport.

"I love the way it makes me feel. I love the feeling I get after a hard four hour workout and, of course, I can't get enough of the challenge."

In addition to the grueling training regimen, Erin pushes herself outside the gym as well, she is currently pursuing a degree in physical therapy. After being involved with gymnastics for so long she knows how important it is to help people get through injuries.

When the challenge is over and Erin finds time to relax, she enjoys hanging out with friends and listening to music. She claims she is a music-nut and will listen to anything besides country. The 80's band Prince will usually put her in a good mood.

Happiness is what Erin has found at Mizzou. She feels she has adjusted well on the college scene, particularly because she finally achieved her goal of competing on a nationally ranked gymnastics team.

"I didn't know what to expect in college. I like Mizzou so much. It is perfect for me."

Continuing through her freshman season as a Tiger this year, Erin shows much promise in continuing to advance her gymnastics career. With a love for the sport, teammates for added support and a never-quit attitude, Erin is a perfect example that sometimes the distance to a dream isn't that far away after all.