March 25, 2010

Brooke Boehmer, beam specialist for the Tigers, competes a routine on the four-inch wide balance beam that embodies a beauty and grace that fit her personality completely. Her poses and skills flow together demonstrating her flexibility with her toe point and making evident her power with her series. Boehmer expresses such poise and finesse as she steps onto that beam. This kind of expertise has taken years of practice.

Her journey began at the age of four when she was invited to a birthday party at a gym called Eagles Gymnastics in Kansas City, Mo. Boehmer had so much fun at the party that she had her mom enroll her in classes there soon after. She remembers jumping around on the tumble track decked out in her leotard with little leggings underneath. Boehmer laughs looking back at videotapes of herself tumbling around during class with her underwear hanging out and rememberd, "Oh my gosh, I was one of those girls."

In just a few short years, Boehmer's natural ability allowed her to begin competing with Eagles Gymnastics at the age of six. She stayed at that gym throughout her club gymnastics' career where she reached level ten before going to college. Boehmer excelled in her sport as a member of the 2006 Missouri Level Ten State Champion team. Individually, she was the 2004 Level Ten State Champion on bars, floor and in the all-around. Additionally, in 2003, Boehmer was the Level Nine Regional Champion on her event, the beam. While Boehmer enjoyed the individual aspect of club gymnastics, she also emphasized the team environment as especially important to her. She still keeps in touch with and visits her former coach as well as her former teammates, many who are also college gymnasts at schools like Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Southeast Missouri State.

As her career in club gymnastics came to a close, Boehmer began looking at universities. She chose Mizzou because of the gymnastics program and great academics. She also thought it was just far enough from home, but still close enough that she would be able to visit her family.

As a freshman at Mizzou, Boehmer was originally a walk-on athlete.

"I was not quite ready to give up on gymnastics and I was lucky enough to get a chance to contribute to this team," Boehmer remembered.

Balancing practice and school did not seem too be too much of a challenge for Boehmer. She was already used to the hours of practicing and got into a good study routine with her schoolwork. Continuing to excel in gymnastics throughout her college career, Boehmer received a full scholarship for her senior year at Mizzou and additionally achieved one of the highest grade point averages on the team.

During her freshman year, Boehmer faced perhaps her biggest obstacle during her time at Mizzou. She recalls it was a Wednesday and she had been working on a tumbling pass on floor. She continued to twist as she landed her pass, then her knee popped and she collapsed in pain. An ACL tear was the diagnosis. It was hard work and very painful recovering from this injury for Boehmer.

"It was hard watching everyone compete and having to sit out. But I was determined to come back," Boehmer described.

Boehmer certainly fought for her position on the team. In 2008, her sophomore season, Boehmer was one of only two Tigers with no falls on the beam for the entire season. In 2009, she obtained a new career high with a score of 9.875 against Illinois and was recognized, for the third year in a row, as an NACGC/W Scholar Athlete. Boehmer's senior, 2010 season has also brought many successes individually as well as to the team.

Boehmer has absolutely loved her time at Mizzou and has loved competing with her team. She described her career as a Tiger as a, "rewarding experience" and has enjoyed every minute.

Boehmer never dreamed of being an Olympian like many young girls, or even a college gymnast for that matter. She claims that she never actually wanted to get past level eight.

"I was always scared watching the older girls doing back handspring layouts on beam at the gym," Boehmer remembered.

Ironically, her current series includes two back handsprings and a layout. Beam had always been a great event for her, and was practiced hard in her gym growing up. Boehmer, however, is not only Mizzou's beam specialist, but as a senior is also a team leader. She explains that she is less of a vocal leader, but more of a leader by example.

"Even though I only compete one event, I am always working hard, and it pays off," she stated.

Her teammates notice this and recognize her as a hard worker, a wonderful person, and as a friend who would do anything for them.

Boehmer's motivations in her life, as well as in the gym include God, her team, and her parents. She explains that her faith is a big part of her life and that her mom has always been so encouraging, and her team so unconditionally supportive. Boehmer's father passed away when she was only thirteen years old of viral pneumonia.

"When he died it was really scary, and really difficult," she described.

Boehmer was very close with her dad, calling herself a "daddy's girl" and explaining that her dad continues to motivate her daily. She wants him to be proud of her and knows that he is watching over her.

Outside of the weekend gym meets, Boehmer loves laughing and being goofy with her friends and teammates. She recalls countless fun bus rides and evenings of television shows with roommates D (Danielle Guider) and Liz (Straatmann). Boehmer also loves to bake, particularly chocolate chip cookies, and enjoys reading. She is hooked on the Harry Potter and Twilight series, and especially likes Dan Brown's books. After graduation this May, her plans are uncertain. She is considering a career in optometry as her degree is in biology with a minor in psychology. However, this summer she plans to take it easy and go on a couple of vacations with her family and friends.

Boehmer is trying not to focus on this chapter of her life in gymnastics closing.

"I still have a job to do but I'm staying in the moment and having fun while it comes to an end."