With her four years at UNH now concluded, Emma Winer (Georgetown, Mass.) reflects on her time at the school. Being a part of something as special as the UNH gymnastics team will forever hold a place in Winer's heart and continue to impact the person she is today. She also made a major impact on the program and had an outstanding senior year that saw her earn All-EAGL First Team on floor exercise and she was named the Team Co-MVP.
WHEN UNH BECAME HOME
When Winer was looking at colleges, she was searching for a school that had it all. Most importantly a great gymnastics program, but she was also looking for a place to call home for the next four years.
"I chose UNH because I loved the team atmosphere and the coaches of the gymnastics program. I also loved the campus and knew it was a place that I wanted to be."
Her favorite location to spend time on campus was Thompson Hall.
"I love it when the weather is nice and you can sit on the lawn and hang out with friends. It feels like what you see in movies!"
While being on the gymnastics team, Winer realized what a great support system she had behind her.
"The support that we get from the whole Athletic Department and program is really amazing! Everyone has your best interest at heart, and is eager to help you succeed."
Winer is grateful for the life-long relationships she developed through the team. Her favorite part about being a member of the UNH gymnastics team is "the comradery surrounding and embedded in the program." AN ACCOMPLISHED STUDENT-ATHLETE The Wildcats after receiving their EAGL Championship rings
Not only is Winer grateful for the people she has met and the relationships she has built, but she is also going to remember what it is like to be a part of such a dedicated team. Her favorite memory while being on the team was winning the conference championship during her junior year.
"We had all worked so hard, and to see our hard work pay off was so rewarding. The fact that it was in front of our home crowd made it even more special, and it was definitely a day that I will never forget!"
Winer reflected on the biggest lesson she learned during her four years of being a student-athlete.
"You have to work for what you want. Things may not always come easy, but the hard work will pay off." 2019-20 Wildcats
Being a student-athlete is about finding a balance, Winer said it was important to not only make time for practice and schoolwork, but for herself as well. With time at UNH and as a gymnast, came growth for Winer.
"I came into college very reserved and quiet, and I think I have grown so much throughout my experience here."
Much has changed since freshman year and one piece of advice she would give her freshman year self is "to have more confidence and to just be yourself."
The UNH gymnastics program gave Winer confidence and helped her become the strong woman she is today. SAYING GOOD-BYE
For her career, Winer plans to get a marketing/communications job in Boston.
"I want to work for an advertising agency to represent commercial photographers."
Winer's time at UNH was unforgettable, and like many other Wildcats, is having a tough time saying good-bye. Being a UNH gymnast was very memorable for Winer, but the friendships she made during her time were equally as remarkable.
"My friends definitely made my experience at UNH so special! They are the best and I couldn't have imagined spending these past four years with anyone else." Ava Watkins, Riley Freehling, Lexi Calandra and Emma Winer (Photo by Shannon Dean) Please check back to UNHWildcats.com as we continue our Senior Reflections series.
