KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Members of the 2020 regular season Mid-American Conference gymnastics champion Western Michigan squad are back home after the COVID-19 pandemic halted the remainder of the campaign. WMUBroncos.com caught up with team members to see how they're adjusting to online classes and life away from campus.
 
Sophomore Emily Carless, a Kalamazoo native, is not far from campus. During the season, Carless competed in nine meets on the beam and three on the floor. She recorded five scores of 9.700 or higher on the beam with a year-best 9.850 against Ball State (2/9). She participated on the floor during the first three meets with a campaign-high score of 9.500 at Northern Illinois (1/17). 

WMUBroncos.com: Where are you now?
Emily Carless: I am in Kalamazoo.

WMU: What are you doing to stay active?
EC: I have done CrossFit workouts and let my older sister, who is a new strength coach, come up with workouts. I'm also trying other sports like tennis and basketball!

WMU: How has your adjustment been to Western Michigan's online classes?
EC: Adjusting to online classes has been better than I expected. I used to be home-schooled, so I had some methods to stay on top of things! I have a structured time and place to do schoolwork.

WMU: What was your favorite memory from this season?
EC: My favorite memory was seeing all the hard work that we put in pay off! Against Kent State, the fight in each event as we got closer to the final floor routine that sealed the win and season title for us was incredible!

WMU: With a few weeks having passed since the MAC Championship was canceled, how are you processing your season ending so abruptly?
EC: Watching the season end so suddenly was hard at first, but after seeing everything everywhere canceled, it helped me, as well as knowing that this is the Lord's plan for my life and my journey. 

WMU: What is an accomplishment you're most proud of from this season's team?
EC: The proudest moment, I would say, was seeing all the freshmen come out of their shells and shine this season. We have a young team, and seeing everyone work together so well was something that made me so proud to be on this team.

WMU: What is one lesson this year's seniors taught you?
EC: They taught me to never give up. Whether it is an injury or a hard day, I have to continue fighting and working as hard as I can.

WMU: What do you miss most about being at Western Michigan?
EC: I miss being with my friends and working out with my teammates. I am very extroverted, so to be placed in my house for multiple weeks is making me go a little crazy.

WMU: What is the best show you've streamed or watched during your time away?
EC: The best show I've seen is definitely "New Girl"! 

#WeWillReign