Newcomer Spotlight: Freshman Haley Brechwald

Favorites
Food: I love any pasta especially with red sauce.

Song: "The Day You Stop Lookin' Back" by Thomas Rhett. I think it has an important message about always moving forward and looking down the line to the future.

TV Show: "This Is Us." So many people can connect to the little life moments that happen throughout the show.

Movie: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The holiday season is when I watch the most movies to get in the holiday spirit.

Quote: "Worry is a misuse of imagination." This is my favorite quote because it is a great reminder that we should stay in the moment and not worry about what is to come because everything will fall into place.

Thing about Pittsburgh: The variety of food and cute places to go eat, shop, or walk around.

Professional Athlete: David Ortiz. The Red Sox have always been my family's favorite team and he was so exciting to watch.

Sport to Watch other than Gymnastics: Baseball. I love the laid back atmosphere of being at a game.

Sport Related Memory: Splash Day, which was when we did releases over the baby pool of ice water.

Q&A
What made you choose Pitt?
There are so many things to do on and off campus and so many new opportunities to explore. The city of Pittsburgh is amazing and the people here are even more amazing.

What are your biggest strengths as a gymnast?
I am confident in my ability and I never hold anything back.

What are some areas of the sport you'd like to improve?
I would like to improve my perfect college sticking techniques.

What is your (intended) major?
Political science with a pre-law track.

What are three words that describe you?
Determined, organized and supportive. I am determined because I am always eager to accomplish something when people tell me I can't. I am organized because I am super clean and plan everything. I am supportive because I will always have my teammate's backs no matter what.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of gymnastics?
I enjoy wake boarding, kayaking, and being outdoors.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I used to eat the same ham and cheese sandwich before every meet and I had to wear the same pair of socks.

What are some of the differences between your hometown and Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has so many more hills. It also has very devoted sports fans for all Pittsburgh sports.

If you could bring one thing from your hometown to Pittsburgh, what would it be?
The cherry blossom trees because they are beautiful in D.C. when they are in peak season.

What is the best advice you've ever been given?
The best advice I have ever been given is that it is okay to not have everything figured out, but to do things that you love and everything will be figured out for you.

If you could meet three people (past or present) who would you want to meet? Why?
1. Michael Jackson because he is a music legend.
2. Amelia Earhart because I admire her determination to make her dreams become a reality against all odds.
3. Oprah Winfrey because she is very influential.

If you could be a star in any sport, other than gymnastics, which one would it be?
I would want to be a track star because I think it would be amazing to have so much speed.

Who had the greatest impact on your life? Why?
My mom and dad have had the greatest impact on my life. My dad has given me determination and confidence to be the best version of myself possible, and my mom has taught me to appreciate every day, be positive and embrace all the little things life has to offer you.

Newcomer Spotlight: Freshman Haley Brechwald

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