Page 51 - fall2017

LAURYN MATTSON
Sport: Gymnastics | Year: Junior | Major: Accounting

On maintaining balance between a rigorous practice schedule and earning Pac-12 All-Academic honors?
Growing up, gymnastic clubs are rigorous. You practice four hours a day and then have to come home to do
homework. So when I got to college I was ready. It’s actually easier because you aren’t in class all day, and
you can use your free time to study.
You’re very scheduled?
I am very Type A and very organized. It comes with gymnastics.
Most memorable Arizona gymnastics moments?
My first meet as a freshman; the Girl Scouts were in the crowd screaming. I was so nervous. I did my first vault, and
the crowd erupted. It was an awesome feeling. And last year, we beat Cal at our first home meet. We were in our
zone. I love being with my team and meeting our goals. It’s the best feeling.
Your career dreams?
I am looking into accounting internships — public accounting firms. I’d like to somehow stay in the sports realm.
I am also going to apply for the Nike internship.
Favorite classes?
Accounting classes are not my favorite, but the toughest. I’m kind of a nerd. I really like to learn. Accounting is so
difficult, and you have to pay attention. An hour class feels like 15 minutes. It keeps me engaged. I really like learning
history and about different cultures. Mythology — gods and demons. I like the stories and how they apply in everyday
life.
What do you love about Tucson?
My favorite thing about Tucson is campus. Every day I walk the Mall. The palm trees are so beautiful. The weather is
so nice; the mornings in winter are chilly, but then it goes up to 70. And because the UA is the main sports team, it is
nice to have the whole city support you. It’s one of my favorite things.