Hunter Saved Best for Last in Decorated Career at UF
Monday, May 4, 2015 | Gymnastics, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- If honoring gymnasts by building statues on campus ever becomes chic in college athletics, Kytra Hunter has a strong case for a bronze twin.
The awards and accomplishments have piled so high for Hunter, it would be easy for her to dismiss the latest without much thought.
The UF senior, two weeks after helping the Gators claim a third consecutive national championship, was named the 2015 Honda Award winner on Friday designating her as the top collegiate gymnast in the nation.
It's the biggest individual award in Hunter's sport. And it's not even the first time she won it. Hunter earned the Honda Award as a freshman in 2012, becoming the first UF gymnast to take the honor since Ann Woods claimed it in 1982.
If there is an award to be had in gymnastics, Hunter likely has won it the past four years.
Hunter concluded her Florida career last month at the NCAA Championships by winning the all-around national title and the floor exercise title, becoming the first Gator to win the floor since Maria Anz 30 years ago.
She's had a storybook career. Hunter also had one of the finest senior seasons for any female student-athlete in UF history.
Sometimes a plan comes to fruition.
When head coach Rhonda Faehn met with Hunter prior to the season, they discussed individual goals.
Hunter kept referring back to her freshman season, when she flashed what was to come by winning the NCAA all-around championship and vault title. Hunter was an instant hit.
The year before Hunter arrived at Florida she was performing for Hill's Gymnastics in Frederick, Md. Former Gators Corey Hartung and Erinn Dooley grew up in the same gym and pointed Hunter toward the Gators when it was time for college.
Hunter moved south and in her first year on campus became a star on Friday nights at the O'Connell Center, displaying a combination of athleticism and gracefulness that often brought fans to their feet.
“I wanted to impact the team as much as I could,'' she said. “Time has flown by so quickly. My whole four years just blended together.”
Still, in her mind, she had never been a better gymnast than as a freshman.
The Gators advanced to the Super Six in 2012 and narrowly missed out on the program's first national title. Hunter continued to play a starring role as a sophomore and junior, teaming with Bridget Sloan to give Florida the best 1-2 combo in the nation.
The Gators won national titles both years.
As she prepared for her final season in that meeting with Faehn, Hunter left determined to be better. She altered some habits that she thought could help. She turned up the intensity during her workouts. She ate better. She got proper rest.
And when it was time to perform, Hunter was superb. She became the first UF athlete to be named SEC Gymnast of the Year in 15 years and dominated most meets, winning nine all-around titles in the regular season.
Hunter is among 12 finalists for the Honda Cup, awarded annually to the top female athlete of the year. Only one Gator — U.S. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tracy Caulkins in 1982 and 1984 — has won that award.
The past two weeks have been a roller-coast ride emotionally for Hunter and her teammates. They won a third straight national title and then days later gathered for an emotional meeting to hear Faehn say she is leaving for USA Gymnastics.
Hunter was shocked like everyone else, but now that some time has passed, understands Faehn's decision.
“Rhonda has had a huge impact on me,'' she said. “Rhonda has literally been like my third parent. She has definitely helped me mature. I'm just really thankful that I had the four years to be able to be coached by her. I can't believe she's gone, but also, we're both going to two different successful paths. I'm really glad she has a great opportunity in front of her."
Hunter is still adjusting to her post-gymnastics existence.
She continues to work out but at a different pace than that of a gymnast-in-training. She is scheduled to graduate in December and plans to be around to offer support to her former teammates. Hunter is also applying to graduate school at UF.
“Honestly, this has been the best years of my life and I'm just so thankful that I was even given the opportunity,'' she said. “I love the University of Florida so much. Everything that I have done and accomplished and all the success -- that goes around the school. It's just a lot of happiness here.”
Hunter is currently at peace knowing that her competitive gymnastics career is over. She expects her emotions to change when fall arrives and the Gators start training for a four-peat.
Last week Hunter searched YouTube for videos of her competing before she got to UF. She was amazed at the difference in ability from then to now.
Hunter grew as a person and a performer. She also went out on top, something few are able to say when the clock strikes midnight on a career.
“I felt like I was at my best [this season]. I really do,'' she said. “Freshman year, it was incredible but I think this year I was a lot better mentally and physically. I'm walking away with no regrets.”
