Kennedy Baker is No. 3 in the Jan. 25 Road to Nationals all-around rankings.
Kennedy Baker: Ready for Second Season
Friday, January 29, 2016 | Gymnastics
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By: Adriana Yurizza, UF Communications
When Kennedy Baker performs her first floor exercise tumbling pass, you will want to watch as it is unlikely you will see any other collegiate competitor in the nation perform that high-flying skill. The Piked Arabian Double Front is her favorite skill to perform on the floor, giving her an edge that is unforgettable.
Returning for her second season as all-arounder, Baker said what she looks forward to the most is "competing in the O'Dome...in front of all our fans...the best fans," because of the excitement and energy they bring to the team.
The one thing she has taken with her from her freshmen year is to relax more.
"The first couple of meets I was really uptight competing last year. This year I was a bit more relaxed and knew what to expect going out there," Baker said. Kennedy Baker's career-best 39.575 is nation's second-highest all-around of 2016.Her experience has shown in the Gators' first three meets. She's taken the floor exercise title in each of Florida's three meets. Baker has also performed as an all-arounder in each meet. Her season best of 39.575 is her collegiate best and also shares the nation's No. 2 all-around total of the 2016 season.
With a new head coach and the addition of five freshmen, Baker feels like it is a different team with a different environment this time around. She believes her and her teammates have really bonded. Baker loves how Head Coach Jenny Rowland came in with a "really strong plan" and feels like it is going to be a great season for Gator Gymnastics.
Among her goals is to push beyond her collegiate floor best to a perfect 10. She twice posted a nearly perfect 9.975 as a freshman. A big boost toward that effort is her favorite skill – the Piked Arabian Double Front.
Baker learned the skill when a torn Achilles prevented her backwards flips from being powerful and her front flips became her strength. It is an E-level skill – the highest in collegiate gymnastics – and the blind landing makes the skill especially difficult.
"I haven't personally seen anyone do it in college gymnastics so I think it's really cool and gives me a unique edge," said Baker.
To Baker, flying through the air feels awesome and she enjoys how her team hypes her up right before she competes.
Off the mat, Baker is looking to continue working hard to pursue her degree in Telecommunications-News. She hopes to one day go into sports reporting. On her free time she enjoys to take photos and paint with her roommate who shares her artsy side.
As a returning competitor for the Florida team, Baker has learned that being a part of a team does not only mean that you have several other gymnasts relying on you, but that you have a whole team supporting you.
