Grace McLaughlin: Ready to Step In Lineup in 2016

Season I for Grace McLaughlin didn't go as planned. Twice her freshman season was put on hold due to concussions incurred during uneven bars training. But this season, she looks to put those problems in the past and return to performing the sport she loves.

"I feel really blessed because last year was a struggle for me," McLaughlin says.

She led off every floor exercise lineup in 2016. McLaughlin said the first meet this season was the most fun she's had in a long time.

McLaughlin's main focus is to build her confidence and improve on the small details of her routines.

"The little things will add up in the end," she says.

At the 2016 home opener versus UCLA, McLaughlin says she was living the dream as she stepped on the mat for her first home floor performance.

"I'm here," she recalls thinking. "It's my first time in the O'Dome and I'm healthy."

Outside of the gym, McLaughlin takes her love for children into the classroom. Majoring in Family, Youth and Community Sciences - with a minor in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership - her goal is to one day open a nonprofit orphanage for children anywhere in the world. For McLaughlin, working with children is a delight.

"They're our future," she said. "We have the opportunity to be a good role model and that's what I always wanted to do."

She loves to give the young fans at the meets the extra push to achieve their dreams as they look up to her for advice.

Her passion for children comes from her older brother who has special needs.

"My brother has probably been a major influence in my compassion towards kids. He's always shown me kindness in everything he does," she says.

Their bond is like no other and she would love for her brother to be involved with her orphanage one day.

As she looks forward to the season McLaughlin welcomes the challenges ahead.

"It's been a journey," McLaughlin said, "but it really matters how you deal with it."

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Grace McLaughlin: Ready to Step In Lineup in 2016

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Grace McLaughlin

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