Grace McLaughlin received a 2015-16 UF Presidential Service Award for her work in the community.
Grace McLaughlin: Florida Gymnastics Gains from this Giving Gator
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 | Gymnastics
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She's already contributed more than 400 Goodwill Gator hours. McLaughlin also is a regular in bars, beam & floor lineups.
By: Taylor Boatright, UF Athletics Communications
With over 400 community service hours, Grace McLaughlin is making a difference on the gymnastics team and in children's lives. Grace McLaughlin gives a high-five to a 2016 Gator Gymnastics Holiday Food Drive participant. McLaughlin has contributed more than 400 community service hours while at UF.
For all her work in the community, McLaughlin garnered the 2015-16 UF Presidential Service Award. Although she was honored to receive the award, the recognition isn't what drives her to spend her time volunteering.
"I don't do it for recognition. I do it for the kids. I love to see those smiling faces," the 5'2" gymnast said. "You know it's all worth it. You remember all those little moments."
McLaughlin's older brother, Christian, who is on the autism spectrum, has been perhaps her biggest influence in finding her passion for helping others.
"He has taught me many things; more patience, compassion and love," McLaughlin said. "You love people where they're at in life and unconditionally."
She has carried those teachings with her while volunteering at the Florida Diabetes Camp and at a school where she works with children with special needs.
"I want to give back to the world, back to kids who need things and show them the love language they might not be getting," McLaughlin continued.
A junior who's majoring in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, McLaughlin applies her passion for helping others and to the Florida gymnastics team. This season, McLaughlin has appeared in UF's bars, beam and floor lineups. She's already registered collegiate bests for bars (9.85) and beam (9.875) in 2017.
With the opportunity and the platform she has as a student-athlete, McLaughlin has learned to savor every moment of her junior year.
"Coming in as a freshman, you're so wide eyed and you want to do everything," she said. "A lot of times you do need to take it at a slower pace and take it one day at a time."
McLaughlin has learned a lot about herself in her three years of being on the team and working with so many organizations.
"I've realized I'm very versatile. I have learned not to limit myself in one direction. My passion is for gymnastics but also for kids," McLaughlin said in closing.
