By Danielle O’Connor, Staff Writer
LIU is saying farewell to three of its star gymnasts as the student body celebrated their accomplishments throughout their athletic collegiate career at their annual senior night on Sunday, March 2. Senior night served as a tribute to their commitment to the sport, highlighting the lasting impact they have made on the LIU gymnastics program.
The Sharks hosted senior night against Towson University in their last home meet of the season. Although they did lose 193.100-195.650, it was a memorable night.
Senior Brooke Burkhart takes a second to look back on her college athletic journey, reflecting on the challenges she has overcome and the lifelong friendships she has built along the way.
“I spent my first 2 years of college at Southern Connecticut State University, and going into my junior year, I entered the transfer portal, and it led me right to LIU. I went on my visit and immediately knew that this was where I wanted to be,” Burkhart said.
She went on to face major struggles her first year at LIU, falling into an injury like many athletes do.
“Just like a lot of athletes, I unfortunately dealt with injuries. On my first official day at practice at LIU, I tore my UCL in my elbow and a week later got surgery. 9 months later, I still wasn’t able to recover and had nerve damage. I then had a second surgery on my hand. As much of a physical setback it was, it was also very challenging mentally. I knew that after 2 surgeries, it was going to be very hard to come back. But it also made my senior year so much more special, being able to overcome that injury,” she stated.
She went on to emphasize her utmost appreciation for senior night and the lasting impact it will have on her.
“Senior night was very special because of my teammates and coaches. I couldn’t have asked for better people to stand next to on senior night, and it’s something I will remember forever,” she said. “It was awesome seeing the support from other teams on campus, staff members, and the Athletic Director! It truly shows the community at LIU that people show up for others. Having my family in the crowd and walking with me was also very special. They are truly my best friends.”
Burkhart isn’t the only gymnast saying farewell to their roots as a shark. Senior Ella Barrington is also getting ready to graduate.
“In 2020, when I heard that LIU was starting a gymnastics team, all I wanted was to be a part of the Inaugural season,” Barrington began. “I have grown a lot each year in different aspects of my life due to the help of my coaches and teammates. They’ve helped me through everything, from bad days in the gym to pushing me to be my best self. Senior night was a little different for me this year than it was last year. Last year, I celebrated senior night with my original class which was very special but this year was even more special because I was able to celebrate my last time competing in Pratt, after five years, with Brooke and Kira, and doing that with them was one of the greatest experiences I could’ve asked for.”
Last but certainly not least, Kira Sanchez was celebrated during senior night.
”I have learned and grown alongside my teammates so much this year. They always push me to be better in and out of the gym. They hold me accountable to working hard and striving for greatness,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez emphasized how much senior night meant to her,
“The support means the world, it makes it so much easier to go out and compete when you have a crowd of people that you love cheering you on. For me, it was especially apparent on senior night while I was completing my floor routine; I was able to look into the crowd during my dance and see the people I love cheering for me. That feeling makes all the hard work worth it. “
The celebration was not just a farewell but a night of recognition as LIU celebrates their dedication and passion to their sport and all that Burkhart, Sanchez, and Barrington brought to the LIU gymnastics program. Though their time competing for LIU has ended, their legacy will live on through the memories they’ve created and the bonds they’ve created! As they step into the next chapter of their lives, they’ll still remember their roots as an LIU Shark.
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