Join Gigi Rendino and Emily Bott from Baylor on ZenGame with Daniela Hurtado as they discuss their journey from cheerleading to acrobatics and tumbling. They explore the growth of acrobatics and tumbling in college sports and the challenges faced from freshman to sophomore year, including injury management and self-care routines. The episode delves into the unique atmosphere of meets, the importance of teammate bonds, and navigating social media and NIL opportunities as athletes. Gigi and Emily provide insights into team dynamics, typical practice sessions, mental preparation, and setting goals. They share their pre-practice rituals, the role of faith in their careers, and offer advice for aspiring athletes. The episode concludes with their future aspirations.

(0:00) Introduction and self-promotion in NIL opportunities

(1:05) Meet Gigi Rendino and Emily Bott from Baylor

(1:22) Cheerleading to acrobatics and tumbling transition

(3:13) Acrobatics, tumbling, and gymnastics compared

(4:28) Growth of acrobatics and tumbling in college sports

(5:12) Evolution from freshman to sophomore year challenges

(7:01) Injury management and support systems

(11:38) Athlete self-care routines

(12:42) Meet atmosphere in acrobatics and tumbling

(14:11) Teammate bonds and friendship development

(16:35) Navigating social media and NIL as athletes

(21:43) Team dynamics in acrobatics and tumbling

(25:31) Typical acrobatics and tumbling practice session

(27:20) Mental preparation and managing competition nerves

(30:07) Setting personal and team goals

(33:01) Innovating new skills in acrobatics and tumbling

(33:27) Pre-practice and pre-meet rituals

(36:24) Role of faith in athletic careers

(39:11) Advice for aspiring acrobatics and tumbling athletes

(41:10) Closing thoughts and future aspirations