When in doubt, follow Gwen Fink.
That’s what UNC women’s gymnastics junior Bella Miller does whenever she’s not sure what to do.
“For me, I do get distracted a little easily,” Miller said. “So having someone strong like that [who is] able to push themselves is a really good trait for me.”
It's a strong endorsement for the sophomore, who head coach Danna Durante said is naturally reserved. But after North Carolina lost at home to N.C. State on Friday in what Durante called an electric environment, Durante wants her Tar Heels to crank up their competitive mentality.
“I think it's getting everybody to the point where they feel really comfortable in a high energy, high volume, electric environment,” Durante said. “It will raise your adrenaline, and that can make you better.”
To get there, she, like Miller, is leaning on Fink. Durante said she wants the Tar Heels to execute in all four events as opposed to being just a “second half team.” On Friday, there was no better example of that mentality than Fink, who notched the highest all-around score — 39.275 — at the meet.
Fink led with her skills and talent against N.C. State rather than her voice, but Durante thinks Fink can also be a vocal leader. She doesn’t say much, but when she does, everyone listens because it’s exactly what needed to be said.
“[Fink] is finding her voice, so that she isn't just leading with her gymnastics, but she's also leading by encouraging or supporting or helping her team understand what level we are working to train and compete at,” Durante said.
Fink’s leadership isn’t yet a finished package, but she already models the mindset Durante desires. When Fink used to finish her routines, she wouldn't know what to say to her coaches, Durante said. Now, she pinpoints exactly what she did right and what she can do better next time.
