Hailing from Kansas City, Mo., junior transfer Nichelle Christopherson received the 2016 honor of Most Improved Athlete of the Year in her sophomore year at Michigan. She competed in the bars lineup all 12 meets of the 2016 season in which she posted her career best 9.900 against Maryland and Eastern Michigan.
If you could have dinner with anyone from any era, who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with my family. With everyone almost off on their own, it's been a long time since we've gotten to have a family dinner
One word to describe your feeling when you put on your ASU uniform for the first time.
Being a newcomer, I haven't had that opportunity yet, but I am so excited for it.
If you had the chance to pick the brain of any coach in any sport, who would it be?
Well, now that Michael Phelps has chosen to come to ASU to work as a volunteer assistant coach for the swim team, I would definitely love to pick his brain on how he managed to accomplish what he did; it's amazing.
If you had the chance to watch one past sporting event, which one would you go to?
I would go to the Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs
What did you like best about your hometown?
Growing up in Reno, NV, I loved the mountains and also had pleasure of visiting Lake Tahoe every so often as it was only 30 minutes away.
What is the last book you read?
The last book I read was The United Nations: A Very Short Introduction by Jussi M. Hanhimäki
Which past Sun Devil (any sport) do you wish you could have watched play?
Anthony Robles. He is probably the best example of what excuses don't look like.
What's your favorite song from your favorite artist?
I love the song Closer by the Chainsmokers
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
I don't have a favorite.
What is a movie that you can watch over and over again?
It's not a movie, but the TV show Psych I restart regularly
What is the best advice your parents ever gave you?
Well, I would say they showed me what it looks like to really work hard and overcome the unexpected obstacles life seems to throw at you
If you could be on any game show which would you choose?
I would choose Survivor. I have watched every season since it began almost 16 years ago
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
By far, my parents have played the biggest roles in getting me to where I am
If you could learn to do anything what would it be?
I want to learn how to skydive, so I can do it on the regular
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Happy, short, sarcastic
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
I loathe doing laundry and folding clothes.
What is your best childhood memory?
Going floating down the 2-3 foot deep river by my house
What's your favorite TV show and why?
I love watching New Girl; it's hysterical. I recommend it to everyone
Which TV show character do you relate to the most?
Shawn Spencer from the show Psych
What is your favorite road trip destination?
The Redwood Forest
What is one place you really want to visit?
I want to hike the Yellow Mountains in China
If someone wrote a book about your life what would they title it?
They would probably title it: The Girl After Her Morning Coffee
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Ronda Rousey
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I am terrified of heights
Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
Ronda Rousey
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the sport?
My parents
What is your favorite gymnastics moment?
Winning the Big Ten Championship
Competition where you learned the most from.
Level 10 Regionals. I competed on a broken foot and swollen knee but somehow still managed to survive.
What is the hardest thing about gymnastics?
I think it is hardest on your body. There's never a moment when something doesn't hurt
What is your favorite event to compete?
I love competing floor
What is the most exciting competition you have ever been apart of?
2015 National Championships
What is the hardest injury you have ever overcome?
My ankle took quite a few years to recover after hurting it
What is your favorite part about being a Sun Devil?
I love being in a competitive environment with girls that have the same goals in mind
Do you have any goals for this season?
Most importantly, I want to have fun and help be a leader for my team
If you could have dinner with anyone from any era, who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with my family. With everyone almost off on their own, it's been a long time since we've gotten to have a family dinner
One word to describe your feeling when you put on your ASU uniform for the first time.
Being a newcomer, I haven't had that opportunity yet, but I am so excited for it.
If you had the chance to pick the brain of any coach in any sport, who would it be?
Well, now that Michael Phelps has chosen to come to ASU to work as a volunteer assistant coach for the swim team, I would definitely love to pick his brain on how he managed to accomplish what he did; it's amazing.
If you had the chance to watch one past sporting event, which one would you go to?
I would go to the Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs
What did you like best about your hometown?
Growing up in Reno, NV, I loved the mountains and also had pleasure of visiting Lake Tahoe every so often as it was only 30 minutes away.
What is the last book you read?
The last book I read was The United Nations: A Very Short Introduction by Jussi M. Hanhimäki
Which past Sun Devil (any sport) do you wish you could have watched play?
Anthony Robles. He is probably the best example of what excuses don't look like.
What's your favorite song from your favorite artist?
I love the song Closer by the Chainsmokers
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
I don't have a favorite.
What is a movie that you can watch over and over again?
It's not a movie, but the TV show Psych I restart regularly
What is the best advice your parents ever gave you?
Well, I would say they showed me what it looks like to really work hard and overcome the unexpected obstacles life seems to throw at you
If you could be on any game show which would you choose?
I would choose Survivor. I have watched every season since it began almost 16 years ago
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
By far, my parents have played the biggest roles in getting me to where I am
If you could learn to do anything what would it be?
I want to learn how to skydive, so I can do it on the regular
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Happy, short, sarcastic
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
I loathe doing laundry and folding clothes.
What is your best childhood memory?
Going floating down the 2-3 foot deep river by my house
What's your favorite TV show and why?
I love watching New Girl; it's hysterical. I recommend it to everyone
Which TV show character do you relate to the most?
Shawn Spencer from the show Psych
What is your favorite road trip destination?
The Redwood Forest
What is one place you really want to visit?
I want to hike the Yellow Mountains in China
If someone wrote a book about your life what would they title it?
They would probably title it: The Girl After Her Morning Coffee
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Ronda Rousey
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I am terrified of heights
Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
Ronda Rousey
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the sport?
My parents
What is your favorite gymnastics moment?
Winning the Big Ten Championship
Competition where you learned the most from.
Level 10 Regionals. I competed on a broken foot and swollen knee but somehow still managed to survive.
What is the hardest thing about gymnastics?
I think it is hardest on your body. There's never a moment when something doesn't hurt
What is your favorite event to compete?
I love competing floor
What is the most exciting competition you have ever been apart of?
2015 National Championships
What is the hardest injury you have ever overcome?
My ankle took quite a few years to recover after hurting it
What is your favorite part about being a Sun Devil?
I love being in a competitive environment with girls that have the same goals in mind
Do you have any goals for this season?
Most importantly, I want to have fun and help be a leader for my team