Gym Devil junior Kaitlyn Szafranski joins the Sun Devil program after spending two seasons at national power LSU. Szafranski was a member of a LSU gymnastics program that finished as the National runner-up the past two seasons and gained collegiate experience with exhibitions on Vault and Bars during her first two years as a Tiger. An exemplary student-athlete in and out of the gym Szafranski netted SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition in 2016. A two time JO National qualifier, Szafranski was the 2015 JO National Bars Champion. She dominated at the 2014 Pennsylvania State Championship, winning the title on bars, floor and the all-around. She also placed second at the 2014 State Championship on vault and beam and would go on to earn a second-place finish on bars, third on floor and fifth on vault at the 2015 Pennsylvania State Championships. Kaitlyn is the sister of current Gym Devil sophomore Ashley Szafranski.
What drew you to Arizona State?
Having my sister Ashley here, and the passion and enthusiasm of the team and the coaches!
If you could have dinner with anyone from any era, who would it be and why?
Bradley Cooper
If you had the chance to pick the brain of any coach in any sport, who would it be?
Jim Valvano
If you had the chance to watch one past sporting event, which one would you go to?
1996 Olympic Gymnastics Team Final
What is your hometown and what do you like best about it?
Orefield, Pennsylvania, I love the fall at home because all the leaves on the mountains change colors! It's my favorite time of the year J
Which past Sun Devil (any sport) do you wish you could have watched play?
Pat Tillman
What is the last book you read?
"Shaken" by Tim Tebow
What's your favorite song from your favorite artist?
Anything country, but always Rascal Flatts
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep the faith. It will always be worth it."
What is a movie that you can watch over and over again?
Pretty Woman
What is the best advice your parents ever gave you?
To never ever give up and put 100% into everything I do. It will ALWAYS be worth it
If you could be on any game show which would you choose?
Cupcake Wars…It just looks so fun!
If you could learn to do anything what would it be?
To sing
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Smiley, passionate, hard-working
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
The dishes…they are the worst haha
What is your best childhood memory?
Going to the Outer Banks, NC. This was the BEST trip ever!
What's your favorite TV show and why?
Friends...because how could you not love it. I've watched every episode at least 3 times
What is your favorite road trip destination?
Pensacola, Florida with my best friends
What is one place you really want to visit?
The Home Ranch in Colorado
If someone wrote a book about your life what would they title it?
Keeping up with the Szafranskis
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Jesus
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I never actually went to high school. I did online school from 7th grade until I graduated from High School.
Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
Courtney Kupets
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the sport of gymnastics?
Probably my sister, parents, and Parkettes coaches
What is your favorite gymnastics related memory?
Probably, getting to travel around the country for competitions, and doing it all with my sister since the beginning. Being at Super Six in 2016 and 2017 was an incredible experience too!
What is the hardest thing about competing as gymnast?
Always having a strong mind, day in and day out. Without being mentally tough in gymnastics, you can end up hurt or distracted very easily.
Do you have any personal goals for this upcoming season?
To contribute to the team in every and any way I can. Go devils!!
What drew you to Arizona State?
Having my sister Ashley here, and the passion and enthusiasm of the team and the coaches!
If you could have dinner with anyone from any era, who would it be and why?
Bradley Cooper
If you had the chance to pick the brain of any coach in any sport, who would it be?
Jim Valvano
If you had the chance to watch one past sporting event, which one would you go to?
1996 Olympic Gymnastics Team Final
What is your hometown and what do you like best about it?
Orefield, Pennsylvania, I love the fall at home because all the leaves on the mountains change colors! It's my favorite time of the year J
Which past Sun Devil (any sport) do you wish you could have watched play?
Pat Tillman
What is the last book you read?
"Shaken" by Tim Tebow
What's your favorite song from your favorite artist?
Anything country, but always Rascal Flatts
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep the faith. It will always be worth it."
What is a movie that you can watch over and over again?
Pretty Woman
What is the best advice your parents ever gave you?
To never ever give up and put 100% into everything I do. It will ALWAYS be worth it
If you could be on any game show which would you choose?
Cupcake Wars…It just looks so fun!
If you could learn to do anything what would it be?
To sing
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Smiley, passionate, hard-working
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
The dishes…they are the worst haha
What is your best childhood memory?
Going to the Outer Banks, NC. This was the BEST trip ever!
What's your favorite TV show and why?
Friends...because how could you not love it. I've watched every episode at least 3 times
What is your favorite road trip destination?
Pensacola, Florida with my best friends
What is one place you really want to visit?
The Home Ranch in Colorado
If someone wrote a book about your life what would they title it?
Keeping up with the Szafranskis
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Jesus
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I never actually went to high school. I did online school from 7th grade until I graduated from High School.
Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
Courtney Kupets
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the sport of gymnastics?
Probably my sister, parents, and Parkettes coaches
What is your favorite gymnastics related memory?
Probably, getting to travel around the country for competitions, and doing it all with my sister since the beginning. Being at Super Six in 2016 and 2017 was an incredible experience too!
What is the hardest thing about competing as gymnast?
Always having a strong mind, day in and day out. Without being mentally tough in gymnastics, you can end up hurt or distracted very easily.
Do you have any personal goals for this upcoming season?
To contribute to the team in every and any way I can. Go devils!!