Togetherness Driving Pitt Forward
3/10/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
March 10, 2011
Even after competing in gymnastics for the last 19 years, Pitt's Shannon Vafiadou found herself in a situation she'd never experienced before.
"I broke my ankle and sprained my other ankle," Vafiadou said. "I was in two boots for a while. When the trainer and I talked about it, there was a good chance I wouldn't be back this year."
Still, the three-time All-EAGL performer did everything she could to support the team while trying to give herself the best chance possible to get back to competition for the Panthers. She rode the exercise bike and did pushups, ab workouts and handstands. She also did more toe-raises than she cares to remember.
After a few weeks, Vafiadou seemed like she was on track and would have a chance to make a return. On Tuesday, she began vaulting again at practice and is setting herself up for competition through Pitt's final few weeks of the season and into the postseason - her final chance to suit up for the Panthers.
"I've wanted to be able to compete, and I didn't want my senior year to end with an injury," she said. "I think it's going to be awesome to get back out there."
With hard work, Vafiadou is getting a chance to help her team down the stretch. But the standout senior has already helped plenty off the mat with support and dedication to her teammates when they're going through difficult situations. One of those teammates is freshman Nikki Galluzzo, who fractured her hand in November and was limited in a cast for eight weeks. Galluzzo and Vafiadou spent time together during their injuries, encouraging one another and helping in any way they could.
"Coming in as a freshman, I just wanted to compete," Galluzzo said. "When you get hurt it's not easy. You want to be a part of what the team is doing. But the team is very supportive and that's what you need.
"Everyone has gone through injuries and we understand it is just the nature of the sport. We're out there flipping our bodies in ways most people have never tried. When there is an injury, you have to help one another."
Like Vafiadou, Galluzzo is finally back at practice with Pitt and is looking to contribute to the team in a big way in the coming weeks. She participated in the exhibition segment of the last two meets and is hoping to crack the lineup on bars through the season's end.
"More than anything, I want to get a high score that's going to count toward the team score so we can reach our goal," Galluzzo said. "That's really all I'm worried about."
Vafiadou, who serves as President of the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee, echoed the same thoughts. After nearly two decades in the sport, she knows she can help the Panthers move forward and continue to make positive strides.
"We're down a performer on vault right now, and that has always been my best event," she said. "This being my last year, it'll be bitter-sweet. I don't want it to end.
"I am excited to come back and prove that I can get through this," she added. "I want to go out on a high note."
Pitt faces Ohio State and Missouri on the road this weekend before traveling to the EAGL Championships in Washington, D.C. on March 19.