In the latest episode of Mental Gymnastics, Dr. JD Barton is joined by Jacey Vore, a two-time Big Ten Champion at the University of Michigan. Before her collegiate career, Jacey was one of the nation’s top Level 10 gymnasts, earning the 2019 Level 10 National All-Around title, qualifying for the Nastia Cup three times, and finishing as a two-time runner-up in the event.

At Michigan, Jacey became a consistent presence in the Wolverines’ bar and beam lineups. Behind the scenes, however, she faced a significant challenge: an unexpected and intense mental block on vault that sidelined her from the event throughout her entire college career — until an emotional return on senior night, when she performed an exhibition routine.

In this episode, Jacey opens up about the emotional toll of that experience — from frustration to the fear of letting others down — and shares how she worked through those challenges, ultimately finding strength, resilience, and a new perspective during her time in college.

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This week we’re excited to bring you this interview with the talented Maggie Slife, who is currently dominating her junior season at Air Force! A two-time Mountain West Gymnast of the Year, she has also earned Specialist of the Year honors across the all-around and every event. Maggie holds multiple program and conference records, including a 9.975 on bars and beam and a 39.675 in the all-around, and ranks among the top eight gymnasts in the nation on bars and in the all-around. Since this interview was recorded ahead of conference championships, she has continued to build on an already historic season — helping lead Air Force to its first NCAA Regionals appearance in 24 years. Beyond her achievements in the gym, Maggie is known for her discipline, drive, and ability to balance excellence across all areas of her life, making her not only an elite athlete but an inspiring individual as well.

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This week we’re joined by Ava Jordan, a junior at the University of Michigan. In her freshman year, she competed on vault in all but one meet, notching a season-best 9.85 in her very first collegiate appearance. She took things up a notch during her sophomore season, consistently competing in both the vault and bars lineups and earning her first career 9.9 score on bars at the Big Ten Championships.

Now in her junior season, she’s making an even bigger contribution to the Wolverines by adding beam to the mix and scoring career highs on all three events: a 9.9 on vault, 9.925 on bars, and 9.95 on beam. Ava joins us to talk about what led her to Michigan, finding consistency on the competition floor, her future goals, and more.

Plus, stick around after the interview for our thoughts on Iowa State cutting its gymnastics program and some other highlights as we head into postseason.

Thank you to our monthly Patreon supporters:

Lee B, Cookiemaster, Happy Girl, Erica S, Semflam, Amy C, Maria L, Becca S, Cathleen R, Faith, Kerry M, Derek H, Sharon B, Randee B, MSU, Kimberly G, Robert H, Lela M, Mara L, Jenna A, Alex M,, Kelsey, Lidia, Maria P, Alicia O, Cristina K, Bethany J, Diane J, Kentiemac, Marni S, Betny T, Emily C, Cathy D, Lisa T, Libby C, Thiago, Taryn M, Dana B, Jamie S, Chuck C, Je_GL, Kaitlin, Susan P, Mallory D, LFC_Hokie, Ella, Debbie, Kay, Diane J, Julie B,, Austin K, Jane, Sarah, Amy, Stephen S, Johanna T, Alison S, Kristina T, Abigail W, Ola S, Jennifer K, Kate M, Claudia, Erin L, Sarah A, Thomas B, Kihika N, Beth C, Amy, Renee PM, Ryan V, Brandon H, Tyler, Hayley B, Ben S, Kate, Danielle, ALittleUnderRotated, Dana C, Grace, Pat G , Lexi G, Laura N, Kathy, Katie A, Ruby B,, Róisín, Megan J, Emily D, Britton, Ry Shep, Reyna G, William A, MB, Jackson G, Stella, Ulo F, Noah C, Melissa H, Alexis, William M, Trish, Susie, Leslie G, Catherine B, Karlin, Laura L, Katy S, J’nia G, Kathy M, Kathy S, Okcaro, Caroline P, JD B, Cookiecutter, Ailish D, Wil D, Caroline M, kcmojojojo, Sammy S, Fabio B, Kerry H, Ricardo A, Brandon, Leah D, Margaret G, Molly, Marco B, ClemsonTigersFan, Lisa B, DSO, Sarah M, Abigail M, Grace M, Laura A, Justin D, Paola, Kendrick C, Rich A, Ty T, Nicholas S, Becky E, Annsley M, Tere, Melody M, Stacey, Erica H, Kathy, Teressa, Angela C, Bridgett C, Ashley D, Whitney J & Amanda C!

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