The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: DANIEL SHIREY [Click to enlarge]

The image of a UCLA gymnast quaking in her blue and gold leotard is a funny thought, especially after Georgia coach Suzanne Yoculan said the Bruins have been eagerly pointing to Sunday's matchup all season.

But Georgia's Courtney McCool is back, and after a 9.950 on beam last weekend against Florida, UCLA and the rest of the country have even more of a reason to fear the four-time defending Gym Dogs.

"I feel like we have more confidence, like even a more confident walk to an event knowing that she's in the lineup," said junior Grace Taylor. "I think it's very intimidating for everyone else to know that she's back, especially the way that she came back. I would be shaking in my leotard if I was somebody else."

McCool had been out since the preseason with a fractured bone in her foot she sustained in December. But she did exhibitions against Arkansas two weeks ago and her official 2009 debut as part of the Gym Dogs' 198.2-196.65 romp over Florida last week.

But her teammates say having the 2008 national champion on floor exercise back in the lineup is more than just another score. They say it's more about a feeling, a "calm confidence." And McCool echoed the sentiment.

"That's the exact feeling I have being a part of this team when I get in there," McCool said. "When I get a chance to do what I'm here to do, when I get a chance to do what I've been blessed to be able to do, it's like an at-home feeling. I feel so connected to everyone when I do it that I'm at ease myself. It's contagious."

McCool, who had her marquee front handspring beam mount named after her at the 2004 Olympics, is still working on getting back in condition for floor exercise. She said she'll possibly be back on floor for the Gym Dogs' last home meet of the season against Michigan, and definitely by the time the postseason starts with SECs on March 21.

And whether or not she's in the lineup, McCool makes a difference.

"I'll say it 600 times," Taylor said, "shemakes this team better. Even when she wasn't necessarily doing gymnastics, she was vital. But doing gymnastics, it's awesome."

The Gym Dogs' meet with UCLA on Sunday will be televised live on Fox Sports West, which Yoculan said will be the first live telecast of an NCAA gymnastics meet in "at least 10 years."

And it's a good thing McCool will be there too.

"McCool out there just makes everyone feel awesome," said senior Courtney Kupets, smiling. "The girl just has something about her that, when she's out on that floor, it makes everyone feel awesome. So I think we'll keep her."

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