Courtney Bumpers Shines Like Other Tar Heel Legends
By Laisee Rintel

When students watched Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm play at UNC, they knew they were witnessing history in the making. But current students have the same chance to watch another one of the University’s all-time greats.

UNC senior Courtney Bumpers is one of the best gymnasts to ever attend Carolina. Bumpers is to Carolina gymnastics what Michael Jordan was to basketball and Mia Hamm was to soccer. Bumpers displays the same grace, power and artistry on the gymnastics floor that Jordan did on the basketball court.

Students should go watch Courtney Bumpers compete while she is still here at UNC. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have anymore home meets left, but it’s worth the travel to watch one of the remaining competitions.

Last year Bumpers was the floor exercise champion, and she has made this year’s routine even better. Bumpers nails tumbling passes no other college gymnast even attempts. Junior Claire Smith said that it’s Bumper’s leadership that really helps the team.

“She definitely leads by example,” Smith said. “We all look up to her. She really knows how to perform during competition. She knows how to have fun, too. That is valuable in a leader, just to lead your team in having fun because that part of the sport.”

Bumpers brings this same outlook to other areas of her life. She maintains a high grade point average as an environmental health science major. Bumpers sets a great example for the many young girls who look up to her. After the meets, children line up for autographs and for the chance to get a picture with the Tar Heel star. Bumpers said this experience is what she treasures most.

“It’s about the fans and the little kids and having them come down and want to get our autographs,” Bumpers said. “It’s knowing that they enjoyed the meet and that they want to be gymnasts one day, too. It just really means a lot.”

Head coach Derek Gavin never stops smiling when Bumpers competes. Like the other great Tar Heel legends, Bumpers has left a lasting impression on Carolina athletics.