Head Coach Meredith Paulicivic: Her Journey, Injuries, Coaching, and Recruiting!
I had the pleasure of catching up with one of my former club gymnastics coaches, now head coach of the Ohio State women’s gymnastics program, Meredith Paulicivic. A little tired after a meet and from being on the road during college gymnastic season yet still enthusiastic to talk gymnastics. We talked about her gymnastics journey, coaching and even some college recruiting tips. Meredith is a native of Twentynine Palms, CA, a city located in San Bernardino County. Meredith was a competitive gymnast that went on to compete for the University of Utah women’s gymnastics team.
Dr. Lina: Meredith, what was your college student-athlete experience like?
Meredith Paulicivic: It was life changing. Going into college, I lacked confidence, but the community service we did, the life-long friendships I made, the education and learning experiences helped in a positive way. It helped shape me into the person I am today.
Dr. Lina: Because I am a doctor, I ask this question to everyone. Did you have any injuries or setbacks throughout your college career? How did you overcome them?
Meredith Paulicivic: Yes! Right after we won an NCAA team title, I tore my labrum in my shoulder. Also, during my career, what we thought was a bad case of shin splints turned out to be much worse and I had to have multiple surgeries. Some moments were more challenging than others, but I stayed positive and persevered. I earned my bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science from the University of Utah.
After college, Meredith became a club gymnastics coach at SCEGA gymnastics located in Temecula, CA. She spent many years at SCEGA as a head coach and head choreographer for beam and floor (Her choreography skills are stunning; I know this first hand). She also coached six U.S. National Team members, including world bronze medalist Rachel Tidd. After her successful career of coaching club gymnastics, she spent a season as an assistant coach at the University of Arizona and then two seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, the University of Utah from 2015-2017. She made considerable contributions to both programs.
Dr. Lina: What made you switch from coaching club gymnastics to college gymnastics?
Meredith Paulicivic: I always knew I wanted to coach both club and college gymnastics. I loved coaching club gymnastics from the compulsory girls all the way to the elite gymnasts. I felt I had a successful career in coaching club gymnastics and the timing was right to make the switch to college gymnastics. I also enjoyed the bonds I had developed with the high school gymnasts pursuing college gymnastics and their transition into college gymnastics. At the time, everything fell into place.
Dr. Lina: That makes sense. How do you think coaching elite gymnasts prepared you for coaching college gymnasts?
Meredith Paulicivic: You know I now coach a wide variety of gymnasts, all coming from different gymnastics backgrounds. Some are elite level some are not. I think my extensive knowledge of teaching gymnastics technique at a club gym for so many years helps me in my current position. Proper technique and form are fundamental in the sport of gymnastics. I feel I can meet a gymnast at her skill level and help her develop, improve, or maintain from there.
Dr. Lina: You definitely know technique and I see how that would be an asset! What are you looking for when you’re out recruiting besides gymnastics performance?
Meredith Paulicivic: We are looking for gymnasts that genuinely love the sport of gymnastics. A gymnast that not only loves doing gymnastics but watching and learning about gymnastics, gymnasts who take their education seriously and demonstrate time management skills. Also, I’m looking for gymnasts who are eager to learn, coachable and self-motivated.
Dr. Lina: We all know that scholarships can be limited at many institutions but what advice do you have for a young athlete with a dream to pursue college gymnastics (even as a walk-on) but may have a history of injuries?
Meredith Paulicivic: I would say communicate with your coaches, parents and doctors throughout your healing process. Don’t give up on your dream. Focus on getting healthy, keeping a positive attitude, and gradually getting back to your optimal performance level. Competing as a college athlete can still happen!
Meredith joined the Ohio State Buckeye team in May of 2017. In her first season, she led them to a third-place finish at the NCAA Columbus Regional Championships where they scored a 196.500, a record high at an NCAA Regional Championship in the history of the program! Meredith’s second season as head coach with the Ohio State women’s gymnastics team is well underway, and they are ready for the competition! Meredith is a prime example of a gymnastics nerd. Her hard work, talent, knowledge, experience, and discipline fused with her love of the sport of gymnastics makes her the ideal candidate for this position. I can say from experience these girls are blessed to have her and her cliché jokes! Thanks, Meredith for your time and being apart of Dr. Lina Colleagues and Friends!