Megan Ruzicka

Position:
AA
Height:
5-4
Class:
Graduate Student
Hometown:
Plainfield, Ill.
High School:
Plainfield East
Prev School:
Iowa

As a Sophomore (2016 at Iowa):

Did not make any appearances • Big Ten Distinguished Scholar • NACGC/W Scholastic All American.

As a Freshman (2015 at Iowa):

Did not see action • Earned Dean’s List honors for the year • NACGC/W Scholastic All American.

Prep:

Trained at S Illinois Gymnastics Institute • Graduated from Plainfield East High School in Plainfield, Ill. • Served as team captain in 2013 and 2014 • Level 9 Regional qualifier in 2011 • 2012 Illinois State Champion on floor and vault • Illinois Level 10 State 1st Place Senior Team member in 2014 • Member of National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and Spanish Club in high school • Named AP Scholar with Honors.

Personal:

Daughter of Kathy and Scott Ruzicka • Birthday is Sept. 1 • Joins the Tar Heels as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility remaining • Spent her first two years in college at Iowa and was on the gymnastics team • Transferred to Northwestern University but did not compete • Sister, Kristin, is a bowler at Maryville University • Graduated in the top 2% of her class in high school • Member of Women in Science and Engineering club, Mathematics club, Statistics club and Actuarial Science club at Northwestern University.

Getting to Know Megan:

Major: Statistics and Operations Research

Career Plans: Healthcare Consulting

Nickname: Megs

What is the best thing about being at UNC? The people here genuinely care about your well-being and want you to succeed

Away from gymnastics and my academic pursuits, I like to spend time… I like to hike, travel and read

My greatest strength as a gymnast is… my determination

Biggest sports thrill and why? Nail-biter football game in the 4th quarter because teams play with so much heart

Person who had the greatest influence on your career and why: Allison Bushman and Jennifer Green. Allison because she has overcome so many obstacles with grace and has inspired me to always do my best in everything I do. Jennifer because she has taught me how to believe in my ability and goals.

Favorite Book: Eat Pray Love

Favorite Food: Pumpkin Spice Coffee Drinks

Funny or interesting fact about yourself: I can kick a 25-yard field goal

Favorite class at UNC and why: EXSS 612 — it is challenging, but also rewarding when you solve a problem

At what age did you first start participating in gymnastics and what is your earliest memory of gymnastics? Age 8 — I remember getting my kip

The funniest nickname on the team belongs to: J-Love (Julianna Love)

What song would you sing if you were on The Voice? 2002 by Anne Marie

What reality show would you most like to be on? Survivor

My favorite guilty pleasure is: Chocolate chips and cream cheese

If I could go to dinner with one famous person it would be: Ellen Degeneres

The most interesting person I’ve met at UNC is: Mike Giaria

People say I look like… Shawn Johnson