by LARRY VAUGHT
Delaynee Rodriguez is a versatile gymnast who competed in the all-around competition in 10 meets her freshman season with a season-best score of 39.450. She competed in bars, beam and floor in all 14 meets and 10 times was the leadoff on vault with a season best of 9.850. She had a season-best 9.9 on beam, 9.875 on floor and 9.950 on bars.
The Las Vegas native tied for first in the all-around competition in No. 8 UK’s win over No. 3 Alabama with a 39.450 total. She scored 9.8 on vault, 9.9 on bars, 9.9 on beam and 9.85 on floor.
“Beam was our best rotation and Delaynee started it with an amazing routine. Normally you do not get a 9.9 from the leadoff spot,” UK coach Tim Garrison said. “She is such a pleasant young lady and is unfazed at all times. It’s just a personality thing with her.
“Big moments don’t seem huge for her. She enjoys them and doesn’t ever think the moment is too big. She just goes out with the attitude do what you do, have a good time and do not feel the pressure. I think you will always be nervous and will never not have nerves. She gets those like anybody else but the nerves never overtake her.”
Garrison believes the best is yet to come for his star sophomore.
“She is a special personality but she is also a special talent. She has unlimited ability to compete, train hard and just be an amazing person,” Garrison said.
