Shealy retires from gymnastics

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior Jacqueline Shealy has announced her retirement from gymnastics.

'I am retiring from the physical part of a sport that has meant so much to me, but not from the Alabama gymnastics team,' Shealy said. 'This program and these girls mean the world to me and I will continue to do everything I can to help make Alabama gymnastics the premier team in the country and win another championship.'

Shealy tore the ACL in her left knee during the dismount on the first uneven bars routine of her first meet as a freshman. She came back from that injury, scoring a 9.725 on the uneven bars in the first meet of her sophomore year against Auburn. But she tore the ACL in the same knee again, just days before the start of her junior season.

'There is no one who loves the University of Alabama or this program more than Jacqueline Shealy,' head coach Sarah Patterson said. 'Through all the adversity she has faced, she has remained a constant source of inspiration and support for her teammates. I know that Jac will continue to be a positive and productive member of this team as she moves forward.'

'I'll miss flying through the air,' Shealy said.

'I'll miss a lot of things about gymnastics, but I also realize that I am very fortunate to have been a part of a sport that I've loved since I was very small and that has made me into the person I am today. More than anything else, gymnastics gave me the opportunity to be a part of this program, which is not only so successful in the gym, but in helping us be the best we can be in all areas of our life.'

Shealy, who earned a spot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll last season, will continue to pursue her degree in public relations.

'I am extremely proud of what Jac has accomplished in the classroom and the fact that she earned SEC honors for her academic efforts,' Patterson said.

A native of Tuscaloosa, Shealy is a double Crimson Tide legacy. Her mother, Ann, was a member of Sarah and David Patterson's first team and was Alabama's first scholarship gymnast. Her father, Steadman, was quarterback on two Alabama football teams that won national championships, in 1978 and 1979.

As a young gymnast, Jacqueline trained in the same practice facility as the Crimson Tide.

'I idolized Alabama gymnasts growing up, seeing them in the gym before our club practices,' Shealy said. 'I use to dream of being a Crimson Tide gymnast and having had that opportunity has been a tremendous honor and is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.'

Shealy and her teammates will receive their 2009 SEC Championship rings during halftime of the Alabama-Arkansas football game Sept. 26, in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

'As we move forward we will be looking for ways to utilize what Jac is learning within her major along with her talent, personality and love of this university to help make our program better,' Patterson said. 'She will continue to be a great ambassador for our team and the University of Alabama.'