Freshman Hannah Jung: Affirmations

Over her five years of practicing taekwondo, freshman Hannah Jung has maintained a pregame ritual to keep her centered before competitions. She first checks the quality and condition of the mat before relaxing her body and mind, and then she reminds herself to perform to the best of her abilities, regardless of the situation. “I always compete with the (mindset) of whatever happens, happens,” she said.

Jung developed this routine when she was younger and struggled with pre-competition anxiety. “I started competing (at) a young age, so I (would) struggle with confidence in my ability,” she said. “I ask what I can do for myself, and the answer I come up with is being in control.”