Potential Magazine Fall 2015 - Florida Edition | Page 43
teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
15, 10th grade at Alabama Christian Academy
notable
AL USA Gymnastics-Athlete of the Year 2015; Presidential
Fitness Award; Armory Athletics Men Team (Level 4-9);
Carpenters for Christ Missions; Track; Chorus
motto
“You don’t have to be good at it when you start. You just have to
start to be good.”
how it began
Garrett McDaniel has competed in gymnastics for about nine
years. He has been named the Alabama USGA Athlete of the
Year, Alabama State Champion, and consistently placed in the top
three for several regional and statewide competitions.
“I never knew at the age of six when I first walked into the
Armory Gymnastics class how the sport would change my life,”
said Garrett. “Building my confidence, my strength and determination, it helps me to not back down from things that look
impossible and to put my all into the things I do.”
Gymnastics isn’t the only activity Garrett puts his all into.
When he’s not competing on the gym floor, he’s involved in
ministry. For the last three years, Garrett has traveled to Louisiana and North Carolina to help build churches with his biggest
inspiration, his dad.
“It doesn’t matter where we are, my dad will ask total strangers
(our waiter, the cashier, whoever): ‘Is there something we can
pray about for you today?’ said Garrett.
what’s next
garrett mcdaniel
In the future, Garrett sees himself specializing in sports medicine
as a physical therapist and also coaching gymnastics.
Montgomery, AL
PG (parental guidance) rating
With the support and influence of his parents, his youth minister,
and his coach, Garrett has grown into the person he is today. A
favorite piece of advice comes from his coach Eric Lewis: “If you
do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”
parents’ perspective
Steven and Kim McDaniel admire their son Garrett’s positive
attitude and dedication to constantly better himself daily, “even
when things are hard.”
“I’m his biggest cheerleader. I know he can do anything he sets
his mind and heart to do,” said Kim. “He doesn’t give up.”
parent-to-parent
As parents, Steven and Kim McDaniel are both guided
by the sacrificial love and support that came from their
parents growing up.
“The coolest thing was when my twin sister and I went to
opposing colleges Auburn and Alabama. They [my parents] still
shared their time, love and support to us both at each of our school
choices.
The two try to pass on that same love, encouragement and
support to their children. They encourage other parents to believe in
their children and “join in on the fun, be an active part of their lives,
and pr