As Golden Bears all over the country prepare to head back to campus next month for the upcoming school year, CalBears.com caught up with each of the Women's Gymnastics rising sophomores to recap some of their favorite moments from their first season in Berkeley. In this second Q&A of the series, Yuleen Sternberg shares memories of her favorite meet and practice. Read more below and check CalBears.com each week for a new Q&A featuring each of the rising sophomores, including last week's feature with Arianna Robinson.

CalBears.com: How did the team retreat last year help you adjust?

Yuleen Sternberg: It helped me get to know everyone better individually, and it allowed me to open up and trust everyone. Furthermore, It helped me realize that everyone is going through the same thing.  

CB: What is the biggest lesson you learned from our coaching staff as a freshman?

YS: Appreciate what we have, and don't forget where this team has come from. Trust yourself and each other. Communicate with each other.

CB: What was your favorite meet? Why?

YS:  The Powerful in Pink meet we had here at Cal because of the cause, environment, spirit and team “bubble” we were able to create.

CB: What surprised you the most about your freshman year?

YS: I was surprised by how rewarding it was to complete my classes and be out on the floor with the team.

CB: What was your favorite part about your first year at Cal, and why?

YS:  Learning at Cal and being with the team because it's such a great opportunity that not everyone can experience, and it feels great being around people who are family to you.

CB: What is the most useful thing you learned all year (either in the gym or in the classroom)?

YS: Be responsible and always go where you need to be 10-15 minutes early. Communicate to people, especially if there is a problem you need to face.

CB: What is your funniest memory you have from in the gym during your freshman year?

YS: There are so many that it's hard to say, but Senior Week was very entertaining when we dressed up as soccer players from the movie “She's The Man” for practice.  

CB: What was your favorite class during freshman year, and why?

YS: Nutritional Science 10 because it taught me everything from daily diets to how nutrients are digested through the body, and I found it very interesting.  

CB: What are you most excited about for next gym season? What are you looking forward to in your academics this year?

YS:  I'm looking forward to improving my skills and being able to perform at my best, along with creating more memories with the team and having some of the most amazing experiences in my life.

Academically I'm looking forward to taking new classes, meeting new people and figuring out what I love learning about most.

CB: What advice would you give to your new freshmen teammates?

YS: Figure out how you learn best and stay organized. Always try to be ahead of things, and don't procrastinate. Talk to people (teammates, coaches, advisors, professors, GSIs) and take advantage of all the resources around you if there's anything you need help with.