Injured Alabama Gymnast Embracing New Role

While Jordyn Paradise hasn't been able to compete for the Crimson Tide yet this season, that hasn't stopped her from playing an important part in Alabama's hot start.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It is pretty rare for an injured to athlete to get chosen by the Alabama communications staff for a media availability at any point during his or her injury. 

And with Crimson Tide gymnastics off to a sizzling start on the season, there's no shortage of gymnasts that could've been selected for a midweek press conference ahead of Alabama's home matchup against No. 3 Kentucky. But while she hasn't competed yet this season, and likely won't according to head coach Ashley Johnston, junior Jordyn Paradise was one of the two gymnasts at the podium for Alabama on Tuesday. 

Paradise has an undisclosed injury, but has been seen with a large brace on her left leg at some of Alabama's early home meets. After the Arkansas meet, Johnston said she doesn't expect to see Paradise compete this season, but that she couldn't say it with certainty. 

When asked, Paradise didn't say what her injury is or choose to share her timeline for a return. However, she did share what she is concentrating on.

"This season, I’m just taking it day by day," Paradise said. "I’m not focusing on the past, I’m not focused on the future. I’m just staying in the moment that we’re in, and doing what I can to help better this team.”

And what she's doing to help better the team is embracing the role of door holder No. 3. The phrase comes from a video of an excited little British boy sharing with his mother his "classic part" in his Christmas play. The mom guesses Joseph or a wise man, before the little boy proudly proclaims that he is door holder No. 3.

He was so excited to hear about his role in the Christmas play! He’s teaching us something… pic.twitter.com/GClUcoy0lJ

— Anthony Bradley (@drantbradley) November 29, 2023

"He was so excited to be apart of something so special," Paradise said. "I think the big thing is, we as a team have a job we have to do. So finding any way we can to help make this team better is what we’re focused on.”

Johnston said the video has been circulating throughout the team to show that everyone's role is important and valued among the team. It reminds her of her junior season where an injury kept her out all year and forced her to watch from the sidelines as her team won a national title in 2011. 

"That perspective for me was the year that I grew the most as a leader, as a teammate, as just being able to see the bigger picture," Johnston said. "We talk a lot about that as at team— whether you’re on the sideline, whether you’re competing, whatever role you’re playing, it’s important and a difference maker.

"And Jordyn has really taken ahold of that message, and she is the one that’s encouraging on the sidelines. She is the one that’s helping them prepare and be ready when it’s time to perform. She’s been there in the lineups, and now she’s able to see it on the other side. I think it’s going to help her grow. I think it’s going to help her be better once she’s back in those lineups again."

Fifth-year senior Mati Waligora said that on National Puzzle Day on Monday, assistant coach Amelia Hundley made an 18-piece puzzle that represented each person on the team as another reminder of the part that each person plays for the overall success of the team. Waligora got emotional talking about what Paradise has meant for this year's Alabama gymnastics team. 

"I’m so proud of everything she’s doing in the gym for this team," Waligora said. "It makes me teary. She’s just been such a strong leader, such a strong role model. I’m just proud of her for coming in the gym every day, giving it all she can for this team.”

Paradise quickly found herself in the lineups as a true freshman, debuting on vault in Alabama's very first meet in 2022 and scoring a career high 9.95 on vault that year against Arkansas. She competed in the vault lineup almost every meet that season while also appearing a few times on the uneven bars with a career-best 9.9. Last season, she was a mainstay in the vault lineup while also competing on bars six times. This season, she is a faithful encourager and cheerleader from the sidelines.

Jordyn Paradise on the uneven bars in 2022 / Alabama Athletics

"I’ve embraced every role I can," Paradise said. "That’s what everyone on this team does. There’s so many more parts to it than just the gymnastics part of it. I think that’s something a lot of people don’t realize. And so it’s just focused on being present where you are, where your feet are—staying in the moment with this team.”

Alabama gymnasts Jordyn Paradise, Makarri Doggette and Lillian Lewis hug to celebrate the victory at Florida / Alabama Athletics

Johnston has experimented with different lineups through the first four meets, highlighting the gymnasts different strengths and events. The Crimson Tide has scored above a 197 in each meet this season, and is coming off a road win at Florida last week. 

Now, No. 6 Alabama prepares for another top-10 showdown with No. 3 Kentucky coming to Coleman Coliseum Friday night. And while it's highly unlikely that Paradise will be in any of the four lineups against the Wildcats, she almost certainly will be there with a big smile, proudly playing the role of door holder No. 3 for the Crimson Tide and her teammates. 

Crimson Tide Roll Call: Friday, February 2, 2024