In conversation with ballet phenom Misty Copeland, the University of Florida junior opens up about the challenges of balancing school with elite athletics, destigmatizing mental health among athletes, and one of greatest sources of joy .Portrait & action shot: Getty Images / Team celebratory Shot: Hannah White / Design by Channing Smith
In her precious free time, McCusker is like any other college kid; she loves playing with her dog, watching Netflix, and making jewelry, and is always up for a last-minute trip to the beach. Here, the Gator talks with iconic American ballet dancer Misty Copeland about the pressure of being a student athlete, the nonprofit she plans to start, why having a support system is vital as a young woman, and more. Here’s their conversation.
I’ve had a couple of challenges, one going into this past season. I had a small tear in my wrist that kept me out for the majority of our regular season, and that was very difficult for me. It was harder sitting out than I thought it would be. And then I was put in our sixth lineup spot, which was kind of a fill-in case somebody can’t go. And that was hard too.