Before performing her floor routine during practice, Penn State senior gymnast Julie Stoloski can be seen drawing a chalk line to mark where her toughest maneuver begins. Unlike the chalk marking, however, Stoloski's presence as a hard worker and supportive teammate cannot be erased.

Legendary Oklahoma football coach Bud Wilkinson once stated, "If a team is to reach its potential, each player must be willing to subordinate his personal goals to the good of the team."

This statement exemplifies Stoloski's commitment and dedication to the Penn State women's gymnastics team.

On Saturday, the Penn State women's gymnastics team will compete against Ohio State at the Bryce Jordan Center. Instead of wearing a leotard, however, Stoloski will most likely be dressed in a warm-up suit. Facing stiff competition from a strong freshman class and a slew of deserving veterans, Stoloski has been forced into a diminished role during the 2003 season, a role that she has accepted with pride and dignity.

According to Shephard, the possibility that Stoloski will not compete in a match this season exists.

"Julie has done everything that we've asked of her," Shephard said. "I know it's frustrating for her not to be competing, but she needs to develop more consistency in her routines."

Stoloski may not be contending in match play, but that has not stopped her from remaining a strong part of the gymnastics squad.

"Even if I don't compete in a match, I will still be cheering for the team," Stoloski said. "It means so much to me just to be a part of the team."

Born on Feb. 21, 1981, in Newtown, Stoloski was encouraged to participate in sports by her parents, who both graduated from Penn State.

"I tried just about every sport growing up, but I decided when I was nine that I wanted to focus on gymnastics," Stoloski said.

After starring for Southampton Gymnastics and graduating from Council Rock H.S., Stoloski decided to follow in the footsteps of her parents and attend Penn State.

"It was a dream for me to come to Penn State and become a member of the gymnastics team," Stoloski said.

According to Penn State women's gymnastics assistant coach Jessica Bastardi, Stoloski's work ethic is one of the gymnast's main strengths.

"Because of all of her hard work, Julie has increased her skill level on the floor and beam tremendously," Bastardi said.

After spending her freshman and sophomore seasons developing confidence and more difficult routines, Stoloski was ready to contribute in competition as her junior season approached.

For the Penn State women's gymnastics team, the 2002 season was spoiled by injury as the Lions earned a 7-20 overall record. For Stoloski, on the other hand, the season served as an opportunity. Finding her way into the rotation in the vault, beam, and floor exercises, Stoloski competed in all but two meets.

"She really stepped it up for us last year by competing in three events," Penn State women's gymnastics coach Steve Shephard said.

Scoring a 9.800 on the balance beam and finishing 12th, Stoloski performed tremendously at the 2002 Big Ten Championships, capping a glorious end to a successful season.

With just over two months remaining in her gymnastics career, Stoloski's commitment to excellence has only grown stronger. According to Bastardi, Stoloski added a difficult pass into her floor routine in the last week, serving as a testament to her work ethic.

"Now that she's added more difficulty to her routine, she has the potential to make it back into the lineup," Bastardi said, adding, "If she finds consistency and keeps her routines clean, she can fight for a spot."

With her gymnastics career slowly coming to a close, Stoloski has set her sights on becoming an elementary school teacher, a career which would allow her to travel abroad to England after graduation. Education is a career that Stoloski may be well suited for; for the last four seasons, Stoloski has taught the Penn State women's gymnastics team the true meaning of dedication.