While there remains a debate about the actual geographic center of the state, 80 years after an Iowan wrote one of Texas' most famous songs and several artists, ranging from Bing Crosby to Arcade Fire, turned it into a hit — "Deep in the Heart of Texas" is part ritual and myth in present day — there is no debate about Baumann's connection to the Lone Star State.
Texas is home.
It's where as a 3-year-old, Baumann started an adventure that led her around the country and the globe. It's where she launched a gymnastics career that has produced an array of honors, including the first gymnast to win three consecutive Southeastern Conference beam titles. It's where she developed the skills to one day become teammates with some of the most prolific Olympic gymnasts of her era, names such as Simone Biles, Madison Kocian and Kyla Ross.
It's where Alyssa's parents, Greg and Jarol Baumann, drove miles and miles to competitions for Alyssa and her younger sister, University of Georgia senior gymnast Rachel Baumann, as they grew up in Plano, a northern suburb of Dallas.
Ask Greg Baumann how many competitions he thinks he has been to over the years, and he immediately roars a big chuckle.
"Oh my god, like a thousand,'' Greg said. "It's been a lot. I think maybe I missed one of her college meets. That's about it."
Following Alyssa's 9.9375 score on the floor routine that helped the Gators set an NCAA Championship team record in the event, her dad high-fived and hugged anyone within arm's length.
A Super Senior, Baumann took advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted by the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down the 2020 postseason to return for her definitive swan song in the sport. She wanted a final shot at a national championship.
Baumann turns 24 next month and her career has already outlived the majority of her contemporaries and those she trained with at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy back in Plano.
Knowing the finish line was in sight, Baumann tried to remain in the moment this season and take time to appreciate the final stage of her gymnastics journey.
"I don't even think I've been able to process it yet,'' she said. "There's been points throughout the season where I'm like, 'it's really the last time.' Because last year, I knew all along that it could be the last time, but if I didn't want it to be, then I could go again."
The Gators advanced to the 2021 NCAA Championships in Fort Worth but finished fourth. They won the second semifinal on Thursday night and compete with Auburn, Utah and Oklahoma on Saturday for the national championship.
The dream finish is within reach.
UF head coach Jenny Rowland, in her seventh season, has watched Baumann evolve from promising newcomer into a face of the program. Baumann delayed her enrollment at UF after a serious elbow injury suffered preparing for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, and once she regained her form, she served as one of the most important pieces of the program the last five seasons.
Baumann's experience and maturity have helped her turn in another strong season and stay focused in a day and age where distractions are a click away.
"I believe 100 percent she's going to make the most of this moment, the most of this opportunity,'' Rowland said. "That's what she's been doing all year long. Alyssa is just dialed in every day in the gym and it shows that on the competition floor. I know she's ready to go in and show everybody the special amazing gift that she has and looking forward to finishing on a strong note."
Baumann returned home this week with one mission in mind: Florida's first national championship since 2015.
"We all know that's our goal,'' she said. Whatever happens Saturday afternoon, Baumann is content with her decision to return at an age when few could do what she has done at this level.
"I'm just trying to take it all in. I love gymnastics. I love practicing. I love competing,'' she said. "I already don't have any regrets for this season. I think that we really give it everything we have. We have done a phenomenal job so far.
"It's an exciting meet. To finish off where I began my gymnastics career about 21 years later, it's just exciting."
Greg Baumann and the rest of the family plan to do what they have done so many times. Cheer for Alyssa and the Gators and hope for the best.
That would be a perfect ending to what has been a long, memorable trip from deep in the heart of Texas, to many places in between, and finally, back home.
"It's exciting and it's also bittersweet too, you know, being her last time to compete. She has been doing this for so long and she's really enjoyed it, brought a lot of joy and life to us,'' Greg Baumann said. "I'm glad they're here and I'm glad they have a chance to go compete for the championship.
"We're very blessed. We've got some great kids and they worked really hard. They have put their soul into this sport, and it shows."
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Baumann Back At Home, A Perfect Ending Within Reach - Florida Gators
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