Bridgette Caquatto is not the most experienced member on the Florida gymnastics squad. But as the Naperville, Ill., native prepares to start her sophomore season, she feels like she has already been tested.
Caquatto underwent two operations and battled stress reactions in her shins but still managed to compete in seven combined regular-season uneven bars and floor events — five of which were exhibitions — last year, starting in late January 2013. She missed UF’s first three meets of last season due to injury and did not compete in four others.
"It kind of makes your heart hurt a little bit when they’re out there competing," Caquatto said. "I wish I was more healthy last season, but I did rehab all last year."
Added coach Rhonda Faehn: "I felt so bad for her last year … she really wasn’t even cleared to start doing gymnastics until after Thanksgiving."
Despite her injuries, Caquatto contributed to the team’s national championship run when she recorded a career best of 9.95 on floor at the NCAA semifinals in Los Angeles.
"I know I wasn’t in my top shape," Caquatto said. "I feel a lot better this year. I remember last year I struggled a little bit just because it really takes a toll on your body when you get reconstructive surgery and whatnot."
Even though her back-to-back knee and shoulder surgeries were the first she underwent as a result of gymnastics, Caquatto said she never even entertained the idea of quitting the sport or giving up on collegiate gymnastics, opting to avoid surgery when possible.
"I would always take the option if I could just rest and rehab and let it heal," she said. "Once they go in there, there’s no turning back."
Caquatto spent extra hours every day last year conditioning, getting physical therapy and hands-on training with UF’s team trainer.
"For one ounce of prevention, it’s like one pound of care," she said. "You have to work all the time just to prevent those little injuries.
"The physical pain itself you’re always just going to have lingering around. I don’t think I’ll be 100 percent ever again."
UF senior Mackenzie Caquatto was another factor in her sister’s return to the mat. Mackenzie has also suffered her share of injuries.
"We both kind of have banged up bodies, so we would go rehab together," Bridgette Caquatto said.
During the first week of the 2014 season, Bridgette Caquatto suited up, stretched and practiced just like every other Gator. In warm-ups, she ran past a recent addition to the "Perfect 10 Wall," where all Gators who set UF program records with a perfect score of 10 are honored.
A picture of Mackenzie Caquatto was hung on that wall after she scored a perfect 10 on uneven bars event on Jan. 18, 2013, against Missouri.
Finally healthy this year, Bridgette Caquatto has a shot at getting her photo up on the wall next to her sibling.
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Bridgette Caquatto performs her floor routine during the NCAA Regionals on April 6, 2013, in the O’Connell Center. Caquatto missed part of the 2013 season due to injury, but she plans to return for the Gators’ first meet on Saturday.
