Washington — This time, they could really enjoy it.

No more uneasiness or anxiety. No more confusion about where to go. After all, it was at least the second year in a row that most of them have been to the White House and shook the president's hand.

Rick McKay/AJC (ENLARGE)

President Bush shakes hands with Megan Dowlen, a member University of Georgia's women's gymnastics team, during the South Lawn ceremony Tuesday honoring NCAA championship teams.

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"A little bit of the shock factor is gone and it's just you're taking in the honor. You're not so much starry-eyed and confused, you're just taking it all in," said Grace Taylor, a sophomore on the University of Georgia women's gymnastics team, also known as the "gym dogs."

President Bush congratulated the women's team, which clinched its fourth national championship in a row, and the men's tennis team, celebrating its second championship in a row, Tuesday on the White House lawn.

Luis Flores, a senior on the tennis team, also said the trip was more enjoyable this year, not just because they had been there before but also because they overcame a bout of unfortunate injuries to win the championship.

"It was a little sweeter," Flores said. "We were against the odds because we had to deal with a lot of adversity during the year. We were not expected to win, unlike last year."

Before the ceremony, the teams toured the White House and took pictures with Bush. Although it was the second time Taylor had been to the White House, she said it wasn't any less inspiring.

"I just love it," she said. "I'm on cloud nine. I loved history growing up, so just to be walking around in the pages of my history book - it's a dream come true."

Bush honored 20 national championship teams from smaller intercollegiate college sports, from women's bowling to men's and women's skiing.

"I appreciate the fact that you showed incredible discipline, skill, perseverance," Bush said. "It's hard to become a champ, and that's why we love to honor people here at the White House when you become one."

The four seniors on the Georgia gymnastics team have won the championship every year of their eligibility, and though Taylor said its sad to see them go, it also gives her inspiration to come back again.

"I'm halfway done. I only have two more chances and I look forward to coming back," she said.