Nov. 10, 2014
Freshman
Magnolia, Texas
By Megan Bifano
Kennedy Finister is one of the many new faces among the Tigers this year. The Magnolia, Texas, native was an NIT bars, beam and all-around champion in 2014 as well as a national qualifier in 2013. After winning two events and the all-around title in her last JO meet, Finister tore her Achilles during the preseason but is looking to make a speedy recovery.
Finister knew soon after her visit started that she wanted to spend her collegiate gymnastics career an Auburn Tiger because of the small town feel and beautiful campus that remind her of her own hometown in Texas. She is looking forward to feeling the support of her teammates backing her and is excited to show her "Auburn Pride" during the upcoming season.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I picked Auburn because I came and visited, and it's a great atmosphere. I knew right away when I stepped on campus. I said, `This is where I want to be.' It's a small town feel, and I came from a small town, so it wasn't a bad transition. I already had two friends on the team, so they helped make my decision easier."
Q: What is your favorite high school gymnastics memory?
A: "Probably this past season - my senior year. I went to NIT, and I won all-around and two events. That being my last JO meet, it was a good go-out."
Q: What is your most prized possession?
A: "My most prized possession is my Auburn Pride bracelet. You will never see me without it. I've worn it for a year straight, and I continue to wear it now."
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: "If I could go anywhere ... probably ... I don't know ... Australia maybe? I've heard good things about Australia."
Q: What do you like to do outside of gymnastics?
A: "Outside of gymnastics, I'm either hanging out with friends or listening to music. I love music."
Q: What teammate (past or present) do you look up to and why?
A: "Well, currently I'm looking up to Bri (Guy), because she tore both of her Achilles earlier this year. It's been about eight months out, and she's already getting back into lineups. Now that I've torn my Achilles, it's something to look up to. It's good inspiration."
Q: How is the transition to college going for you?
A: "My transition is going pretty well. If I wouldn't have come in the summer, I think it would have been even harder because summer has helped transition me. I got the feel of figuring out where everything was, and I got to come to practice right after school. So, I got into a routine there. When I started actual fall classes, it was easy."
Q: What are you looking forward to the most about being an Auburn Tiger?
A: "Athletically, I'm just looking forward to having a team being there to support me because last year when I was in club, it was just me and two other girls. So, having a team behind me and supporting me every step of the way is going to be nice."
Q: What does the Auburn Family mean to you?
A: "The Auburn Family: it's about being united and tradition. Everybody's super nice. They're more than happy to help you, to support you, and it's an atmosphere for everybody - kids, adults and grandparents alike. Everybody loves it, and it's something that will be passed down through generations."