Nov. 19, 2014
Freshman
Temecula, Calif.
By Megan Bifano
Sarah Garcia is a part of the Tigers large and talented freshman class. The Temecula, Calif., native, comes to Auburn as the 2013 NIT All-Around Champion and competitor at JO Nationals in 2010 and 2011. Garcia's teammates and desire to win will be her motivation as she looks to help the Tigers in the 2015 season.
Garcia feels as though being part of the Auburn Family is an experience like no other, the California girl is still adjusting to life in the South. Garcia is looking forward to competing in front of the Tigers fans and helping her team in any way that she can.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I chose Auburn because of the great academics, beautiful campus, southern hospitality and the coaches."
Q: Who was the person that got you into gymnastics?
A: "Technically, my parents. but I would have to give all the credit to my little sister, Rebekah. Unless she went out on the floor and did the class with me, I refused to participate because I was so shy."
Q: What is your most embarrassing moment?
A: "My sophomore year of high school, I was at a meet in Texas. Floor was our first event, and I over rotated my first pass - a double pike. I smacked my head on the ground but got up to finish the routine. I ended up spending the next minute and a half wandering, prancing, leaping, trying to dance around the floor while looking and talking to my coaches on the side for instructions, because I got a concussion from the first pass and forgot my floor routine in front of everyone. Somehow I still scored an 8.8 though!"
Q: Who are some of your role models?
A: "My Grandma is one of my role models, because she's always been there for me and supported me. She's also the most selfless person I know and will bend over backwards for the people she cares about. I hope to have half the character as her some day."
Q: What do you like to do outside of gymnastics?
A: "When I'm back at home, I like to go to the beach. In Auburn, I guess just hangout with my friends and have a good time. I like to watch hockey, too."
Q: What teammate (past or present) do you look up to and why?
A: "My teammate back at home, Kami Shows. She's still a senior in high school, but I've learned so much from her. She's taught me that if you love something and are determined to do something, you can bounce back from anything and make your dreams a reality."
Q: How is the transition to college going for you?
A: "It's not too bad. Coming in the summer definitely helped a lot. It's hard, but you have so much support and help from everyone that it makes it a lot easier and more enjoyable. But, it's definitely hard adjusting from California to Alabama."
Q: What are you looking forward to the most about being an Auburn Tiger?
A: "I'm really excited to just be able to start competing in front of all our fans, especially at home, with some of my closest friends. I love competing, so I'm just excited to help the team in any way I can this year and have fun doing it."
Q: What does the Auburn Family mean to you?
A: "To me, the Auburn Family means unity and tradition. There is so much tradition here that everyone experiences every day. It really makes you feel unified with the community and like you're a part of something special that someone who isn't apart of the Auburn Family wouldn't understand. Being a part of the Auburn Family is really an unexplainable experience."