Nov. 24, 2014
Freshman
Baton Rouge, La.
By Megan Bifano
Blake Jones will be a new part of the Tigers lineup for the 2015 season. From Baton Rouge, La., this Auburn Tiger was the Louisiana Level 10 State Vault champion and placed third on vault at the Level 10 Regional Qualifier in 2014. Jones is eager to help her team out this season in the Auburn Arena on vault and floor.
Jones has fallen in love with life on The Plains and has felt welcomed by Auburn's family-like atmosphere. She is excited to compete with her team and is ready to push herself for the 18 other girls in order to achieve their goals during the upcoming season.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I chose Auburn for several reasons. After stepping onto the campus for the first time and seeing how beautiful it was and how friendly everyone was combined with the stellar academics, I was sold. The coaching staff and gymnastics program was also a huge factor in my decision."
Q: If you could have dinner with any person (athlete or not) who would it be and why?
A: "If I could have dinner with anyone it would have to be Rebel Wilson from Pitch Perfect. She is a great actress and hilarious, so I think it would be a very memorable and fun dinner."
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: "I would say my biggest pet peeve is individuals who have a bad attitude and complain a lot. I love surrounding myself with happy people who lighten and brighten my day, and I feel like I get very frustrated with people who complain a lot or always have a bad attitude."
Q: What is your dream job when gymnastics comes to an end?
A: "I would love to work as a gymnastics coach at my home gym in Baton Rouge for a little while when gymnastics comes to end, but long term, I would like to be a physician's assistant. I would want to work in a hospital or clinical setting in pediatrics since I love kids."
Q: What do you like to do outside of gymnastics?
A: "Outside of gymnastics, I love to read, watch movies with my friends and listen to music. Reading is one of my favorite past times, but I do not get to read as much as I would like with such a busy schedule."
Q: What teammate (past or present) do you look up to and why?
A: "I have always looked up to Ashley Lee, who was an older girl at my gym when I was younger. She walked on to LSU's gymnastics team and was eventually given a scholarship. I have always admired her handwork, determination and positive attitude."
Q: How is the transition to college going for you?
A: "Initially, it was kind of difficult being away from home, my parents and my club coach, especially in the summer. As we started getting into required practice, things started to get easier, and I felt like I was getting the hang of things inside and outside the gym. Now, I couldn't picture anything different since I love it here so much."
Q: What are you looking forward to the most about being an Auburn Tiger?
A: "I am very excited for competition season to begin. I hear all the upperclassman talking about how exciting it is and telling stories from meets, but I cannot wait to experience it for myself. I am most excited to hear my name called out in the arena and running out with my team!"
Q: What does the Auburn Family mean to you?
A: "Being a part of the Auburn Family means being a part of the tradition. There is something special about Auburn and this University that you can only find on this campus. Everyone is so nice and is so willing to go out of their way to help you or say hi. So, being a part of that is special in itself!"