Dec. 16, 2014
Sophomore
Fulshear, Texas
By Megan Bifano
Sophomore Kullen Hlawek holds a 9.800 career high on bars and scored a 9.825 on beam twice for a season best and another career high. The Fulshear, Texas, native is looking to help her team again in the 2015 season on uneven bars and beam.
Hlawek is majoring in Aerospace Engineering at Auburn and loves the large reach and hospitality of the Auburn Family. During her freshman season, Hlawek competed in 12 meets and proved to be a valuable and versatile member of the Tigers' roster. She is planning to do the same for her team in the upcoming season.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I chose Auburn because of the small town atmosphere. I grew up in a small town, and Auburn felt like home as soon as I arrived on campus. I also really like the "Auburn Family" atmosphere. Everyone is extremely nice and helpful and genuinely wants the best for you."
Q: Do you have any nicknames? How did you get it?
A: "I have quite a few nicknames. It just depends on the person who is talking to me. Most people here call me 'Kull' or 'Kully.' My teammates back home call me 'Hulk' because a lot of people pronounce my last name like that. Recently the nickname 'Queso' has popped up because I can make really good queso, and I'm from Texas. Generally though, I answer to 'Kull' or 'Kully.'"
Q: If we were to look on your iPod before a meet, what would be playing?
A: "Before a meet, I'll pretty much listen to anything that gets me really pumped up and ready to go. That can be anything from Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt to Ludacris and Kid Ink. I always listen to 'We Own It' from the Fast and Furious 6 soundtrack."
Q: Who are some of your role models?
A: "My parents are definitely my role models. They have always done everything they can for my sister and me. They always have a good head on their shoulders. If I ever have any problems, they are always there to help even if they don't quite know what I'm talking about. They are also always there to make me feel better when times are tough and can always make me laugh."
Q: What is your dream job when gymnastics comes to and end?
A: "My dream job when gymnastics comes to an end is a little different from most people. I plan on graduating with an Aerospace Engineering degree and going to work building missiles and rockets. Right now SpaceX and NASA are working on a lot of projects that are really interesting to me. My ultimate goal right now is to work in the defense industry, but I am only a sophomore so things can change."
Q: What teammate (past or present) do you look up to and why?
A: "I look up to quite a few of my teammates now. Former Auburn gymnast, Nikki Galluzzo, was a big role model for me because she always had a smile on her face and was always laughing, joking around and putting everyone in a better mood even when we were having a terrible day. Brittany Webster and Bri Guy are also big role models for me. Brittany and I are a lot alike in the gym, and she knows how to talk to me before events and when I'm struggling in order to keep me going. She was a big help in tough times during my freshman year. Even after her injury last year, Bri always kept a great attitude and kept pushing through. She is always there for advice and will always tell you the truth even if you really don't want to hear it! She has also helped me out a lot outside of the gym."
Q: Do you have any pre-meet superstitions?
A: "I'm very superstitious. Before a meet, I always listen to the same playlist and have a Sprite. For some reason, it always calms me down. I have little things I do before each event, too."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: "My favorite Auburn tradition is the eagle flying before each home football game. It gives me chills every time. I also like when people say "War Eagle" to me in random places. I get it a lot at home in Houston and in airports when I wear my Auburn gear. My parents hear it a lot, especially my dad when he travels. It helps me see that the Auburn Family is so big and in so many different places."
Q: What does the Auburn Family mean to you?
A: "The Auburn Family to me means just that ââ'¬¦ a family. We all aren't blood related, and we all come from different places around the world, but we are all always looking out for each other. We all want to see each other succeed and do their best. It also means opportunity. Hearing "War Eagle" in so many different places and in so many different backgrounds shows just how far you can go even after you have graduated. It also proves that the Auburn Family isn't just for the time that you go to school here but for the rest of your life. It's something I'm very thankful to be apart of."