Dec. 19, 2014
Freshman
Mandeville, La.
By Megan Bifano
Cara Stricklin is the sixth new face on the Tigers' roster this season. The Mandeville, La., native was a two-time national qualifier and Courtney Kupets All-Around Champion as well as the winner of eight bars titles during Level 10. Stricklin was the co-valedictorian prior to Auburn and plans to use her skills to help the Tigers in the 2015 season.
Stricklin views Auburn as a "home away from home" and sees it as the perfect balance of academics and athletics as she majors in Exercise Science with a minor in Polymer and Fiber Engineering. Stricklin enjoys the bond with her teammates along with her fellow athletes and is looking forward to beginning her first season with the Tigers.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "Who doesn't love Auburn? For me, it was the perfect blend of academics, athletics and the college-town feel I was looking for in a university. The facilities here are fantastic, and there is nothing like the Auburn Family."
Q: Who was the person that introduced you to gymnastics?
A: "The story goes: When I was 2, I climbed on the back of the couch and stood there long enough to get my aunt's attention and tell her something. My mom was stunned that I was standing on a ledge that was taller than I was, so after that she enrolled my sister and me in gym classes."
Q: What is your favorite professional team?
A: "I don't follow professional sports that much, but I always like to go to Zephyrs games, which is the minor league baseball team in New Orleans."
Q: What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
A: "My favorite home-cooked meal is probably anything that my dad grills. I don't know if it's the way he seasons certain foods or if he's seasoned the grill, but everything is delicious."
Q: What do you like to do outside of gymnastics?
A: "Outside of the gym, I mostly hang out with my friends. Every so often, the freshman class will get together in one room and cook breakfast for dinner. It's always fun when we get the six of us together. Other than that, I like to go to the various parks and nature trails around Auburn."
Q: What teammate (past or present) do you look up to and why?
A: "I would have to say Brittany Webster. She always has a good attitude in the gym and cheers on everyone else during workouts. She's also trying really hard right now to help me fix my floor dance, and I have to admire her persistence."
Q: How is the transition to college going for you?
A: "The college transition really wasn't that difficult for me. Summer school and open workouts were new. Once I got the hang of that, we moved into the fall semester and required training, but it's been going well."
Q: What are you looking forward to the most about being an Auburn Tiger?
A: "There's a real sense of community here among my teammates and other athletes that is incomparable to anything else. We all love Auburn and are willing to do what it takes to make it to championships. Just being surrounded by that attitude is motivation in itself to work as hard as we can to achieve our goals."
Q: What does the Auburn Family mean to you?
A: "The Auburn Family means that you have a home away from home in this town. Everyone is united by the same traditions and sense of community. It means that if you meet an Auburn fan halfway across the world, you'll be greeted with a warm "War Eagle!" That is something truly special to Auburn, and I love it."