Jan. 6, 2016
By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com
One of Auburn's most decorated gymnasts hopes to go out on top.
Senior All-American Caitlin Atkinson will lead the Tigers into their season opener Sunday at 4 p.m. at Oregon State.
"I'm really excited just to get the ball rolling. We had a great year last year, so we just want to continue off of that," Atkinson said.
Last year, Auburn broke or tied 52 schools records, reaching the NCAA Super Six for the first time in 22 years.
"Every year is different, so it's a fresh start from last year because it is a new team, but also we're building off that momentum from last year and bringing it toward this year and really feeding of it and making that our goal again," Atkinson said. "The returners have that feeling of, 'we want to get back, we want to prove ourselves once again.'"
Thirteen letter winners return, with six freshmen joining the program.
"It's getting them acclimated, getting started, having fun, staying in our bubble and doing what we know how to do and what we've been training," Atkinson said. "We're just teaching the freshmen that it takes a lot of hard work and it's not just going to be handed to you because we got there last year. That doesn't mean we're going to get there this year. So it's just, 'keep working hard,' and that mentality, 'keep pushing.'"
Atkinson's experience is one reason the Tigers enter the season ranked No. 10, the highest preseason ranking in program history.
"I feel like it's already flown by. I can't believe I'm already a senior. I've got five months left. It's crazy to believe, but I've tried to make the most of every opportunity and every minute and gone through the ups and downs, but really looking forward to just finishing off strong with these girls," she said. "We have a great bond. We have a great team."
Of all the great gymnasts in Auburn history, none has scored higher in all-around than Atkinson. Her 39.750 in Birmingham last March was Caitlin's seventh consecutive all-around title in 2015. She won two against Alabama.
Being in top form in all four events (beam, bars, vault and floor) requires tremendous discipline and a big-picture mentality.
"Keeping that balance, just maintaining everything. It's a balance between things not just inside the gym but outside as well, especially once school starts. Keeping that balance between academics and athletics," Atkinson said. "Getting sleep, eating, all of those different things are really a hard thing to balance to be able to do my best at all four events and not just one. I'm a senior, so my body is wearing down, but making sure that I can maintain and keep it up. That way I can - at the end of the season - I can still keep pushing."
Atkinson admits it isn't easy.
"It's a little tough. You have to find that balance here and there. That compromise. It's not always exactly what I want to do or what the coaches want to do. It's looking long-term and figuring out what's best for the team, and 'how can we make it to the end and reach our end goal?'"
Auburn's goal? Return to nationals in Fort Worth in mid-April and be of the top six teams competing for the championship on the final night.
After Sunday's opening meet at Oregon State, the Tigers return to Auburn Arena for their home opener against Kentucky on Friday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. CT.
"It's very emotional. I'm super excited to embrace my last season, to really take everything in, and just enjoy every moment - that's my goal for this year as a senior. To really lead my team to be the best that we can be," she said. "I've been through three years, so I have a lot of experience, competing and being out there. I just want to lead my team. I want to make the most of it. But the main thing is I really want to have fun and enjoy every single second of it and take it for what it is because it's my last year and I'll never get it back again."