June 20, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. – A handful of Auburn gymnastics alums have lately reached major highlights in their professional careers.
Kelsey Thomasson Parramore came to Auburn from Mississippi and competed for Auburn from 2012-15. She was a part of the historic senior class in 2015 that led Auburn to the Super Six for the first time since 1993 and to the program's first-ever appearance in the SEC Championship night session.
Parramore recently earned her doctorate from Georgia State and caught up with AuburnTigers.com.
Q: Congrats on your recent accomplishment! What is your official title?
A: I am now a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Q: What made you choose physical therapy?
A: My entire career as gymnast I battled through injuries. Without the help of my physical therapists, I would not have made it to the level I did and would not have achieved my goal of doing college gymnastics. I chose this career because I want to be able to help people stay healthy so they can achieve their dreams and help promote a healthy lifestyle to others.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: I take my board exam in July and then look to begin my career as a physical therapist who works in both gymnastics and CrossFit facilities. These are two sports I am passionate about and they will give me the chance to treat a wide variety of athletes of all ages. I am excited to be a health care provider for the sports I love so dearly and I want to give back to them in any way I can.
Q: Who was someone that impacted your career choice?
A: All of my previous physical therapists/trainers like Janet Taylor guided me to this point. Without their dedication to help me succeed, I would not be the person I am today and would not have been able to be a gymnast for as long as I was. Their guidance inspired me to want to be that person for other athletes.
Q: You came to Auburn from Mississippi. What was it about the Plains that brought you here?
A: The moment I stepped on campus it immediately felt like home, even if "home" was kind of far away. I loved everything that this university and community had to offer and knew that Auburn was going to support me in my athletic and academic endeavors.
Q: You were a part of some big moments in Auburn gymnastics history. What was your favorite and why?
A: My favorite moment was standing on the floor with my teammates at the NCAA Championship in 2015 my senior year and hearing our name announced for qualifying into Super Six. That was a goal our class set out to accomplish and it was absolutely surreal to see it come to life. We put in four years of hard work and it paid off all in that moment. It was an incredible feeling I will never forget.
Q: What are some skills you learned from being a part of the team that are helping you now?
A: I learned how important it is to put others before yourself and to have fun doing what you love. Our team was always at its best when we were working hard for each other and trying to be the team out on the floor having the most fun. These skills carried me through the challenging three years of physical therapy school as it helped me stay focused on why I chose this career even when studies and clinics were stressful.
Q: What was the best part about being a student-athlete on the Plains?
A: I loved the community I gained through Auburn Athletics. I will forever value the friendships I made through gymnastics and from the other sports. We truly are a family and it always great to be reunited with other alumni.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to current and future Auburn gymnastics athletes, what would it be?
A: Enjoy every moment, cherish each other, and pursue your dreams no matter how big they are. Auburn is there to support you no matter what and you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.
Q: Auburn is a place full of traditions. What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
A: My favorite Auburn tradition is watching the eagle fly on game day. Every time I am home on the Plains for game day it gives me chills and you won't see any tradition like it anywhere else.
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