AUBURN, Ala. – A handful of Auburn gymnastics alums have lately reached major highlights in their professional careers.
Nikki Galluzzo came to Auburn as a transfer in 2012 and spent the next three years on the squad. She was a contributor on bars as well as in the classroom, earning academic recognition from the Southeastern Conference.
Galluzzo recently earned her doctorate from the New York Institute of Technology and caught up with AuburnTigers.com.
Q: First of all, congrats on your recent accomplishment! What is your official title?
A: Doctor of Physical Therapy and I have recently passed my licensing exam so it's official!
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: I will begin my career as a Physical Therapist working with a pediatrics population coming this September and continuing to work with gymnasts.
Q: Was physical therapy something you had in mind when you arrived at Auburn? How did Auburn help you achieve your goal?
A: Yes, becoming a physical therapist was my ultimate goal when arriving at Auburn. I graduated with a degree in Exercise Science. The kinesiology program prepared me to apply to physical therapy school.
Q: Who was someone that impacted your career choice?
A: Janet Taylor, Auburn gymnastics former ATC, and Dave Walsh inspired me to pursue a physical therapy career. Without their endless support, I would have not been a successful Auburn gymnast.
Q: What was your favorite class and why?
A: I loved all of my kinesiology classes since it was geared towards movement and fitness.
Q: You came from Auburn as a transfer. What was it about the Plains that brought you down south from the northeast?
A: Everything about Auburn from the campus to the small hometown feeling and most of all the people really sold me on coming down! As soon as I walked into the Arena, I knew this was the place I wanted to compete at. I call Auburn my happy place!
Q: What do you think is the most important thing you learned while being a gymnast at Auburn?
A: The most important thing I learned as an Auburn gymnast was the value of teamwork. Each person played a huge part of my own success and that of the teams.
Q: What was the best part about being a student-athlete on the Plains?
A: Being a student-athlete was a privilege on the Plains and all the staff and coaches were supportive of both my academics and athletic goals.
Q: Auburn is a place full of traditions. What is your favorite and why?
A: My favorite tradition is screaming 'War Eagle!' Even miles away from the Plains, where I live in N.Y., I can still count on hearing a War Eagle from the Auburn Family.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a current or future Auburn gymnast, what would it be?
A: Absorb yourself in every moment you have whether it's in the gym, on the competition floor or with your teammates. Auburn has so much to offer and has endless support. It goes by so fast so make the moments count!
Catching Up with … Nikki Galluzzo
