Freshman Anna Sumner didn't have to look far for the right place for her. From the first time she came to campus, Auburn was the perfect fit. Which is saying a lot for someone who's fifth great-grandfather founded the town she grew up in.
A native of Sumner, Ga., Anna brought national experience to the squad when she came to the Plains this summer and she is looking forward to helping the Tigers reach new heights this season.
Q: If you were stranded on an island with three teammates who would you choose?
A: Gracie [Day] because she is funny, and we have to have something to laugh at, Kendal [Moss] because she's smart, and Elise [Panzner] because she's my friend.
Q: What's your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: Rolling Toomer's Corner because I've always thought it was really cool and being a part of it is awesome.
Q: Why did you choose Auburn for gymnastics?
A: The first time I came to Auburn for a camp, I fell in love with the campus. Comparing here to everywhere else it was more beautiful than any other campus. I also really love the coaches. They have always been super sweet to me.
Q: If you could have dinner with a famous person, who would it be?
A: I would probably choose Nastia Liukin.
Q: What is your favorite vacation you've been on?
A: I went to Cancun, Mexico for a gymnastics meet, but we also were there on vacation and it was super fun. I loved it.
Q: What's your favorite ice cream?
A: Vanilla.
Q: What's your major and what do you want to do with it? How do you manage school with gymnastics?
A: I am majoring in Exercise Science and I want to be an Orthopedic Physician's Assistant. I have always been used to balancing gymnastics with school, and it's not much different now than it was in high school.
Q: Who's your biggest role model?
A: Nastia Liukin. I've always looked up to her since I was a little girl with wanting to go to the Olympics.
Q: What do you do before a meet to prepare?
A: I like listening to any kind of music that I am feeling that day. I sit there and think through everything to get myself ready.
Q: What's your favorite event during a meet?
A: My favorite event would probably be bars.
Q: What's the hardest event during a meet for you?
A: For me, it's vault. Some days it's on and some days it's not, and the day's it's not I get extremely frustrated. I get frustrated with myself very easily, especially during a meet because I know I am on a time limit. It's frustrating for me if I don't get it just right.
Q: Who is your favorite singer?
A: My favorite singer is Thomas Rhett.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn family, what would it be?
A: War Eagle!