AUBURN, Ala. – With the 2022 season a month away, the Auburn gymnastics team got a taste of competition Friday night in Auburn Arena at its annual Preview Meet presented by MAX Credit Union.
"We have a really dedicated team that has worked really hard in the offseason," head coach Jeff Graba said. "It's a reward to be out in front of so many fans that came to support us. It was a really exciting night and there is more to come."
The Tigers performed in front of a large crowd in Auburn Arena, thriving off the energy the Auburn faithful brought.
"It was so much fun," senior Derrian Gobourne said. "I really missed the crowd last year. When we're tired, the crowd helps us get through and that's what happened tonight."
Auburn saw big routines from a wealth of experienced returners, including Gobourne and fifth-year Drew Watson. Watson excelled on her 10.0 vault, while Gobourne showed off on bars and floor. In addition, juniors Aria Brusch and Cassie Stevens put together a solid night overall in the all-around.
The home crowd also got to see the future of Auburn gymnastics as all five freshmen – Ananda Brown, Sophia Groth, Sara Hubbard, Sunisa Lee, Caroline Leonard – competed in at least two events. Groth also competed in the all-around for the squad.
"The energy was amazing tonight," Lee said. "This team is amazing and we all did so well. We still have some things to work on, but I think this is setting us up for what the season is going to look like and I'm super excited."
"I think everyone did great tonight," Gobourne added. "We still have some cleaning up to do, but we wanted to go out and go big, show off and engage with the crowd."
The Tigers host five meets in Auburn Arena this season with four against the Southeastern Conference. The squad kicks off its home slate against Iowa State on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. CT. The team also hosts Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri and Florida this season.
Auburn opens the 2022 season on the road, traveling to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for the UNC Quad Meet on Jan. 7. The team will face off with host North Carolina as well as NC State and Bowling Green.