Gracie Day put together a great career during her time on the Plains. She was a two-time All-SEC performer, finishing as runner-up in 2018 on vault at the conference meet. Day put together big scores throughout her career, including a 9.975 on bars in 2019.
Years: 2017-2020
Major: Sociology with a minor in psychology.
What are you currently pursuing?
"I am currently pursuing a master's in social work, and I am all set to graduate in December of this year. I will become a licensed social worker, pregnancy counselor and case manager."
Why did you choose this career path?
"Sometimes I think this career path chose me. As one of five adopted children in my family and the youngest of eight, I have always felt a connection to adoption and foster care. This is not what I thought my career path would look like, but I am so thankful it is. So many people have asked me why I chose social work and why foster care and adoption. This isn't an easy field to go into, but if not me then who? Another reason I am in this field is because of the children and families. I have been a part of some truly amazing moments. I have been a witness to many adoption finalizations, helped place children in wonderful foster homes and have watched children reunify with their families and siblings. Each one of the families and children I have had the amazing opportunity to serve is why I chose this career path. I am a firm believer that God puts us right where we are supposed to be It isn't always where we imagined, but I am so blessed to be where I am."
How did Auburn prepare you to be successful away from the Plains?
"Auburn prepared me with every possible tool I needed to be successful. From professors, to coaches, teammates, and supportive staff, to friends. Auburn gave me everything and more. I continue to use the tools and skills they instilled in me to work hard and pursue my dreams. Without Auburn I truly believe I wouldn't be who I am today let alone where I am."
What advice do you have for current and future gymnasts?
"For current and future gymnast, I would say enjoy every moment – the good, the bad and everything in between because you never truly know how special something is until it's over. I would say love what you do fully and passionately. And most importantly to always be yourself. There is only one of you and that makes the teams, groups, and even classes that much more special. Shine bright and leave your mark on this world."
What does Auburn Family mean to you?
"The Auburn Family means everything to me. One of the most missed things about Auburn for me is the people. I have been to many places, met many people and seen many college campuses but nothing compares to the people you meet in Auburn. I never knew just how special the Auburn Family would be to me or the impact on my life it would have when I committed to do gymnastics my sophomore year of high school. I am one proud family member and always take the opportunity to tell people about my Auburn Family and how much they all mean to me."
Favorite moment or memory from your time on the team?
"There comes a moment every meet day where the whole team has to leave the locker room for march in. As we would leave the locker room, a slow clap would start which turned in to a chant of "it's great to be an Auburn Tiger!" This was my favorite moment because as the nerves started to build, I would look around at the amazing women standing next to me and the feelings of nerves would disappear because there was so much pride and joy in being an Auburn Tiger and being able to do what I love with these women."