Follow along in February as we celebrate Black History Month by featuring successful alums of the Auburn gymnastics program!
Our next alum is Margo Jones Thomas. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, she made history as one of the first black gymnasts to compete for Auburn. In addition, she was a part of the 1993 Auburn gymnastics team that reached the NCAA Super Six for the first time in program history. The Tigers finished fifth that year, marking the best finish for the program prior to the 2022 season.
Q: What did you choose to come to Auburn?
A: "I chose Auburn because it was a college town with a family atmosphere. I also admired the fact that Coach Robert Dillard assured my parents and me that my journey at Auburn would prepare me for life, not simply focus on me as an athlete."
Q: How would you describe your Auburn experience?
A: "My experience at Auburn transformed me from a quiet and shy young 17-year-old freshman to a young adult who could conquer challenges and achieve goals."
Q: What did it mean for you to be one of the first black gymnasts to compete for Auburn?
A: "Being one of the first black gymnasts to compete for Auburn meant I would, hopefully, become a trailblazer for others to come and my presence would help transcend the face of this sport. In the late 80s and early 90s, it was not uncommon for me to be the only one like me at a gymnastics competition."
Q: Why is Black History Month important to you?
A: "Black History Month is important to me because it's a celebration of those that came before me who paved the way and afforded me and others the opportunities that would not have otherwise been attainable. In years past, the accomplishments of African Americans and their contributions to American History have gone unnoticed. It's an honor to be recognized by Auburn Athletics for Black History Month."
Q: Who were some influential people who impacted your life both as a student-athlete and after?
A: "My entire family, particularly my mom and dad, influenced me most. They taught me valuable life lessons and the realization that the sky's the limit. My dad became the first black orthodontist in the state of Mississippi when it was unprecedented for a young, black male from the South to break down color barriers during the era of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
"I was also influenced by my husband and former Auburn football player, Alex Thomas. He was one of my biggest supporters as a student-athlete (except when I was on the balance beam :) ) and after athletics. We've been married for 27 years now."
Q: What were some of your favorite memories of the 1993 team that set a lot of firsts for the program?
A: "One of my favorite memories was setting a school record of placing fifth at 1993 NCAA Championships. I even recall the Alabama gymnasts cheering for us during our last two events. Another favorite memory was being recognized on Senior Night in the coliseum and my family coming to the floor to join me."
Q: What is one big life lesson you took away from your time with Auburn gymnastics?
A: "One of the biggest life lessons I took away from my time with Auburn gymnastics was time management. Coach Dillard would always stress that there was time for everything in life, you just had to prioritize. He also taught us you were not 'on time' unless you were 15 minutes early."
Q: What advice would you give to current and future members of the program?
A: "My advice would be to enjoy/relish the moment and know that there are so, so many young girls out there you are unaware of that you are inspiring."
Q: What did you earn your degree in and what are you up to now?
A: "I earned a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and master's degree in Education. Currently, I am a teacher at an elementary school in Wetumpka, Alabama."
Q: How did Auburn prepare you to be successful away from the Plains?
A: "Auburn prepared me to become successful away from the Plains by empowering me to do challenging things, by surrounding myself with positive people, serving others and by keeping God first in all that I do."