Follow along in February as we celebrate Black History Month by featuring successful alums of the Auburn gymnastics program!
Up first is recent graduate Jada Glenn. The Colorado native competed for the Tigers from 2018-2022 and was a major contributor on vault throughout her career. She was a part of last year's team that made history by finishing fourth nationally at the NCAA Championships and setting every team record along the way!
Q: Why did you choose to come to Auburn?
Glenn: I chose Auburn because I wanted a place that felt like home! The traditions at Auburn are unmatched and truly make you feel a part of the family.
Q: How would you describe your Auburn experience?
Glenn: I wouldn't change my Auburn experience for anything! Everyone I met at Auburn made some sort of impact on me and added to my experience!
Q: Why is Black History Month important to you?
Glenn: It's important to me because it gives black people a voice and allows us to pay homage to all of those who have impacted and made a difference in our country. It gives me a chance to reflect on the African Americans in our history and to celebrate our culture. I believe Black History Month deserves to be recognized.
Q: Who are some influential people who have impacted your life both as a student-athlete and in general?
Glenn: As a student-athlete, Dominique Dawes was a huge influence on my life! Dominique, being the first African American gymnast to make it to the Olympics, helped pave a way for other black gymnasts. The way she carried herself in her sport was always something I strived to do! Someone who impacted my life in general is my mom. She is the true definition of resilience, strength and live. She has given up so much for me in some of her hardest times and taught me to never back down and to never stop pushing when things get tough.
Q: What was your degree and what are you up to now?
Glenn: My degree was in Media Studies with a minor in Sports Coaching. I'm currently a volunteer assistant at the University of Illinois.
Q: Now as a coach, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave on young gymnasts?
Glenn: The legacy I hope to leave with young gymnasts is that gymnastics doesn't have to be your whole identity. You're more than just your sports! It is important to focus on who you are and make time for yourself outside the gym.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your time in college?
Glenn: My all-time favorite memory is making it to the Final Four for the first time in Auburn history. To be a part of a team that showed grit and was willing to go to the top together is an experience I'd love to live over and over again!
Q: What makes Auburn gymnastics so special?
Glenn: What makes Auburn gymnastics so special is that the team is constantly striving to grow and be better than they were the year before.
Q: What would you consider your biggest accomplishment during your career?
Glenn: My biggest accomplishment during my career was getting a 9.925 on vault to get a career high!
Q: What advice would you give to future members of the program?
Glenn: The advice I would give is to ENJOY EVERY MOMENT! These are your last years of gymnastics, and they fly by. Take every turn like it's the last one you get to take. I would want a future member of this program to be able to graduate and leave feeling proud of themselves. That they gave all the could and helped better the program whether they competed or not.