AUBURN, Ala. – Another school year means another season of Auburn gymnastics! And as we get ready to kick off the 2024 season in January, it is time to get to know the 10 newcomers to the squad. Next up is freshman Sophia Greaves!
Hometown: Staten Island, N.Y.
Club: Athletic Edge
Prior to Auburn: 2022 Level 10 Development Program National Championship qualifier … Multiple top finishes on bars and beam throughout her career.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "When I first came to campus, I simply felt at home. The charming small town centered around the campus appealed to me and was everything I wanted in a school. The coaches and team were exactly what I was looking for in a program and I knew this was the place where I could be the best version of myself."
Q: What's your major and why did you choose it?
A: "I chose to major in finance. My mom worked in business and inspired me to get involved in it. With my home being close to Manhattan, the business world always intrigued me and it is a great place for opportunity in finance!"
Q: What do you hope to do once you are done with school?
A: "I hope to go back home to New York and begin working in the financial world."
Q: What's your favorite thing about your hometown, what makes it unique?
A: "My favorite thing about my hometown, Staten Island, is the local pier a few minutes from my house. I love to spend time there relaxing watching the sunsets."
Q: What does a typical day in your life at Auburn look like?
A: "I usually start my day with an early class, go to treatment and then go to Wellness for lunch before getting ready for practice. I then head over to the locker room and the gym to get started on practice. After workout I go to Wellness for dinner with my teammates, then shower and head to study hall to do my schoolwork. I like to wind down after studying and head back to the dorms, watch some TV, then get to sleep."
Q: What's your favorite event and why?
A: "My favorite event is bars. Ironically enough, I never really did well on bars as a young gymnast. But at some point, I began to improve and it soon became one of my best events. Bars is challenging yet looks like it is done with ease. I love the feeling of swinging and how elegant it appears."
Q: What are you most looking forward to here at Auburn
A: "What I most look forward to here at Auburn is to compete with this amazing team. I came from a small gym in Staten Island where I didn't have any teammates at meets in my last few years. Being on this team and training with them has been so motivating and is such a great feeling, I can't wait to be in Neville Arena with them."
Q: How did you get involved in gymnastics?
A: "I was practically born into the sport. My mom owns a gym in Staten Island and it has always been my second home. As a toddler, I was always in the gym running around and watching practices. I started in classes as soon as I could and started competing at six years old. My mom was also my coach, she was the main influence on my gymnastics career and is the reason I am doing this today."
Q: What is your pre-meet ritual?
A: "My pre-meet ritual includes putting a little wooden beam in my bag that I got when I was competing as a young gymnast and have brought it ever since. I also always listen to the same playlist."
Q: What is the coolest thing you've done in the past year?
A: "The coolest thing I have done this past year was definitely going to Italy. My entire family took a trip to Italy in August for a wedding and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had! I was able to see where my family is from and their hometown, and I met family members that I never knew. My favorite part of the trip was a boat tour we took along the Amalfi coast. I saw the most beautiful views and explored the small-town shops and restaurants."
Q: Coming from Staten Island, what was the biggest culture shock you have experienced coming to Auburn?
A: "The biggest culture shock I experienced has to be living in an atmosphere with southern hospitality. I have never been in a place where people are so kind, and the community here is filled with generous people. Everyone is welcoming and it makes Auburn even more special to me."
Q: What's it like having your sister on the team?
A: "Being on a team with my sister truly is a dream come true. My sister was always one of my biggest supporters and I always looked up to her for everything she accomplished. It has been almost 10 years since I was last on the same team as her. My sister is truly my other half, she knows me better than anyone and has been a privilege to have in the gym alongside me."
Q: If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you bring and why?
A: "I would bring a blanket to stay warm, a tent so I have shelter, and my dog to keep me company."
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: "My go to Karaoke song is Empire State of Mind by JAY-Z."