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 Senior Sydney Schumaker!
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Club: World Class Gymnastics Academy
Prior to Auburn: Two-time National Collegiate Gymnastics (NCGA) All-American – vault for SUNY Brockport … 2023 NCGA Runner Up – vault … Two-time NCGA East Region Champion – vault … Two-time NCGA Specialist of the Week … 2018 Eastern Champion on vault at the club level.
Q: Why Auburn
A: "I chose Auburn because of how welcomed I felt the second I stepped on campus. The constant support and positivity I have received from my coaches, professors, faculty members, and the community itself, showed me how truly amazing this university is. Being a student-athlete, it's easy to be viewed by only the sport you do. In the short time that I've been at Auburn, I am seen as a person who is passionate about gymnastics, not just being a gymnast."
Q: What's your major and why did you choose it
A: "I am majoring in sociology. I chose this path so I am prepared for a wide variety of career options. I also enjoy working with people.
Q: What do you hope to do once you are done with school?
A: "I plan on receiving my MBA from Auburn and moving home to finish up my graduate program."
Q: What's your favorite thing about your hometown, what makes it unique?
A: "My favorite thing about my hometown is that there is always something to do. Whether it's winter or summer, there are amazing restaurants, boutiques, horse racing at the Racetrack, and really fun concerts at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center."
Q: What does a typical day in your life at Auburn look like?
A: "A typical day in my life consists of one or two classes in the morning, grabbing a coffee and lunch, heading to the training room to get ready for practice, then getting dinner with the team at Wellness Kitchen. Ending the night with some homework and Netflix."
Q: What's your favorite event and why?
A: "My favorite event has always been vault. I struggled with gymnastics when I was younger, both skill and confidence-wise. Vault was always my go-to event that helped push me into becoming the best gymnast I could be overall."
Q: What are you most looking forward to here at Auburn?
A: "I am most looking forward to experiencing the incredible atmosphere at a home meet in Neville Arena."
Q: How did you get involved in Gymnastics?
A: "My mom grew up doing gymnastics and continued her career at Iowa State. Her passion for this sport is so strong and she shared that passion with my sister and me. Once we started classes and were brought up to team, gymnastics turned into our life. We couldn't get enough of it.
Q: What is your pre-meet ritual?
A: "1. Starting my hair and makeup early so I can take my time and not feel rushed while listening to music. 2. Eating a pack of fruit snacks before warmup and before competing."
Q: What is the coolest thing you've done in the past year?
A: "I made a spontaneous last-minute decision to drive to Boston to see a concert that night with one of my best friends."
Q: What is on the top of your bucket list?
A: "Going to Spain with my family."
Q: What has it been like transferring as a senior?
A: "It took me a little bit to get used to Auburn coming from a much smaller school that was only a couple hours away from home. It honestly felt like my first year of college again since I didn't know my way around quite yet. I have been learning something new daily and loving every part of this new chapter of my life."
Q: What's it been like having both your mom and sister having competed in collegiate gymnastics?
A: "Having my mom and sister both being collegiate gymnasts, I had a lot of guidance throughout my career. Like every gymnast, there are plenty of ups and downs that you'll encounter but having them both by my side truly being able to understand what I'm going through helped a lot. I wouldn't be where I am without the sacrifices my family has made, and their constant love and support."
Q: What fashion trend do you hope never comes back?
A: "Short capri leggings."