AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn gymnastics team is set to welcome another talented class in 2025 as five signed with the Tigers, head coach Jeff Graba announced.
Joining the team next season will be Olivia Ahern (Memphis, Tenn.), Sophia Bell (Blue Springs, Mo.), Anna Flynn Cashion (Cornelius, N.C.), Katelyn Jong (Allen, Texas) and Marissa Neal (Blue Springs, Mo.).
OLIVIA AHERN
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
High School: White Station
Gym: Believe Gymnastics
HIGHLIGHTS: Four-time Development Program National Championship qualifier … Finished fourth on beam in 2022 and third on vault in 2021 at the national meet … Two-time Region 8 All-Around and Floor Champion … 2022 Region 8 Beam Champion … 2020 Gymnix International Elite gold medalist on floor … Competed at the 2019 American Classic and U.S. Classic … Won bronze on vault at the 2018 Hopes Classic.
GRABA THOUGHTS: "Olivia brings a rare combination of grace and power to the Plains! She has successfully competed at many of the highest level meets in the U.S. and will bring a dynamic presence on all the events."
SOPHIA BELL
Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
High School: Fort Osage
Gym: Xtreme Gymnastics
HIGHLIGHTS: Three-time Development Program National Championship qualifier … Three-time Region 4 Floor and Bars Champion (2021, 2022, 2023,) … Two-time Region 4 Vault and All-Around Champion (2022, 2023) … Three-time Missouri State Floor Champion (2021, 2022, 2023) … Two-time Missouri State All-Around Champion (2021, 2023).
GRABA THOUGHTS: "Sophia is a highly decorated Level 10 gymnast and has attended our camps on numerous occasions. Her work ethic and love for the sport is second to none! She is an extremely powerful gymnast and will look to help our team on every event from the very beginning."
ANNA FLYNN CASHION
Hometown: Cornelius, N.C.
High School: South Lake Christian Academy
Gym: Everest Gymnastics
HIGHLIGHTS: Three-time Development Program National Championship qualifier … 2022 Region 8 Bars Champion … Top 10 finish at the 2022 National Championship on bars.
GRABA THOUGHTS: "Anna Fynn is an all-around gymnast and will push to compete on every event for us. She possesses one of the best vaults and most dynamic bar routines in the country at Level 10 and will be an asset from day one."
KATELYN (KEKO) JONG
Hometown: Allen, Texas
High School: Connection Academy
Gym: Metroplex Gymnastics
HIGHLIGHTS: Elite-level gymnast and member of the 2023 U.S. National Team … Finished fifth on bars and sixth in the all-around at the 2023 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships … Came in fifth in the all-around at the 2023 Core Hydration Classic … Finished fifth on beam at the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships … Had a successful junior elite career, winning the 2021 national title in the all-around … Finished second on floor and third on vault at the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Championships at the junior level … Won four of five possible titles at the 2021 U.S. Classic – all-around, vault, bars, beam … Took second on floor at that same meet.
GRABA THOUGHTS: "Katelyn is coming to Auburn with a tremendous amount of international experience. She just finished competing for the U.S. at the Pan Am Games and we are excited that she will bring this valuable, high-level experience to our team. She is throwing some of the most difficult gymnastics skills in the world and excels on every event. She will be a fantastic addition to the Auburn Gymnastics Family!"
MARISSA NEAL
Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
High School: Blue Springs
Gym: Great America Gymnastics Express (GAGE)
HIGHLIGHTS: Elite-level gymnast that competed at the 2023 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championship and the Core Hydration Classic … Top 15 finishes at the U.S Championships – 10th on beam and 14th on floor … Finished eighth on beam at the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships … Was second on beam and fourth in the all-around at the 2022 U.S. Classic … Competed at the 2021 Development Program National Championships, finishing second on beam … 2021 Level 10 State Beam Champion.
GRABA THOUGHTS: "Marissa has competed at the highest levels of the elite scene in the U.S. and her gymnastics displays a tremendous amount of skill and beauty. She does not have a weak event and will be a treat to watch for our fans!"