Erin Cavanaugh, Auburn Athletics Communications Intern
AUBURN, Ala. - With the 2025 gymnastics season approaching, it is time to meet all the new faces joining the squad this year. Up next is Katelyn Jong!
Hometown: Allen, Texas
Club: Metroplex
Prior to Auburn: Elite-level gymnast and member of the 2023 U.S. National Team … Earned two international assignments in 2024 – Baku World Cup & Jesolo Trophy … Finished third on bars at Bako and fifth on bars at Jesolo … Team USA came in third at Jesolo … Competed on bars at the 2024 Winter Cup, Core Hydration Classic and Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, earning top six finishes at all three … Came in second on bars at Winter Cup … 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.
Q: How was the first semester of college? What has been the most significant adjustment?
A: “My first semester of college was amazing! Prior to college, I grew up in the same house for 18 years, trained at the same gym without ever switching, and did online school since third grade. That’s why moving away from home, training with new coaches and teammates, and starting public school were major changes in my life. But once I got used to everything, it became really fun and exciting. I feel like I adjusted so well because I had a lot of great people around me that supported me.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about your hometown? How does it compare to Auburn?
A: “I love Texas. I am a big foodie, so the best part of my hometown has to be that there are so many great places to eat. Downtown Auburn also has a lot of great places to eat!”
Q: What advice would you give younger students as they work hard to be collegiate gymnasts?
A: “Put your most authentic self out there. I think it is important for you to figure out your priorities, morals, and beliefs, and align them with the school you’re looking into.”
Q: How has the transition been from elite gymnastics to college gymnastics?
A: “The transition has been great! I loved elite gymnastics because of how challenging it was. College gymnastics has its own unique challenges, and I feel like I’m adjusting well. My body has gotten used to training 20 hours a week instead of 30+. I never did weight training before college, so I also had to adjust to that. I really enjoy the team aspect of college gymnastics and can’t wait for the season!”
Q: What was your first visit to Auburn like? What about Auburn made you want to come here?
A: “My first visit to Auburn was my official visit in 2022. I had the best time and immediately fell in love with the school. The campus was beautiful, and the culture of the school amazed me. I felt so safe and believed that Auburn can be home away from home. I also knew that when I met the coaches that they truly wanted what was best for me and so I trusted that and picked Auburn.”
Q: Who's your biggest role model, and why?
A: “My parents are my biggest role models. They immigrated to the U.S. and worked hard to be who they are now. They have always wanted what’s best for my sister and I and have sacrificed so much for us. They are the strongest, kindest, most loving people I know. I strive to be like them one day.”
Q: What or who keeps you motivated on the hard days?
A: “God. I know that nothing would be possible without Him. I think back and realize how much I have to be grateful for which motivates me when things get tough.”
Q: What Auburn traditions are your favorite?
A: “Swag surf is definitely the best Auburn tradition. I love getting together with my teammates out on the floor and just having fun.”
Q: What's your favorite home cooked meal?
A: “Kimchi stew is my favorite home cooked meal. My mom is the most incredible cook and would make it for me whenever I came home from long trips.”
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of gymnastics?
A: “I enjoy playing the guitar and have done so for about six years now. I am also a BIG foodie. I love to eat and try things. My dream is to be a travel food blogger on YouTube. Please subscribe to my channel… when I make it.”
Q: What is your major? Why did you choose it?
A: “My major is exercise science and I want to become a PT or AT.”
Q: Do you have any gymnastics superstitions and why ?
A: “I never really had any superstitions.”
Q: If you could eliminate one event, which one would you choose and why?
A: “I would probably eliminate beam. Not because it’s bad but because I like the other ones better."