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. Today’s feature is Marissa Neal!
Hometown: Blue Springs, Missouri
Club: GAGE
Prior to Auburn: Elite-level gymnast … Competed at the 2023 & 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championship and the Core Hydration Classic … Top 15 finishes at the 2023 U.S Championships – 10th on beam and 14th on floor … Finished ninth at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic … Was third in the all-around and bars, fifth on beam and sixth on floor at the 2024 America Classic … Top 10 on beam and in the all-around at the 2024 Winter Cup … 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.
Q: How was the first semester of college? What has been the most significant adjustment?
A: “My first semester of college was great! It took a while to get used to everything, but I have loved getting to know all the girls on the team and meeting so many new people. The biggest adjustment for me has been the change in practice and study hours but after a while everything started to feel normal.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about your hometown? How does it compare to Auburn?
A: “I love how small my hometown is, and Auburn is definitely very similar in size. There isn't a lot to do in a small town, but I love going to downtown Kansas City and love the Chiefs!
Q: What advice would you give younger students as they work hard to be collegiate gymnasts?
A: “My biggest piece of advice is to be yourself and keep an open mind. I think every school has something special to offer and it is such a fun and rewarding experience.”
Q: How has the transition been from elite gymnastics to college gymnastics?
A: “I think elite and college gymnastics are so different in many ways, so the transition has been challenging but so much fun. College has allowed me to have a different approach towards the sport in general and have so much more fun while doing what I love.”
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 when I took my official visit, and I truly fell in love. The campus was beautiful, and the team felt like family, which is the biggest thing I was looking for.”
Q: Who's your biggest role model, and why?
A: “My parents are definitely my biggest role models. They have worked so hard for everything we have today and have guided me through everything. They have always been my biggest supporters, and I wouldn't be the person I am today without them.”
Q: What or who keeps you motivated on the hard days?
A: “My teammates have always helped motivate me on the hard days. We can relate so much, and I feel like they always remind me of my why which is what keeps me going.”
Q: What Auburn traditions are your favorite?
A: “My favorite traditions are the eagle flight at the beginning of the football games and Swag Surf! Both create so much energy and bring so much excitement!”
Q: What's your favorite home cooked meal?
A: “One of my favorite home cooked meals is my dad's smoked salmon. He has made it since I was little, and it has always been such a comfort food.”
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of gymnastics?
A: “I don't really have many hobbies, but I love shopping and sleeping in my free time.”
Q: What is your major? Why did you choose it?
A: “My major is elementary education. I chose this because I love kids, and it has always been a dream of mine to help kids learn and grow.”
Q: Do you have any gymnastics superstitions and why?
A: “I am not normally superstitious, but I have a lot of small things I do before each event, and I eat salmon the night before every meet.”
Q: If you could eliminate one event, which one would you choose and why?
A: “I would probably eliminate vault. I am not the most powerful gymnast, and I feel like there is only so much you can do on vault."