NASHVILLE – The No. 17 Auburn gymnastics team kicked off the 2025 season at the American Gold Collegiate Classic Saturday, finishing second with a 195.950 in the Nashville Memorial Auditorium.
The quad meet featured No. 1 Oklahoma, who won the meet with a 197.550. No. 27 BYU came in third (194.625) and No. 23 Nebraska was fourth (194.475).
“There is a lot of room for improvement after tonight, but we also had a lot of bright spots as well,” head coach Jeff Graba said. “We have a few growing pains, but nothing to be concerned about. Overall, I’m very happy with the weekend, but we definitely have some work to do.”
The Tiger lineups featured all four freshmen with newcomer Katelyn Jong competing in the all-around. The Allen, Texas product finished with a 39.175 and all four contributed to the team score.
“Having this many routines from newcomers is a big deal,” Graba said. “They definitely have to get used to this new game in gymnastics, but I’m glad they were able to get out there and get their feet wet.”
Auburn led off the meet on bars and put together a 49.1 to get things started. Fifth year Olivia Hollingsworth started the team off with a 9.825 and was followed by a 9.775 from senior Sophia Groth. Sophomores Emma Grace Boyd and Olivia Greaves added a pair of 9.8s and Jong anchored with a beautiful routine, earning a 9.9 to come in a tie for third.
The Tigers moved on to beam and had their best total of the night, finishing with a 49.250. Highlighting the rotation was a 9.9 from freshman Marissa Neal, securing a tie for third in the event. Hollingsworth put together a 9.875 for the team and Groth added a 9.85. Freshman Olivia Ahern led off the rotation with a 9.825 and Jong contributed to the team score with a 9.8.
The third rotation had the Tigers on floor (48.825) and the squad was led by fifth year Gabby McLaughlin with a 9.85, finishing second individually in the event. Groth and Jong earned a 9.825 and a 9.8, respectively. Greaves and freshman Sophia Bell each chipped in a 9.675.
The Tigers capped the evening on vault (48.775) and were led by an upperclassman as senior Sara Hubbard anchored with a 9.825. Fifth year Sydney Schumaker and senior transfer Sarah Zois were awarded 9.775s, while sophomore Julianne Huff added a 9.725. Jong closed out her all-around night with a 9.675.
Auburn continues on the road for another podium meet, competing in San Antonio on January 11. The Tigers will face No. 20 Arizona State, No. 21 Penn State, No. 24 Maryland and Temple at 12 p.m. CT.