AUBURN, Ala. - With the 2026 gymnastics season approaching, it is time to meet all the new faces joining the squad this year. Freshman Mia Leverton kicks off the new week!
Hometown: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Year: Freshman
Major: Exercise, Performance & Health
Prior to college: Finished second on vault at the 2025 U.S. Development Program National Championships … 2025 Region 8 Champion on vault … Won vault in eight meets in 2025 … Won vault and beam at the 2025 South Carolina XCEL meet … Vault, floor and all-around champion at the 2025 Coastal Classic.
Q: What was your first visit to Auburn like? What about Auburn made you want to come here?
A: Auburn just immediately felt like it was home to me.
Q: How has the first semester of college been? What has been the most significant adjustment?
A: My first semester has been really good. I would say the biggest adjustment would be time management.
Q: Who is your biggest role model, and why?
A: My biggest role model would be my mom because she is the strongest person I know.
Q: What Auburn traditions are your favorite, and why?
A: My favorite Auburn tradition would have to be rolling Toomer’s Corner!
Q: What or who keeps you motivated on the hard days?
A: I’d say my teammates keep me motivated as well as myself.
Q: What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?
A: Chicken Alfredo
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of gymnastics?
A: Outside of gymnastics, one of my hobbies is surfing.
Q: Do you have any gymnastics superstitions, and why?
A: I wear a hair tie on my wrist bands on bars.
Q: If you could eliminate one event, which would you choose and why?
A: Bars because it’s scary to me.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season? What are some of your goals?
A: I'm looking forward to competing this year. My goal for the year is to compete floor, beam, and vault.
Q: What advice would you give younger students as they work hard to be collegiate gymnasts?
A: Don't give up and never doubt yourself!
Q: What is your biggest gymnastics pet peeve? Why?
A: Not having chalk on the beams.
Q: What was your dream job as a kid?
A: As a little kid, my dream job was to be a marine biologist.
Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
A: To teleport so I can sleep in.