GET TO KNOW: ADELA BALCOVA

The Auburn gymnastics team has five new faces for the 2027 season and let’s get to know them!

First up is Adela Balcova!

Hometown: Bratislava, Slovakia
Prior to Auburn: 2024 and 2025 Slovakia all-around national champion … Multiple international competitions, having 10 medals throughout her career … Finished third on beam at the 2024 FIG World Challenge Cup in Bulgaria … Has competed in multiple Senior European Championships … Slovak Academic University champion on floor.

Q: What made Auburn so special? Why did you choose Auburn?
“Honestly, a little bit of everything! I fell in love with the team culture, the coaches, the campus and the whole environment. I also really appreciated the support and opportunities Auburn offers. It just felt like the right place for me and I truly believe the timing was meant to be.”

Q: Who influenced your gymnastics career the most?
“It’s hard to choose just one person because so many people have shaped my journey. All my coaches throughout the years, my coach back in Slovakia, my teammates, family, friends, the people who have supported me have helped shape me into the person I am today. I actually started gymnastics with a friend from elementary school, and without her, I might have never even signed up for it in the first place!”

Q: How have your teammates and the Auburn family helped you adjust in your first semester at Auburn?
“They’ve made this transition so much easier. I feel like I’m surrounded by the right people, and even on the hard days, we’re always there for each other. I honestly couldn’t ask for better teammates and having the Auburn family here is amazing and I’m so grateful for that.”

Q: What has been the hardest thing to adjust to living in Auburn, Alabama?
“Probably living so far away from my family. It’s also been an adjustment getting used to a different culture and different habits, and figuring out what works best for me, from my daily routine to food and everything in between. I’m still finding my own rhythm in a new country, but I’m enjoying the process!”

Q: What’s your favorite event to compete in?
“I love bars because I love swinging, and I also really enjoy beam. But I love competing on floor, too, because I feel like I can express myself through the choreography and tell a story.”

Q: What’s one skill you’re most excited to show this season?
“My acro series on beam! Bars routine. Bringing a little bit of Slovak gymnastics to Auburn!”

Q: Outside of gymnastics, what else are you looking forward to this year?
“Making special memories with my teammates, meeting new people, exploring new places, traveling, and growing as a person. Doing what I love. Experience more of the American dream!”

Q: What has been the biggest adjustment moving from club/elite gymnastics to college gymnastics?
“Probably the team training environment. I was used to training in smaller groups, so I’ve really enjoyed experiencing the team energy here. The training schedule has also been a big adjustment because I was used to spending more hours in the gym. I’ve also had to adapt to different equipment, new routines, and a whole new coaching system after doing things a certain way for so many years. It’s been a big change, but I’m learning something new every day and I’m so thankful for it!”

Q: Do you have a pre-meet hype song or any superstitions?
“Definitely! I have a few pre-meet songs that get me hyped up, and I usually have some caffeine, chocolate or dried mango before competing. I also like saying affirmations and visualizing my routines and ground myself. It helps me feel confident and ready to go.”

Q: What is one fun fact that you want the Auburn community to know?
“When I was about nine years old, I was told by one club that I was too old to start elite gymnastics and that I didn’t have a chance. I decided to try another club, where I found coaches who believed in me. Eventually, I made the national team and achieved so many of my dreams. I think my journey shows that you should never let someone else decide what you’re capable of. If you work hard, love what you do, and surround yourself with the right people, you can achieve things you never thought were possible!”

Q: How are you looking to bring your prior experience to collegiate gymnastics?
“I hope to bring the experience I’ve gained throughout my gymnastics career, along with my work ethic and determination, to the team. I’m excited to share the skills and routines I’ve spent years working on, enjoy the experience, and make the most of this new chapter in my gymnastics journey. Most importantly, I want to support my teammates and help us grow together!”

Q: You’re majoring in the College of Education. What inspired that path?
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and my major, Exercise, Health, and Performance Optimization, really interests me. I want to keep learning about the human body, mind and performance while eventually sharing my knowledge and experiences with others and helping them reach their goals.”

Q: Where do you see yourself after your time at Auburn?
“I don’t have one specific plan yet because you never really know where life will take you. But I know I want to follow my heart and intuition and do something that truly fulfills me. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me!”

Q: Do you have any nicknames?
“The girls started calling me “Del” because it’s shorter and easier, haha! Back home, people usually call me Adel, Adeli.”

Q: What’s one lesson gymnastics has taught you that applies to life outside the gym?
"Gymnastics has taught me so much about discipline, resilience, and overcoming obstacles, even when you feel like you have nothing left to give. It’s also taught me how important it is to listen to your body and give it what it needs. I’ve learned that the people you surround yourself with matter so much, and that while you can’t control every situation, you can always choose how you respond to it. Most importantly, always chase your dreams and never give up on something you truly love.”

Q: What’s an Auburn tradition you are looking forward to participating in this year?
“I really loved experiencing Eagle Flight and the War Eagle chant! I’m excited to experience more Auburn traditions with my teammates this year and be part of that incredible Auburn spirit. There’s something really special about the energy and the sense of community here!”

Q: What is your favorite post-meet meal?
“Honestly, I’ll eat pretty much anything after a meet, haha! But I really love noodles with chicken or a good burger, and of course, something sweet, especially chocolate!”