NCAA Gymnastics: Auburn Freshmen Share Journey to Fulfilling ‘Dream’ in College Gymnastics

“One of the best, and most well-rounded, recruiting classes,” coach Jeff Graba offered as Auburn welcomed new names for 2024 NCAA gymnastics. The rookies then went on to record backing numbers, inclusive of Julianne Huff‘s floor 9.85 and Paige Zancan’s vault 9.9 on debut. Having contributed well to the team for an 8-8, the freshmen class today nears an almost-complete season.

On the 16th of March, the Tigers will take on the quad meet to mark an end to the NCAA gymnastics regular season. As they do, the freshmen reveal life has come a full circle since dreaming from the stands to being one on the mats.

A dreamt path to the Auburn roster

The Tigers added 6 names by April last year as their new class of recruits for the 2024 NCAA gymnastics season. Three among the lot, Emma Boyd, Paige Zancan, and Julianne Huff today on War Eagle TV reveal that making it to the program was always on the mind. “Every one of my family members is an Auburn fan. So it’s cool to like represent them as an athlete,” Huff states who cheered on the Tigers each year leading up to her recruitment. “I was like, that would be so cool if I could be on the floor and now I am living out my dream.” 

Paige Zancan, whom coach Graba called a ‘tremendously powerful athlete,’ reveals to have jumped on the wagon late. It wasn’t until her freshman year in high school when her brother moved to college and Auburn’s letter sat in her mail that the all-arounder was clear of her path. “I knew it was my dream school,” she states.

For Emma Boyd, whose family is associated with Auburn, the program has been close to home. “Feels like I belong here,” Boyd remarks. Emma, whom Coch Graba had said to be an ‘exciting’ watch made her NCAA gymnastics debut on bars with a 9.775. Holding more to themselves and for the team, the rookies head for a neat end on Saturday.

Tigers eye clean finish for NCAA gymnastics regular season end

Heading into the final week, Auburn gymnastics remains no.14 with an NQS of 197.180. While most events rank in double digits, the Tigers do best on the beam with an NQS of 49.390 positioning 7th. Following along, fifth-year Cassie Stevens bests the roster in all-around as Senior Gabby McLaughlin takes on the beam. With the brimming talent taking charge, as the team hopes for a triumph, it also looks to spread awareness.

Also Read: NCAA Gymnastics Update: Auburn Head Coach Extent Invite for Electrifying Quad Meet in Nashville

Inspired by former Auburn gymnast, Suni Lee, the management has decided to bring attention to kidney diseases under the meet named, “Kidney Care Women’s Gymnastics Championships.” Tigers head to Nashville with dual cause on Saturday and will take on Kentucky, Ohio State, and Fisk.

Read More: NCAA Gymnastics News: Auburn Junior Adapts to ‘Quite an Adjustment’ With New Recruits