Colorado native Jada Glenn has been a key member of the Auburn gymnastics squad over the last five years. Among her 30 career starts on vault, this fifth-year senior has been a major contributor to the team's success in the event.
Q: How is this season different knowing that it's your last year on the mat as an Auburn gymnast?
"It is definitely bittersweet for sure. I am loving and embracing every moment that I have left with this amazing team, and just leaving everything out there."
Q: Has your favorite event changed since freshman year?
"My favorite has not changed. I still love vault simply because it is quick, and I can put all my energy into it and just explode off the table."
Q: What are your goals for this season? What are your goals for the team?
"My goal for this season is to truly just have fun and have no regrets. I want to be able to be recognized not only as being a great gymnast, but a great teammate that they can rely on and come and talk to about anything whether its inside the gym or not. My goal for this team is to take it to the top and get a championship ring! We've all worked so hard and put in the work so now we just have to enjoy the ride. This team is going to continue to level up each week and we are not going to stop."
Q: How has your experience here prepared you for life beyond college? How has being a student-athlete impacted that?
"My experience here has prepared me so much for life after college. The coaches here make sure that we have life skills and that we aren't only here to just do gymnastics. We have learned how to change a tire, cook, go grocery shopping, and so many more and I feel like that has helped us with life outside, especially as women. Being a student-athlete has impacted that because we know what it takes to work hard and have time management. Auburn Athletics truly makes sure we leave here with tools that will benefit us after college and confidence in all of our abilities."
Q: What would you like to say to the fans and the rest of the Auburn Family?
"I would love to say THANK YOU! Thank you for sticking by me and all of Auburn. We truly have the best fan base and college family out there. Auburn is a family that will have your back through thick and thin and I couldn't have asked for a better college experience."
Q: Looking back at your time as an Auburn gymnast, what is one memory that stands out?
"A memory that stands out is of course beating Alabama twice in my time here at Auburn, but also truly just being in the gym every week with this team this year. Working so hard for this season makes me so glad that I came back for a fifth year. And that is something that I will remember for so long because this team has made every moment something special."
Q: If you had one piece of advice to give to your younger self what would it be?
"Something I would tell my younger self is to embrace EVERY moment. The good, bad, and ugly because its flies by. Every one of those moments are a lesson and you're growing into the role models you look up to. I would tell myself that you have young girls and athletes that look up to you in more ways than one and to continue to keep pushing even when it's hard."
Q: What is the next step for you after Auburn? What is your major and when do you graduate? What will you do with this major after gymnastics is over?
"My plan after Auburn is to work in college sports. I'd like to work in videography and social media. My major is media studies with a minor in sports coaching."
Q: Going into the rest of the regular season, what is one thing you're looking forward to?
"I am looking forward to breaking new program records and seeing what amazing things this team can do."
Q: If you had once piece of advice to young gymnasts hoping to compete in college, what would it be?
"The advice I'd give to young gymnasts who wants to do college gymnastics is don't let anyone tell you that you are not good enough to get into the college of your dreams. Be open minded and go after everything that you want, because at the end of the day the only one that can stop you from reaching your goals is you. Always remember that you are great, powerful, and capable of anything."