AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn gymnastics fifth year Drew Watson and senior Derrian Gobourne were named nominees for the AAI Award, presented to the nation's most outstanding senior.
"I'm very proud of both Drew and Derrian," head coach Jeff Graba said. "They have brought so much to this program. This award is the most prestigious in college gymnastics and they both deserve the nomination."
The AAI Award is widely considered the Heisman Trophy of women's gymnastics. AAI has been awarding this honor for more than 30 years. NCAA head coach were asked to submit a nomination for the candidate or candidates of their choice. After the initial nominations, the field will be narrowed to the top six student-athletes.
Watson and Gobourne are two of 31 nominees for the award this year.
Gobourne, of Sarasota, Florida, is a three-time All-American as well as the 2019 vault national champion. She's among the nation's best on floor this season as well as vault. The 2021 SEC Specialist of the Year has captured four floor titles this season as well as two on bars.
Watson is an All-American and three-time All-SEC performer for the Tigers. The Tyler, Texas product has two vault titles this season and is among the nation's top 10 in the event with a 9.95 under her belt so far.