Auburn’s Groth, Deal earn PNC Achievers honor for Fall 2024

AUBURN, Ala. – In conjunction with PNC Bank and the PNC Achievers program, Auburn announced Sophia Groth (Gymnastics) and Luke Deal (Football) as the winners of the Fall 2024 PNC Achievers Awards on Wednesday. 

“Sophia and Luke epitomize what it means to be an Auburn woman and Auburn man,” athletic director John Cohen said. “High academic achievers, who have excelled in leadership and community involvement while competing at an elevated athletic standard.  Both Sophia and Luke serve as examples to which all student-athletes should aspire. Congratulations to these outstanding PNC Achievers.”

Groth is a graduate student in the School of Education and recently entered her senior season with Auburn gymnastics. During her time on the Plains, she has had an impact on and off the beam. She has served the last three years on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is currently SAAC president for the 2024-25 academic year. 

Groth also supports numerous local organizations, including Baby Steps, The Big House Toy Drive, Campus Food Pantry, Read Aloud Day, FCA and East Alabama Food Bank, and she’s represented Auburn Gymnastics on the SEC Community Service Team the last two years. 

In addition to her extensive community involvement, Groth has been a steady performer for the Tigers in competition. She’s competed in all-around since her freshman year and was named All-SEC as a sophomore in 2021. She’s also a three-time WCGA Scholastic All-American and has twice made the SEC Academic Honor Roll. 

Like Groth, Deal’s leadership has extended beyond the football field. The two-time captain is a regular volunteer for Project 412, an organization that provides home repairs to those in need, and at local schools – aiding in school supply distribution, food giveaways and holiday toy drives. He is also an advocate of raising awareness for ALS research in addition to helping other families going through those circumstances. 

Deal, a five-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, was named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year this past season. He also made the watch list for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, a community service award, and represented Auburn on the 2024 SEC Community Service Team. 

On the field, Deal played six seasons for the Tigers and set the program record for games played (64). 

The PNC Achievers program celebrates achievement among student-athletes and showcases student success through its honors and recognition program. A male and female student-athlete are recognized each semester for their well-rounded achievement through leadership, academic success, community engagement and in competition.

“Congratulations to Luke and Sophia on being named the winners of the Fall 2024 PNC Achievers Awards,” said Nick Willis, regional president for PNC Bank, Greater Alabama. “PNC is excited to have the opportunity to recognize them for their accomplishments in their communities, classrooms and teams, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact they’ll have as their careers grow.”

Groth and Deal will both be recognized as PNC Achievers on the court at Neville Arena prior to the Arkansas men’s basketball game on Wednesday night.