BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Auburn gymnastics team kicked off the postseason at the 2025 SEC Championship, finishing in a tie for seventh with a 195.950 Saturday. The two-session meet was held in Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham.
LSU won the meet with a 198.200 with Oklahoma finishing second at 197.925. Florida (197.825), Missouri (197.400) and Alabama (197.100) rounded out the top five. Kentucky was sixth with a 196.775, while the Tigers and Georgia tied for seventh at 195.950.
“This wasn’t our best meet, but I do think this young team grew from the experience,” head coach Jeff Graba said. “Our young people really stepped up in a tough environment. I’m very proud of them and am looking forward to the NCAA postseason.”
Highlighting the afternoon session was Auburn’s performance on floor in the second rotation where the team went 49.3 overall. Senior Sophia Groth led the way with a 9.9 in the anchor spot and was followed by a 9.875 from fifth year Gabby McLaughlin and sophomore Olivia Greaves. Freshman Olivia Ahern led off with a 9.85 and classmate Sophia Bell added a 9.85.
The Tiger opened the day with a 49.000 on beam in rotation one. Groth had a team-best 9.875, while freshman Marissa Neal and sophomore Paige Zancan chipped in a 9.85 apiece. Ahern led off with a 9.725 and Greaves earned a 9.7 for the team score.
Auburn’s vault squad finished with a 48.925 in the third with Zancan leading the way, having a 9.85. Bell anchored with a 9.825, while sophomore Julianne Huff opened up the rotation with a 9.75. Fifth year Sydney Schumaker put together a 9.775 and senior Sarah Zois put up a 9.725.
Bars closed out the meet with a 48.675 as the team had to count a fall. Sophomore Emma Grace Boyd and senior Caroline Leonard opened up the rotation with a pair of 9.85s as Boyd tied a career high in the lead off. Sophomore Bryn Bartman returned to the lineup and had a 9.8 before classmate Alex Irvine had a team-best 9.875. The team counted Greaves’ 9.3.
The 2025 NCAA Regional Championships are up next for the Tigers and the team is set to have a seeded spot in the regional meet once again.
The selection show will be aired at 11 a.m. CT on ESPNU, March 24. The Tigers will be sent to one of the following locations - Seattle, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; University Park, Pennsylvania.