In Southeast, Auburn begins NCAA Regional Action Friday.
Auburn gymnastics is stepping onto the grand stage of NCAA postseason competition with intensity, confidence, and an unwavering focus as they prepare to begin NCAA Regional action Friday in Seattle. The Tigers are one of the most storied and consistently competitive programs in the country, and their trip to the Pacific Northwest marks another chapter in their pursuit of national prominence. The Seattle Regional is a critical battleground, one that will demand poise, execution, and cohesion. With a blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance, Auburn is poised to make a serious run at the NCAA Championships.
The team enters the Seattle Regional with the goal of advancing past the first round and eventually earning a spot in the national semifinals. That path, however, is anything but easy. Auburn is set to face a highly competitive field, including powerhouses such as LSU, Utah, and the host team Washington, all of whom have the potential to perform at an elite level. What sets Auburn apart is their ability to rise to the occasion—something they’ve demonstrated consistently throughout the season in the SEC, one of the most competitive gymnastics conferences in the nation.
Under head coach Jeff Graba, Auburn has developed into a model of consistency and excellence. Graba has built the program on fundamentals, resilience, and a belief that anything is possible with the right preparation and mindset. His team mirrors those values, coming into the regional with a well-rounded lineup capable of producing high scores across every apparatus. Whether it’s on the vault, bars, beam, or floor, Auburn has shown it can compete with the very best when everything clicks.
Much of Auburn’s success this year has come from its balanced roster, led by gymnasts who are peaking at the right time. Veterans like Derrian Gobourne have left a lasting legacy, and even though Gobourne has now moved on, the standard she helped establish still guides this team. In her place, a new wave of stars has emerged, ready to carry the torch forward and continue Auburn’s upward trajectory in the postseason.
One of the most impactful contributors this season has been junior Cassie Stevens. Known for her powerful vaults and dynamic floor routines, Stevens has provided a spark in nearly every meet. Her consistency and ability to post big scores make her a key factor in Auburn’s postseason hopes. Alongside her, senior Aria Brusch has also provided tremendous leadership and clutch performances when the team needed them most. Both gymnasts bring experience and poise that are invaluable in a high-stakes environment like regionals.
While Auburn’s veterans have been critical, the contributions of the underclassmen have been just as important. Freshmen like Olivia Hollingsworth and Hailey John have injected fresh energy and competitive spirit into the team. Their willingness to embrace the challenge of college gymnastics has helped Auburn maintain depth and flexibility in their lineup. With all-around potential and a strong sense of confidence, the younger gymnasts are proving they’re ready for the pressure of NCAA postseason action.
The competition in Seattle will require Auburn to be at their absolute best. Regionals are a different beast than regular season meets. Every tenth of a point matters. Execution, artistry, and minimizing deductions become paramount. Auburn’s coaching staff has emphasized clean routines and attention to detail throughout their postseason preparations. The training has been intense, focused on refining skills, tightening landings, and boosting start values to ensure every routine has the potential to hit.
Floor exercise will be one of Auburn’s strengths heading into the meet. The Tigers are known for their high-energy choreography, musicality, and engaging performances that often bring the crowd to its feet. Floor routines can also provide emotional momentum for a team, especially when they score big early. Auburn’s ability to build and sustain that momentum through the rotation will be key to its success.
On bars and beam, Auburn has the tools to post strong scores, but these events also come with the highest degree of risk. Beam, in particular, is known as the great equalizer—one wobble or fall can be the difference between advancing and going home. Auburn’s beam team, led by Brusch and Stevens, has been strong all season, showing the mental toughness needed to survive under pressure. Precision, confidence, and the ability to block out distractions will be critical in those moments.
Vault has been one of the most improved events for Auburn, and the team hopes to capitalize on that progress in Seattle. The Tigers have been pushing for higher-difficulty vaults with strong amplitude and clean landings, and if they can stick those landings, it could be a major boost in the standings. This event is all about power and form, and Auburn’s lineup is well-equipped to deliver.
The Seattle Regional also provides a unique opportunity for Auburn to build momentum heading into the next stage of competition. If the Tigers can execute and stay within themselves, there’s a strong belief within the program that they can advance out of the regional and make a deep run at nationals. Their confidence is backed not just by talent, but by experience—this team has faced adversity, competed against top-tier opponents, and knows what it takes to succeed at this level.
Off the mat, Auburn’s preparation has also included focusing on the mental aspect of competition. The postseason is as much a psychological test as it is a physical one. Handling nerves, staying focused on the task at hand, and supporting teammates through the ups and downs of a meet can make all the difference. Auburn’s team culture—built on unity, trust, and accountability—has helped create an environment where athletes can thrive even when the stakes are high.
There’s a palpable sense of belief around this Auburn team. They’ve overcome injuries, tough losses, and the grind of the regular season to earn this chance to compete on one of the biggest stages in college gymnastics. Now, the question isn’t whether they belong—it’s how far they can go. And if recent performances are any indication, the answer may be farther than many anticipated.
Fans across the Auburn community are rallying behind the team, following every rotation, every routine, every score. There’s a sense that something special is building. The Tigers aren’t just participating—they’re competing to win. They’re embracing the challenge of regionals in a hostile environment and using it as fuel. Seattle might be a long way from home, but Auburn is bringing its own energy and determination to the floor.
This Friday in Seattle will be the beginning of what Auburn hopes is a memorable postseason journey. It’s not just about advancing—it’s about competing with passion, pride, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Tigers have put in the work, trusted the process, and now they’re ready to show the rest of the gymnastics world exactly what they’re made of. With their sights set high and their hearts set on greatness, Auburn is ready to take the next step toward NCAA glory.