Q&A: SEC Gymnast Of The Year Caitlin Atkinson Reflects On Memorable Career
Q&A: SEC Gymnast Of The Year Caitlin Atkinson Reflects On Memorable Career
The Southeastern Conference recently released the winners of their respective conference awards. There was much debate among supporters and fans as to who w
The Southeastern Conference recently released the winners of their respective conference awards. There was much debate among supporters and fans as to who would walk away with the Gymnast of the Year award. The victor, Caitlin Atkinson, is only the fourth gymnast from Auburn to win the award and is the first to win during the era of head coach Jeff Graba.
We took a moment to catch up with Atkinson and ask her some questions about her career so far.
FloGymnastics: What is your immediate reaction after learning that you won SEC Gymnast of the Year?
Caitlin Atkinson: My immediate reaction was complete shock and excitement. I definitely did not expect to be named gymnast of the year. It wasn’t even a thought or focus on my mind. I don’t focus my gymnastics on my individual achievements or accolades, but instead I put the focus on my team and how I can benefit them and that’s why I think I was so stunned.
What will you miss the most about competing for the Southeastern Conference?
I will miss the level of competition among the SEC. The SEC is the best conference in the nation and has the best gymnasts in the nation. Being able to compete with teams and individuals that push me to be better is one of the things I think I will miss the most. Having a naturally competitive personality, I live for the thrill and challenge of matching up to some of the greatest NCAA gymnasts.
Imagine you’re a junior in high school again. What would you tell the younger version of yourself about her future career in the NCAA?
I would tell little Caitlin to always keep pushing and working to be the best she can be because at the end of the day, no matter how much natural talent you have, you will be nothing without hard work and dedication.
What are your thoughts regarding the success of the Auburn program since you started as a freshman?
It is remarkable and astonishing to me how far this program has come since my freshman year. My freshman year, Auburn wasn’t well known and we were not looked at as a threat and now, that has changed. Auburn has climbed the ladder not only in the SEC, but also nationally and now this team is seen as a threat. I have loved getting to see the progression each year and cannot wait to see the continuation even after I graduate. Getting the program to where it is definitely hasn't been an easy ride, but I can without a doubt say that it was worth it.
Is there someone at Auburn who you feel had the biggest impact on your NCAA career?
I don’t think any one person specifically had an influence or impact of my career, but rather I think it has been the combination of several people: teammates, coaching staff, support staff/administration, etc.. I would have to say that all my teammates (in their own individual way) had a major impact on my career. They showed me what I was capable of, what it is like to be a team player, taught me leadership, showed me how to be tough, how to fight, and how to be myself.
What has been your most memorable moment of your NCAA career (so far)?
The most memorable moments of my NCAA career would be beating Bama for the first time in 37 years and making Super Six for the first time in 22 years. To me, these are my greatest moments because they are accomplishments that are team accomplishments. In NCAA gymnastics, its all about the team. Making history with my teammates (or rather sisters) is something I will never forget, ever.
Caitlin Atkinson helps Auburn to its historic win over Alabama with a 9.925 on beam.
What are your goals looking ahead to the rest of post-season? Personally and for your team?
My goals looking ahead for the team is for us to make nationals and return to super six, but also to just to keep doing what we are doing and have a blast doing it. We are basically unbeatable when we are having a blast and acting crazy. I don’t really have personal goals for post-season except to continue being a rock for my team and to keep being someone they can trust to do what I train and what I have done all year long. I am not focused on being a top all-arounder or placing on an event at nationals; if that happens great, but for me, my goals and focus are solely on my team.
Do you have a funny/entertaining memory that you’d like to share from your time at Auburn?
One of the most funny and entertaining moments of my time at Auburn was when we were at UNC during our morning walk-through and assistant coach Kurt Hettinger found that there was a drum set just chillin' in the stands. We knew he had previously played in a band, but had never heard him play. He surprised us all when he hopped up there in excitement and put on a show (he was actually really good). As he continued to play we all gathered around as we finished up and proceeded to have a dance party at our private concert featuring Kurt. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Jeff got up there with his guitar (Jeff was also in a band) and played a duet with his best friend!"
Related:
Now And Then: NCAA’s Top 10 Most Improved Seniors
Six Sensational NCAA Seniors In The Running For AAI Award
The Coaching Paradigm: What Does It Take To Be The Best?
We took a moment to catch up with Atkinson and ask her some questions about her career so far.
FloGymnastics: What is your immediate reaction after learning that you won SEC Gymnast of the Year?
Caitlin Atkinson: My immediate reaction was complete shock and excitement. I definitely did not expect to be named gymnast of the year. It wasn’t even a thought or focus on my mind. I don’t focus my gymnastics on my individual achievements or accolades, but instead I put the focus on my team and how I can benefit them and that’s why I think I was so stunned.
What will you miss the most about competing for the Southeastern Conference?
I will miss the level of competition among the SEC. The SEC is the best conference in the nation and has the best gymnasts in the nation. Being able to compete with teams and individuals that push me to be better is one of the things I think I will miss the most. Having a naturally competitive personality, I live for the thrill and challenge of matching up to some of the greatest NCAA gymnasts.
Imagine you’re a junior in high school again. What would you tell the younger version of yourself about her future career in the NCAA?
I would tell little Caitlin to always keep pushing and working to be the best she can be because at the end of the day, no matter how much natural talent you have, you will be nothing without hard work and dedication.
What are your thoughts regarding the success of the Auburn program since you started as a freshman?
It is remarkable and astonishing to me how far this program has come since my freshman year. My freshman year, Auburn wasn’t well known and we were not looked at as a threat and now, that has changed. Auburn has climbed the ladder not only in the SEC, but also nationally and now this team is seen as a threat. I have loved getting to see the progression each year and cannot wait to see the continuation even after I graduate. Getting the program to where it is definitely hasn't been an easy ride, but I can without a doubt say that it was worth it.
Is there someone at Auburn who you feel had the biggest impact on your NCAA career?
I don’t think any one person specifically had an influence or impact of my career, but rather I think it has been the combination of several people: teammates, coaching staff, support staff/administration, etc.. I would have to say that all my teammates (in their own individual way) had a major impact on my career. They showed me what I was capable of, what it is like to be a team player, taught me leadership, showed me how to be tough, how to fight, and how to be myself.
What has been your most memorable moment of your NCAA career (so far)?
The most memorable moments of my NCAA career would be beating Bama for the first time in 37 years and making Super Six for the first time in 22 years. To me, these are my greatest moments because they are accomplishments that are team accomplishments. In NCAA gymnastics, its all about the team. Making history with my teammates (or rather sisters) is something I will never forget, ever.
Caitlin Atkinson helps Auburn to its historic win over Alabama with a 9.925 on beam.
What are your goals looking ahead to the rest of post-season? Personally and for your team?
My goals looking ahead for the team is for us to make nationals and return to super six, but also to just to keep doing what we are doing and have a blast doing it. We are basically unbeatable when we are having a blast and acting crazy. I don’t really have personal goals for post-season except to continue being a rock for my team and to keep being someone they can trust to do what I train and what I have done all year long. I am not focused on being a top all-arounder or placing on an event at nationals; if that happens great, but for me, my goals and focus are solely on my team.
Do you have a funny/entertaining memory that you’d like to share from your time at Auburn?
One of the most funny and entertaining moments of my time at Auburn was when we were at UNC during our morning walk-through and assistant coach Kurt Hettinger found that there was a drum set just chillin' in the stands. We knew he had previously played in a band, but had never heard him play. He surprised us all when he hopped up there in excitement and put on a show (he was actually really good). As he continued to play we all gathered around as we finished up and proceeded to have a dance party at our private concert featuring Kurt. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Jeff got up there with his guitar (Jeff was also in a band) and played a duet with his best friend!"
Related:
Now And Then: NCAA’s Top 10 Most Improved Seniors
Six Sensational NCAA Seniors In The Running For AAI Award
The Coaching Paradigm: What Does It Take To Be The Best?