BY ED SIKORA
FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — The Auburn gymnastics team is off to an impressive start to the 2026 season, earning a No. 6 national ranking from RoadToNationals.com after two weeks of competition. Their opening performance against NC State marked the second-highest season-opening score in program history. The Tigers entered their first SEC meet on Sunday on the road against No. 10 Arkansas.
Head coach Jeff Graba addressed the early progress and challenges during a press conference last week, emphasizing the importance of building depth as the season unfolds.
“We have to build depth; we have to get some people back to full strength,” Graba said.
He noted that the matchup with Arkansas would be, “an opportunity for people to step up.
“We’re creating who we are,” he said.
Graba also welcomed the high early season ranking, saying it provides valuable confidence for a developing squad. “For a young squad to start to believe in themselves,” he said, “is really good for the team and for the fan base to see where we are at.”
Senior gymnast Hannah Hagle — the team’s lone senior — also shared her perspective heading into her final season. After missing much of last year due to medical challenges, Hagle made her return to competition on beam for the first time since her sophomore year.
“For me, it was a moment of gratitude to be in that moment and to just finally go out there and do something that I really didn’t think I could do again,” she said.
When asked about goals for her senior campaign, Hagle didn’t hesitate. “As a team, we are going to the Final Four. That is something we are dead set on,” she said. “And personally, I would love to score a 10 on balance beam.”
Auburn returns home to Neville Arena on Jan. 23 for its SEC home opener, where the Tigers will take on the Florida Gators.
Auburn’s Hannah Hagle during the game between the No. 11 Auburn Tigers and the NC State Wolfpack at Neville Arena in Auburn, Friday, Jan. 9.
PHOTO BY NOELLE IGLESIAS
| AUBURN TIGERS
