Auburn Gymnastics: An New Era

Auburn’s New Era: The Ryan Roberts Effect

If you’ve been following the SEC coaching carousel, you know it’s been a massive off-season for Auburn. With a new head coach and a staff full of fresh energy, there is a lot of buzz surrounding the Tigers right now. As a coach and judge, I love seeing programs make moves to "elevate"—and that is exactly what Auburn is doing. Here is the breakdown of why this team is a must-watch for the 2027 season.

The Visionary: Ryan Roberts

The biggest news out of Auburn is the hiring of Ryan Roberts as the new Head Coach. Roberts is no stranger to the SEC; he’s spent the last several seasons coaching at Georgia and Alabama, so he knows exactly what it takes to win in this conference. He’s already making big moves by surrounding himself with a staff that brings a mix of technical skill and "Auburn Family" spirit:

• Aja Sims-Fletcher: Named Associate Head Coach.

• Sophia Davila (née Groth): Returns to her alma mater as an Assistant Coach.

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• Adam Duncan: Rounds out the staff as an Assistant Coach.

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Having a former Auburn standout like Sophia Davila back in the gym is a huge win for team culture. It keeps that "Auburn Family" identity strong while the program builds a new foundation under Coach Roberts.

Training with Purpose

Coach Roberts has been very clear about his vision: they aren’t just here to compete; they’re here to elevate. He’s focusing on training with a purpose and making sure the athletes are prepared for life after gymnastics, too. Watching how he builds this staff, you can tell he values technical details and strong recruiting.

He’s already hitting the ground running by adding new talent to the roster for the 2027 season, including transfers Molly Brinkman, Lauren Hollifield, and Olivia Kennedy, alongside international gymnast Adela Balcova. Bringing in high-level talent gives the team the depth they need to survive the grueling SEC schedule.

Auburn Tigers

A Fresh Opportunity

Change can be tough, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to reset and reach for more. Auburn has the fan base, the facilities, and now a coaching staff that is hungry to prove themselves. The Tigers are moving fast, and they’ve got their eyes set on climbing the rankings. Keep a close eye on the Plains this fall—this new-look team is going to be exciting to watch once the lights come on in Neville Arena.

With the energy shifting at Auburn under Coach Roberts, how do you think his background as a former Marine and his focus on "training with a purpose" will change the day-to-day culture in the gym compared to previous seasons?