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Erin Cavanaugh, Auburn Athletics Communications Intern
AUBURN, Ala. – As the 2025 gymnastics season nears, it’s the right moment to introduce all the new personalities joining the team this year. Next up is Katelyn Jong!
Hometown: Allen, Texas
Club: Metroplex
Before Auburn: Elite-level gymnast and member of the 2023 U.S. National Team … Secured two international spots in 2024 – Baku World Cup & Jesolo Trophy … Achieved third on bars at Baku and fifth on bars at Jesolo … Team USA finished third at Jesolo … Competed on bars during the 2024 Winter Cup, Core Hydration Classic, and Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, obtaining top six placements in all three … Achieved second on bars at Winter Cup … Secured fifth on bars and sixth in the all-around at the 2023 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships … Finished fifth in the all-around at the 2023 Core Hydration Classic … Obtained fifth on beam at the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships … Had a flourishing junior elite career, winning the 2021 national title in the all-around … Achieved second on floor and third on vault at the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Championships at the junior level … Captured four out of five possible titles at the 2021 U.S. Classic – all-around, vault, bars, beam … Took second on floor at that same event.
Q: How was your first semester at college? What has been the most significant adjustment?
A: “My first semester of college was fantastic! Before college, I lived in the same house for 18 years, trained at the same gym without switching, and did online schooling since third grade. That’s why relocating from home, training with new coaches and teammates, and starting at public school were significant changes in my life. However, once I adapted to everything, it became really enjoyable and thrilling. I believe I blended in well because I had many wonderful people around me who supported me.”
Q: What do you love most about your hometown? How does it compare to Auburn?
A: “I absolutely adore Texas. As a big foodie, the best aspect of my hometown has to be the abundance of fantastic dining options. Downtown Auburn also offers many great eating spots!”
Q: What guidance would you offer younger students as they strive to become collegiate gymnasts?
A: “Present your most genuine self. I think it’s crucial for you to determine your priorities, morals, and beliefs, and align them with the school you are considering.”
Q: How has the shift been from elite gymnastics to college gymnastics?
A: “The shift has been wonderful! I loved elite gymnastics for the challenges it presented. College gymnastics has its own special hurdles, but I feel I’m adapting well. My body has gotten accustomed to training 20 hours a week instead of 30+. I had never participated in weight training before college, so I had to adapt to that as well. I truly enjoy the team dynamic of college gymnastics and am eager for the season to commence!”
Q: How was your first visit to Auburn? What about Auburn made you want to come here?
A: “My first visit to Auburn was my official visit in 2022. I had an amazing experience and immediately fell in love with the institution. The campus was stunning, and the school culture captivated me. I felt very secure and believed that Auburn could be a home away from home. Additionally, when I met the coaches, it was evident they genuinely wanted what was best for me, which encouraged me to choose Auburn.”
Q: Who is your biggest role model, and why?
A: “My parents are my biggest role models. They immigrated to the U.S. and worked hard to become the individuals they are today. They have always aimed for the best for my sister and me and have made countless sacrifices on our behalf. They are the strongest, kindest, most loving people I know. I aspire to be like them one day.”
Q: What or who motivates you on challenging days?
A: “God. I understand that nothing would be achievable without Him. Reflecting on all I have to be thankful for motivates me when times are tough.”
Q: Which Auburn traditions do you love the most?
A: “Swag surf is definitely the top Auburn tradition. I enjoy coming together with my teammates on the floor and simply having a good time.”
Q: What’s your favorite home-cooked dish?
A: “Kimchi stew is my favorite home-cooked dish. My mom is an incredible cook and would prepare it for me whenever I returned home from extended trips.”
Q: What hobbies do you pursue outside of gymnastics?
A: “I relish playing the guitar and have been doing so for about six years. I am also a HUGE foodie. I love to eat and explore different cuisines. My dream is to become a travel food blogger on YouTube. Please subscribe to my channel… once I make it.”
Q: What is your major? Why did you choose that?
A: “My major is exercise science, aiming to become a PT or AT.”
Q: Do you have any gymnastics-related superstitions, and if so, why?
A: “I’ve never really held any superstitions.”
Q: If you could remove one event, which one would you select and why?
A: “I would probably eliminate beam. Not because it’s undesirable, but because I prefer the other events more.”
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