In this ongoing series, FloGymnastics is spotlighting seniors heading into their final season of NCAA gymnastics. Next up is Auburn senior Kelsey Kopec.

Kopec is back this season at Auburn for her fifth year, after redshirting her freshman season. She has been a strong contributor for Auburn on bars each season, along with seeing time in the vault lineup. Kopec is set to be a strong leader for the Tigers this season, as she looks to lead her team to their third straight NCAA nationals berth. She has set personal highs of 9.90 on bars and 9.85 on vault. Look for Kopec to make the most of her senior season for the Tigers.

Kopec's bar routine during our fall visit at Auburn:


What is your major/minor? When are you planning to graduate?
Kelsey Kopec: Major: Mechanical engineering. Masters: Business. I graduated with my undergrad in May 2016. I am now in graduate school.

What have you learned about yourself in your time at Auburn?
I have learned how to be on my own and be in charge of everything. I have learned how to work with all kinds of different people, which has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. I have also learned to be dedicated to something and that hard work does pay off.

What is your biggest personal accomplishment?
Graduating in four years while being a student athlete with an engineering degree. Also that I have been a solid contributor in the bar lineup each year. I am also proud that I have made my way into the vault lineup.

What are you still looking to accomplish in your time at Auburn?
I am looking to finish my master's program in business. I would love to continue to be in the vault lineup. As a team we are looking to make nationals for the third year in a row. We are looking to have a successful postseason and finish by making Super Six.

What is your favorite part about competition day?
Being able to compete and show off our hard work to our fans. I love putting on the leos, getting our hair and makeup done along with the glitter! I also enjoy right before the meet as we get pumped up and as a team and then march out to our 1,000-plus fans who are cheering for us.

How have your coaches at Auburn helped you become a better gymnast?
All the coaches have been great to coach me as an individual and to help me adjust to college. They have also helped me with personal frustrations. They all want to best for me as a person in and out of the gym. They have encouraged a new way for me to train in college, and that has helped me be successful. They have pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but that has allowed me to become a better vaulter and make the lineup. Due to their coaching I have become a gymnast that they can count on!

How do you spend your time outside of the gym?
I like to take naps! I also enjoy cooking and cleaning. I like to hang out with friends and go shopping. I also enjoy watching any sports.

What is something others might not know about you?
I am a huge NASCAR fan and have been to many races! I like Jimmy Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

What is one word to describe your attitude/personality inside of the gym?
Focused.

What motivates you inside and outside of the gym?
Inside: I am motivated by knowing what it takes to make the Super Six and going to nationals. I keep that goal in mind to help my team.
Outside: I am motivated to finish and graduate what I sought out to be. I am motivated to commit to that and finish. I want to push myself to do great in my MBA program.

What is your nickname that your teammates call you?
Kopec.

You had to redshirt your freshman year. Tell us what is it like to be back as a fifth-year senior?
I had to sit out my freshman season due to mono. I really had to take that year to get healthy and stronger. It was a blessing in disguise as I learned a lot by sitting back and watching my team work so hard. I am so grateful to be back for my fifth year as I am still learning and implementing what I have learned so far.

You have been at Auburn to see the rise of success. What do you think it the biggest change in the program?
The biggest change is that every person is dedicated to reach the common goal. We have had stronger leadership in our seniors. The culture in the gym has changed with much more hard work and consistency. We just missed out on nationals my freshman year and being that close made us want it so much more. Making Super Six was the cherry on top!

Anything else you would like to share with us?
Coming to Auburn was the best decision I could have made. I am blessed to be a part of changing the face of Auburn gymnastics.


Related:
Senior Spotlight: Michigan's Nicole Artz
Senior Spotlight: Oklahoma's Chayse Capps
Senior Spotlight: Georgia's Lauren Johnson
Senior Spotlight: LSU's Ashleigh Gnat
Senior Spotlight: Stanford's Rachel Daum
Senior Spotlight: Auburn's Kullen Hlawek
Senior Spotlight: Florida's Claire Boyce
Senior Spotlight: Utah's Baely Rowe