Derrian Gobourne did something no Auburn gymnast had done before Friday night.
The freshman finished in a tie for first on vault with a 9.95 at the NCAA Women's Gymnastics National Championship to win the program's first national title in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Sarasota, Florida native has had success on vault before, but during high school where she competed and practiced at Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics and was a Level 10 state champion in the event along with additional state championships in uneven bars, floor and all-around.
Writers note: This isn't the high school she attended, just the gymnastics training place. Wasn't sure if that is clear enough in the original piece.
"We are so proud of Derrian," head coach Jeff Graba said. "This meet is extremely tough to be your best at with the intense pressure and not having a team here to vocally support you. To perform at her highest in this meet says volumes about Derrian's competitive spirit. She deserves this national recognition and we are so happy for her."
The 9.95 tied a career-high for Gobourne, who set that career-high two weeks ago at the Baton Rouge Regional. That first 9.95 advanced Gobourne to the national meet.
"It still hasn't hit me yet," Gobourne said. "I can't wait to bring this championship back to my team and can't wait to be here next year with all of them."
Gobourne also joins fellow Tigers Julie Dwyer (2005, 2008) and Caitlin Atkinson (2013) as the third Tiger to earn All-America honors in the event. Gobourne earned first team recognition for her vault finish.
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