Auburn star gymnast, College of Education grad student expertly balances athletics, academics toward earning master’s degree this May

Sophia Groth is well known for her exceptional athletic skills inside Neville Arena as a standout member of Auburn University’s gymnastics team.

What some might not know is that she is just as much of a star in the classroom, having earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Auburn’s College of Education in just three years and now nearing the completion — in just one year — of her master’s degree in Adult Administration of Supervision and Curriculum, again from the College of Education.

For Groth, the goal after graduation is to combine her firsthand knowledge of competitive sports and her academic prowess to help those in collegiate sports, doing so no longer from the field of competition but from a different vantage point of support.

“Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a collegiate gymnastics coach, but it wasn't until my junior year of college that my passions started to shift toward the administrative side of collegiate athletics,” said Groth, who was recently named the SEC Gymnastics Scholar-Athlete of the Year. “I am currently searching for positions within a collegiate or professional sports setting, ideally working in fundraising and development. I am eager to enter into the professional world and use my experience as a student-athlete at an SEC university to make an impact bigger than myself.”

A successful trajectory

Groth said her interest in supporting collegiate athletics after leaving college began with a volunteer experience she had at the 2023 SEC Football Championship through Auburn’s sponsorships and operations departments. Groth served as an intern with Auburn’s executive administration office under the guidance of McRae Clay, “and that's when my career trajectory really changed,” Groth said, adding that “I became enthralled by the spontaneity of McRae's position and how she was still able to personally know and help the athletes while simultaneously being a part of and interacting with every department to ensure success on all fronts.”

Groth said her time in the College of Education also propelled her forward in her journey to academic and professional success. 

“I've been in the COE for the past four years, and the thing that has prepared me the most are the professors—how they invest in their students’ overall growth and development through the power of education,” Groth said. “Some of my most notable professors have been Dr. Christopher Wilburn, Dr. Robin Thornburg-Brock, Dr. Ann Gulley, Dr. Amy Serafini, Dr. Andrew Pendola, Dr. Alfred Parham, and Dr. Jane Teel. The COE values its students beyond the classroom and is committed to helping them succeed in all aspects of life.”

One of those professors, Serafini, said Groth is a shining example of the College of Education’s record of guiding talented students on to career success. 

“Sophia exemplifies the brilliance and resilience we strive to nurture in our students,” said Serafini, associate professor and program coordinator of Educational Leadership in Auburn’s College of Education. “Her achievements in gymnastics and academics highlight the effective mentorship and supportive learning environment the Auburn Educational Leadership program proudly offers.”

A perfect landing

Outside of the classroom and on the arena floor, Groth is now nearing the end of her 17-year gymnastics career, with her final gymnastics season at Auburn concluding the third week of April. She said she’ll never forget her time on the gymnastics team and all she and her team accomplished, and beyond graduation she has her sights set on a perfect landing with her next adventure. 

“Continuing gymnastics beyond college has never been a goal of mine because it's a lot on the body, and I have other passions I want to pursue,” she said. “However, gymnastics has given me more opportunities than I ever imagined and has shaped me into the person I am. It'll always be a big part of my story, and I have every intention to stay involved as an alumnus and support the upcoming generations!”

That next chapter for Groth will involve a major life change as she will be getting married at the end of May to former Auburn Plainsman and Auburn Cheerleader Paul Davila. Soon, Groth will move to join her husband in Dallas, where he currently works. 

While her time as a student at Auburn nears an end, Groth said she will carry with her lifelong memories of her time on the Plains, noting that what she loves most about Auburn is “The community it cultivates and the dedication to academic excellence balanced by a commitment to grow and develop personally and professionally!”

And what words of wisdom does she hope to impart to the next generation of Auburn students?

“Whether you're seeking a bachelor’s or masters, or Ph.D. through the COE, know that you'll come out on the other side more knowledgeable, better equipped, and with a lot more people in your corner,” she said. “The COE is a tight-knit group, and if you put in an intentional effort to get to know people and apply yourself, you're bound for success!”