Forced to Retire From NCAA, Suni Lee Continues to Help Auburn Tigers Grow, Claims NCAA Gymnastics Coach

In a career defined by groundbreaking achievements, Suni Lee’s impact on the world of gymnastics is undeniable. From winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to becoming one of the most celebrated athletes in the sport’s history, Lee’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. However, it is her post-collegiate life, particularly her role with the Auburn Tigers, that is rapidly shaping her legacy in new ways. Though forced to retire from NCAA gymnastics due to injury, Suni Lee has remained a significant force for the Auburn program. According to Auburn’s NCAA gymnastics coach, Jeff Graba, Lee’s influence continues to extend far beyond what any typical athlete could offer.

A Glimpse Into Suni Lee’s NCAA Career

Suni Lee’s collegiate career began with high expectations. After making a monumental splash in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she secured gold in the all-around competition, Lee’s decision to compete at Auburn was met with great fanfare. Lee chose Auburn University to continue her gymnastics journey, driven by her connection with her coach, Jeff Graba, and the university’s support system. When Lee announced she would join Auburn’s gymnastics team in 2021, it was a huge win for the program, both in terms of talent and visibility.

During her first season with the Tigers, Lee demonstrated her elite skills and proved that her Olympic success was not a fluke. She quickly became a star in the NCAA gymnastics world, earning numerous accolades and high scores across events. However, her journey was not without challenges. Despite her overwhelming talent, Suni faced injuries that would eventually force her to retire from NCAA gymnastics much earlier than anticipated.

The Injury That Forced Her to Retire

Injury is an unfortunate reality in sports, particularly in gymnastics, where athletes’ bodies are pushed to extreme limits. For Suni Lee, the road to NCAA stardom was marred by a series of physical setbacks. Initially, Lee had been dealing with minor injuries during her NCAA season at Auburn. However, as the season progressed, she encountered more significant issues with her body, particularly with her back and knee, which were compounded by the physical demands of her high-profile training.

Despite her best efforts to rehabilitate and recover, Lee’s injuries ultimately led her to a tough decision: she would need to step away from NCAA gymnastics. This decision was not an easy one for Lee, who had dreamed of making an impact on the collegiate level and contributing to the growth of Auburn’s gymnastics program. Her passion for the sport and commitment to her teammates were clear, but the pain she was experiencing simply made it impossible to continue competing.

The retirement announcement sent shockwaves through the gymnastics community, as Lee had been one of the most promising athletes to ever enter the NCAA gymnastics scene. Yet, in true Suni Lee fashion, she chose to focus on the long-term well-being of her body, opting out of the competitive side of gymnastics to ensure a healthy future.

Lee’s Continued Role with Auburn Tigers

Though Lee’s official competitive career in NCAA gymnastics was cut short, her legacy at Auburn is anything but over. In fact, according to Jeff Graba, the head coach of Auburn’s gymnastics program, Lee’s influence on the team continues to grow in ways that are just as impactful as her performances on the mat. Graba has made it clear that Suni Lee has become a vital part of the Tigers’ growth, not just as an athlete but as a mentor, a role model, and a resource for younger athletes.

Graba notes that Lee’s commitment to the Auburn program transcends the usual responsibilities of an injured athlete. While she no longer competes in NCAA meets, Lee continues to support her teammates, providing them with valuable insights into the demands of elite gymnastics. Her experience as an Olympic champion has given her a unique perspective that no other athlete can offer, and Graba emphasizes how much the Auburn team benefits from her presence.

“It’s not just about the scores and the medals,” Graba explains. “Suni brings an immeasurable level of experience and wisdom to this program. She’s a guiding force, both in practice and in the locker room. Her ability to mentor our younger gymnasts, especially those looking to make a name for themselves on the national stage, is extraordinary.”

Mentoring Auburn’s Gymnasts

Suni Lee’s role as a mentor for Auburn’s gymnasts is one of the most significant ways she continues to shape the program. For the younger athletes, having someone like Lee around is invaluable. Lee’s journey to the Olympics, from a young gymnast to a household name, is a story many of her teammates look up to. Her ability to balance intense competition with schoolwork, her experiences overcoming adversity, and her understanding of what it takes to perform on the biggest stage are lessons the team’s younger members can learn from firsthand.

Lee often works one-on-one with gymnasts in practice, offering advice on technique and performance under pressure. Her focus on the mental aspect of the sport is especially crucial, as gymnastics requires not just physical skill but also mental toughness. By sharing her experiences, particularly from her Olympic run, Lee helps her teammates understand how to handle pressure and thrive in high-stakes situations.

Moreover, Lee’s influence extends beyond the gymnastics floor. As a role model, she demonstrates resilience, discipline, and determination—qualities that resonate deeply with the Auburn gymnasts. Through her actions, Lee exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded athlete: one who is dedicated to not only personal success but also to the success of the team.

Suni Lee’s Continued Impact on NCAA Gymnastics

Even though she is no longer competing in the NCAA, Suni Lee’s impact on the sport continues to be felt throughout the collegiate gymnastics landscape. Her story is a reminder of what it takes to reach the highest level of competition, and her presence at Auburn serves as a living example of what can be achieved through hard work, passion, and perseverance.

Lee’s influence is also visible in the way the NCAA gymnastics community now views the mental and physical well-being of its athletes. Her decision to retire early in order to preserve her health serves as a much-needed reminder of the importance of prioritizing an athlete’s long-term well-being. In a sport that often demands everything from its participants, Lee’s decision to step away has been an important conversation starter about how the NCAA should support the health and careers of its athletes, especially those at the highest levels.

A Bright Future Ahead

While Suni Lee’s career in NCAA gymnastics may have been cut short, her future remains incredibly bright. Whether or not she chooses to pursue another Olympic appearance is still unknown, but one thing is certain: her legacy is secure. Through her role with Auburn, Lee is helping shape the next generation of gymnasts, offering them the kind of guidance and mentorship that only someone with her experience can provide.

Coach Jeff Graba’s praise of Lee underscores the remarkable ways she continues to influence the Auburn Tigers and NCAA gymnastics at large. The young athletes on the team, as well as those around the country, will look back on her career as one that broke barriers, set new standards, and created lasting change for the sport.

As Lee transitions from an active athlete to a mentor and advocate for the sport, her journey is far from over. Her story continues to inspire countless individuals—athletes and fans alike—and her contributions to gymnastics, both in and out of the gym, will undoubtedly echo for years to come.

In the end, Suni Lee’s journey proves that while an athlete’s competitive career may end, their impact on the sport can last forever. For the Auburn Tigers and the NCAA gymnastics community, Suni Lee’s retirement is just another chapter in her ongoing story of excellence, mentorship, and commitment to the sport she loves.