Ella Fine knows how to handle pressure—whether it’s in a high-stakes meet or a developing weather system. The High Point Gymnastics standout and Auburn commit is chasing big goals in her senior season. After a broken hand kept her from qualifying to nationals in her junior year, she’s now back on track and more determined than ever—proving there’s no storm she can’t weather. With a silver medal from her first Nastia Liukin Cup appearance and a long-term goal of becoming a meteorologist, Fine is headed for an exciting future.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: High Point Gymnastics Academy
College team: Auburn
Hometown: Thomasville, North Carolina
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?
I loved flipping at my mom’s dance studio, and gymnastics seemed like the closest thing to flying. It was a natural progression of my skills.
What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?
Winning a silver medal in the junior division at the Nastia Cup.
What goals are you most excited about in the coming season?
I want to qualify for the Nastia Cup and nationals again.
Was there a specific moment or competition when you realized college gymnastics was within your reach?
The first time I qualified for the Nastia Cup. I realized I could compete with some of the best athletes in my age group.
What’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in gymnastics?
I’ve only had a couple of injuries, but most recently, I broke my left hand just before the state championships. Even though I went on to regionals, I couldn’t use my hand, and for the first time, I didn’t go to nationals. I’m now more resolved than ever to make it in my senior year! Now that my hand is finally healed, I’m recovering and ready to move forward.
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?
My coach, Buddy Thorburn. He has always believed in me—encouraging me to do my best and go beyond. He’s been honest about my progress and shown me how to move forward. Buddy is more than just a gymnastics coach to me—he’s a mentor and part of our family.
What’s a personal gymnastics achievement you’re especially proud of that might surprise people?
In 2023, I learned how to do the Biles 1. I haven’t performed it in competition yet, but I would like to!
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience, both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
I’m most excited about the opportunity to study my chosen field, meteorology. I look forward to learning from my new coaches at Auburn—they’ve been supportive since I verbally committed. I’m also looking forward to the challenge of balancing competition and academics in college.
What’s something on your college gymnastics bucket list?
I want to score a perfect 10 on vault and floor!
We know you’re interested in meteorology and loved that you got to go to the National Weather Center on your visit to Oklahoma. What was your favorite recruiting activity on any of your visits?
I see my career as a meteorologist clearly in my future. The weather center was truly amazing! At Auburn, I met with the director of geosciences, which showed me they cared about me and what I’m interested in.
Rapid Fire Questions
Favorite Event:
Floor
Gymnastics Mount Rushmore:
Simone Biles, Nastia Liukin, Aly Raisman, Shawn Johnson
Most-Used Emoji:
Gymnastics Pet Peeve:
Sweaty feet on the beam (gross!)
Pre-Meet Ritual:
Eating pizza the night before a meet
Hidden Talent:
I’ve been doing dance turns since I was 2 years old.
Dream Job:
Meteorologist or storm chaser
What’s your favorite leotard your college team has worn?
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Article by KT Couldrey
