Auburn sophomore Sophia Bell out for season with Achilles injury
Here's a look at who the Tigers will turn to in the anchor spots on both vault and floor, who could step into the lineups, and what the Tigers will miss from the sensational young star now out.
Standout Auburn sophomore Sophia Bell is out for the season after suffering an Achilles injury on warmups Friday at LSU, she announced on Instagram on Tuesday.
It’s a significant blow for the Tigers for the remainder of 2026 as Bell served as anchor for the team on both vault and floor and had been a top scorer for the Tigers in both events.
Hi everyone! Unfortunately, I suffered an Achilles rupture this past Friday during warm ups. I am absolutely heartbroken that my season is ending early this year. I am scheduled to have surgery Wednesday and am focused on giving this recovery everything I have. This setback does not define me. I can do hard things. I am determined to be back and better by next season. Don’t count me out.
— Sophia Bell, on Instagram
Bell was injured warming up one of her tumbling passes on floor before Friday’s meet. She returned to the competition floor in a walking boot to cheer on her teammates, and traveled with the team to the Metroplex Challenge to support them in Sunday’s quad meet as well.
The Tigers for the Metroplex meet shared photos on Instagram of gymnasts with #DIFB written on their forearms: “Do it for Bell.”
It’s the second straight season that Auburn’s been hit with a devastating Achilles injury in February: Sophomore Keko Jong was an all-arounder for Auburn last season before her Achilles injury in late February 2025, and she’s still working to get back to full speed, and so far has only returned on one event.
But Auburn will have to keep rolling with the punches, with rival and No. 3-ranked Alabama coming to Neville Arena on Friday in prime position to avenge Auburn’s win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa last season.
“Look, you can’t take one of the best vaulters in the country, and one of the best floor workers in the country, out and it not affect your lineup on leg events,” Auburn head coach Jeff Graba said. “With a young team that’s searching for confidence, that’s a challenge.
“But look, nobody’s going to feel sorry for us. We need to rise to the occasion.”
Here’s a look at how the Tigers will attempt to do just that: