Legendary Gymnast Penney Hauschild Buxton Elected to Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
11/30/2023 6:10:00 PM | Gymnastics
The 10-time All-American competed at Alabama from 1983-86, under the guidance of legendary coach Sarah Patterson
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Former Alabama gymnastics standout Penney Hauschild Buxton was selected for induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2024, announced by the organization.
The first Southeastern Conference gymnast to win an NCAA title, Hauschild Buxton won four in total under the legendary guidance of Sarah and David Patterson, including back-to-back NCAA All-Around championships (1985, 1986).
Head Coach Ashley Johnston Said
"What an amazing and deserved honor for a trailblazer in both our sport and program. Penney helped pave the way for our program to become a national powerhouse. She has helped set a precedent and created a legacy of excellence that our current athletes can look to for inspiration. We are so excited for her to receive this recognition."
Legendary Alabama Coach and 2014 ASHOF Inductee Sarah Patterson, who Coached Buxton During her Crimson Tide Career, Said
"I couldn't be more proud of Penney's accomplishments; she is so deserving of this honor. Penney was our first national champion, and created a legacy that has led Alabama gymnastics to a championship culture. It will be one of my greatest memories to have her join me in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and continue her influence and support of women."
Penney Hauschild Buxton's Career at Alabama (1983-86)
- Four-time NCAA champion (1985 – all-around, uneven bars | 1986 – all-around, floor exercise)
- 10-time All-American
- First SEC gymnast to win an NCAA title
- Named SEC Athlete of the Year in 1985
- Won back-to-back Honda Awards in 1985 and 1986
- First UA gymnast to win the award and only one to win multiple
- Honored as an SEC Great in 2006
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2024
- The Class of 2024 will be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame on May 4, 2024
- Mike Anderson – Basketball – Coaching
- Penney Hauschild Buxton – Gymnastics
- Larry Chapman – Basketball – Coaching
- John Drew – Basketball
- Robert Mathis – Football
- David Palmer – Football
- Scott Sullivan – Baseball
- Mike Washington – Football
- Starting with the first class in 1969, this will be the 56th Class inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, with the eight Class of 2024 inductees bringing the total number to 401
- The 56th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony will be held in the Birmingham Ballroom at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel on May 4, 2024
- For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum at (205) 323-6665
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