After transferring back from Ole Miss, Litkenhous turns perseverance into purpose, leaving a lasting impact on the Auburn Tigers equestrian program
AUBURN, Ala. | For Isabel Litkenhous, the road to fulfillment wasn’t a straight line — it was a journey that required leaving home to truly understand what it meant to return.
In the latest installment of “TELL IT LIKE IT IS: On The Plains,” Litkenhous’s story reflects a deeper truth about college athletics: sometimes, growth comes from stepping away before stepping into your purpose.
A native of Auburn, Alabama, Litkenhous initially chose to begin her collegiate career at Ole Miss Rebels, driven by a desire to explore life beyond her hometown. But after a year away, clarity set in.
“Being away made me realize how much I actually loved Auburn,” Litkenhous said.
That realization brought her back to Auburn University — a decision she made on her own terms, even submitting her transfer application before telling her parents.