Sept. 5, 2016 Samantha Solaru, a senior from Irvine, Calif., has started 63 matches so far in her career. Solaru has logged a majority of her minutes on the flank, both as a defender and as a forward. The two-time academic honor roll honoree has contributed six assists through three-plus seasons on The Plains. Solaru recently sat down with AuburnTigers.com to discuss an array of topics involving her life and the Auburn soccer team.
What are your expectations for your senior year?
I'm hoping this year is the best year we've ever had. I think every year, since I've been here, we've improved. As that goes, hopefully this is the best year.
Who is the biggest prankster on the team?
I would say Ellie Leek. With her coming from a different country, the humor is different. She's very blunt with everyone and I think it's hilarious, me being very sarcastic myself. She's always pulling pranks on people.
What's is like playing with your sister, Dani Solaru, on the same team?
It's awesome. She's my best friend and, since we've come to college, we've become even closer. Having her here is just like an automatic friend that I'll have. Sure, we fight, but it's about dumb stuff and we get over it. However, playing with her is awesome.
What do you like most about the 2016 team?
I think we've improved every week. Our soccer skills are getting better and we're all getting on the same page. Our practices have been getting better and more competitive. I'm happy with the depth that we have this year, that we can rotate so many people into the game.
Why did you choose Auburn?
I only went on two visits and Auburn was my second one. Neither of my visits were California schools because I decided I wanted to get out of California and try to see the rest of the country for a little bit and Auburn was awesome. It was so different from what I was used to and everyone was so welcoming and so nice. The family atmosphere here was something that I wanted.
Is there any advice you could tell a freshman version of yourself?
I would say to not take everything so seriously and remember to just have fun. I'm already a senior and I feel like I was a freshman last year. I feel like because I focus so much on certain aspects of being in college I missed out on some other stuff. Just taking every opportunity you can to have fun I think is most important.