'We're not done yet' - Ramsier twins lead Auburn soccer to NCAA Elite Eight

Nov. 22, 2016

By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com

AUBURN, Ala. - For most of the 8-mile Turkey Trot in Texas, the Ramsiers run side by side, enjoying fitness and fellowship. About a half-mile from the finish line, the competitive juices begin to flow.

"We get a little close (to the end) and the pace picks up a little bit," said Brooke Ramsier. "I generally race with my dad, and Casie races with one my sisters. You look over to my dad and say, `I can't be losing to my dad.' So the pace pushes a little bit toward the end. But it's definitely fun, too."

As the Ramsiers have developed into elite student-athletes on Auburn's soccer team, the Turkey Trot order of finish has evolved.

"In the past, he was always in front of us," said Casie. "But now I think we're a little bit in front of him. It's just a good family tradition."

This year, the tradition will be put on hold. Instead of going home to Dallas, Casie, Brooke and their 27 teammates are in Los Angeles for the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals, Auburn's first Elite Eight appearance. No. 16 Auburn plays No. 7 Southern California Friday at 3 p.m. CT.

"It'll be a little different this year. I wouldn't ask for it any other way," Casie said. "I was talking with Brooke. Since freshman year, we've always said, `I want to be in Auburn for Thanksgiving. I want to be playing. I want to be saying I'm at that next level.' To be able to do that your senior year, you really couldn't ask for more."

The Ramsiers have played starring roles in Auburn's 2016 success, combining for 20 of the Tigers' 47 goals.

"They've been so much a part of our development. We've gotten better every year. I think a lot of that is credit to them. Right now, they're both playing their best soccer," said coach Karen Hoppa.

"Casie creates goals," Hoppa said. "She scores goals. She's doing it all on the attacking side. I've described Brooke as the engine of our team. She's big-time for us on defense. She's contributing significantly to our offense."

"To have a senior season like this, you couldn't ask for more," said Casie, whose 37 career goals are second in Auburn history behind Jill Palmer's 40. "It's exciting to be able to be a part of this team. The best part about is we're not done yet. We still have plenty of soccer in front of us."

Brooke and Casie have been especially productive as the season has progressed, each scoring 16 points in Auburn's last seven matches.

"You couldn't ask for more from your sister," Casie said. "She's kind of like the unsung hero of the group. She does so much work for this team. She's such a huge part of our success, and I'm glad to see her finally get recognized because she's an incredible player."

The Ramsiers are part of a senior class that's taken Auburn somewhere it's never been. One more win, and the Tigers will earn a return trip to California for next week's College Cup in San Jose.

"Nobody wants their season to end," Brooke said. "To think about being done with soccer is heartbreaking. All six of us (seniors) have said, `We're going as far as we can. We're going to put it on the line to go as far as we can and to win as many games as we can.'"

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer