A new crop of Tigers is on The Plains and ready to get to work. Follow along over the next few weeks as we re-introduce our 2020 class through a question and answer segment with each player.
We continue this week with three more newcomers, beginning with graduate transfer goalkeeper Dani Kaufman. Kaufman joins the Tigers after spending the previous four seasons at Bucknell. She is a native of Wilmette, Illinois and is a product of New Trier High School.
Q: Who or what inspired you to play soccer?
A: I always asked my mom how I started playing soccer and it was a very basic story. I was a very energetic child and I was put into about every sport you could think of from baseball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball and basketball. It came to a point to pick a sport and I always fell back to soccer. As to who inspired me to play college soccer, that had to have been my maternal grandfather. I grew up with both parents and my mom's parents went to The University of Michigan, and Michigan Athletics were always on the TV growing up. My grandfather did not play sports himself, but he inspired me to follow my dreams to play at a Power Five conference. To be an SEC athlete is a dream come true for me.
Q: What is your favorite soccer memory growing up?
A: My favorite soccer memory growing up had to have been winning back-to-back-to-back state championships at New Trier High School. Jim Burnside at New Trier helped me become a much better goalkeeper and an even better teammate because of the culture he was created there. Lifting the trophy three times was a small part of my time there, but the little moments during my four seasons there are memories that will last a lifetime. I know it may seem only like last year, but being a graduate student it was four years ago from when I graduated high school.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment on or off the field?
A: My biggest accomplishment on the field was not conceding any goals during postseason en route to winning three consecutive state championships. It was 21 games in total without letting a goal in. As for off the field, I am most proud of being the Vice President of the Honor Society for Philosophy at Bucknell University for two years. Being successful in academics is equally important to me.
Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
A: My pre-match superstitions involve a few things. I always put my right gear on first then my left gear. My main one is that I always write a quote, phrase or name on my wrists for the match to remind myself what I play for. It varies depending on the game, but I have always done that.
Q: What made you choose Auburn?
A: I chose Auburn because of the culture and environment that is here. Student-athletes are extremely successful not only on the field, but also off the field. When I came to visit it was very clear that the coaching staff coached a great style of soccer and expected the best out of everyone, which inspired me. The city of Auburn felt like home because of the people within it and how supportive they are for their student-athletes.
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: Since I haven't had much time to experience traditions, I am most looking forward to screaming War Eagle with my teammates after a win!
Q: What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
A: What I am most excited about this upcoming season is the little things. The pre-game locker room moments, the bus rides and practices working to get better. I am super excited to get to compete with great goalkeepers who will work together to make each other better.
Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
A: If I could eat one meal for the rest of my life it would be an omelet with feta and spinach with a side of hot sauce, toast, chicken sausage, and a glass of OJ and coffee. I can always eat breakfast food.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
A: If I had a superpower I would want it to be healing powers because there is so much hurt right now in the world and if I could fix even a small portion I would love to do so.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A: My favorite movie is the Lion King, it has been forever, and my favorite show is Westworld because my dad will watch it with me.
Q: What major do you plan to pursue and what do you want to do with it?
A: My program here at Auburn is Public Administration, and after I finish my Masters I want to work with the city of Chicago to fix some problems with the city on a policy level basis.
Q: What are your goals during your time at Auburn?
A: My goals during my time at Auburn are to compete as hard as I can and help the team succeed as much as possible both on and off the field.
Q: What do you hope to do when your playing days are over?
A: Well since my playing days are quickly coming to an end, I'm hoping that when I'm done I can still contribute to helping female soccer players find their potential and success in soccer and life.