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, the next of which is freshman forward Maddie Simpson. Simpson joins the Auburn program from Wausau, Wisconsin, and is a product of DC Everest Senior High School and Rush Wisconsin.
Q: Who or what inspired you to play soccer?
A: Definitely Abby Wambach. I started playing soccer when I was four years old but really got into it around nine. Watching the Women's National Team play in the 2011 World Cup was really moving for me. Abby's style of play and leadership really inspired me.
Q: What is your favorite soccer memory growing up?
A: My favorite soccer memory was probably going to Spain. Europeans have a different style of play, which was really unique to see and play against. I also love to travel and the places we visited were beautiful.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment on or off the field?
A: My biggest accomplishment is committing to Auburn. It has been my dream to play college soccer for as long as I can remember. I'm so thankful I have the opportunity to attend such a beautiful campus with so many wonderful people.
Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
A: Oh yes! I always put on my right sock, left sock, right shin guard holder, left shin guard holder, right shoe, left shoe, right shin guard, left shin guard. It's more muscle memory now, but it bugs me if I do it wrong. Then I usually start over.
Q: What made you choose Auburn?
A: The community. The people here are truly sweet and genuine. The campus is so welcoming and the perfect size. I also love the southern hospitality. We are a family.
Q: What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
A: I'm so excited to play. I haven't played an actual game since last October due to COVID, so I'm so pumped to get out there. I can't wait to play with my teammates and build chemistry.
Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
A: I would have to say pasta. Sushi is a close second, but there's so many different ways you can prepare pasta. My mom's homemade spätzle is my favorite (German family recipe).
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
A: I'm going to have to pick time travel. I really enjoy history, and it would be so cool to get to experience some historical events first hand. Plus, knowing the unknown in the past and future would be so fun.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A: My favorite movie would have to be Interstellar. It's the type of movie that will leave you on your toes. You continuously second guess yourself and there's many plot twists. The movie really messes with your mind. I highly recommend it.
Q: What major do you plan to pursue and what do you want to do with it?
A: I plan on majoring in something with pre-med. I am still on the edge, but that area really fascinates me. I really want to help people, but I'm still unsure of what exactly I'm going to do.
Q: What are your goals during your time at Auburn?
A: My goals at Auburn are to show up every day and give it my all. Whether that's in the classroom or on the field. I value hard work and strive to become the best athlete and student I can be.
Q: What do you hope to do when your playing days are over?
A: When my playing days are done, I'll probably still be out there trying to find a pick-up game or juggling in my driveway. I love watching games and highlights on TV. Soccer has pretty much become my life, so I don't think I'll ever fully stop.