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 wrap up our re-introduction of the signing class with the addition of freshman goalkeeper Makenna Garcia. Garcia is a native of Pflugerville, Texas and is a product of Hendrickson High School and Lonestar SC.
Q: Who or what inspired you to play soccer?
A: I started playing soccer when I was four years old. That being said, it was kind of one of those things where you are so little you are just trying out sports to have fun and be a kid, but with me it just stuck. I never needed to play another sport and ever since then I have absolutely loved soccer.
Q: What is your favorite soccer memory growing up?
A: My favorite soccer memory growing up was when I had finally switched over to playing goalkeeper at the age of eight and received my first pair of gloves from a very close family friend. This was an extremely exciting day for me and marked a new beginning in my life. I had no idea that after that moment goalkeeping would completely change my life for the better and I would end up playing at such an amazing school like Auburn.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment on or off the field?
A: My biggest accomplishment on the field was making it to the DA National Championship last summer. It was an amazing experience and was an extremely good showcase for me personally. I made it through a lot of hardships during that showcase and definitely grew as a person.
Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
A: Before games I have a couple superstitions that I have to follow every time. I usually have to listen to music on my own and get mentally prepared for the game. I also have to wear pre-wrap in my hair and have my hair in a bun. Lastly, I have to pray before every game whether it's with the whole team or on my own right before they blow the whistle.
Q: What made you choose Auburn?
A: Auburn has so many amazing qualities it made the decision very easy. Auburn has such a beautiful campus and has a community that is unmatched. The soccer program here is such a high level and the team is so welcoming along with the coaching staff. There is also amazing resources here and they take care of their athletes extremely well.
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: My favorite Auburn tradition is when the eagle flies around the stadium before football games. I also love the way people around campus say 'War Eagle' to each other as they pass by. The eagle flying around the stadium gets the whole stadium extremely ready for the game and makes the atmosphere. When people around campus say 'War Eagle' it just makes you feel like you are at home and have such a huge family.
Q: What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
A: I am most excited to cheer my team on during every game and making memories with all of my amazing teammates. I am just so excited to officially have my first season playing for Auburn.
Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
A: If I could have one meal for the rest of my life it would be a chicken sandwich meal with a chocolate shake from Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A is the best go to meal and I would definitely be ok with having to eat it for the rest of my life.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
A: If I could have any superpower I would want to be invisible. I just feel like it would be so cool to be able to turn invisible whenever you wanted to.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A: My favorite TV show is by far either The Office or Criminal Minds. I have watched both of these shows on Netflix multiple times and will always be able to go back and watch every episode whenever I want to no matter how many times.
Q: What major do you plan to pursue and what do you want to do with it?
A: My major is early education and I am planning on becoming an elementary school teacher after college. More specifically, I am leaning towards teaching either pre-K or kindergarten. I absolutely adore kids and cannot wait to be able to make a difference in their lives as best I can when I become a teacher.
Q: What are your goals during your time at Auburn?
A: My goal while I'm here at Auburn is to make the most out of my time here and try to become the best person and athlete I can be. I want to become as prepared as I possibly can for life outside of college and make sure I am ready to give my future students the best experience they can possibly get when they step into my classroom.
Q: What do you hope to do when your playing days are over?
A: When my playing days are over I hope to just be able to look back and know that I had the best experience and was so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to play at a school like Auburn.