A crop of new Tigers is on the Plains and ready for the 2021 season. Follow along over the next two weeks as we re-introduce our 2021 class through a question and answer segment with each player.
Our second week of re-introductions begins by welcoming freshman forward Layton Glisson to the Auburn Family.
Hometown: Dacula, Ga.
High School: Hebron Christian Academy
Club Team: United FA
Birthdate: July 5, 2002
Instagram: @laytongliss
Q: Who or what inspired you to play soccer?
A: My older sister inspired me to play soccer. She played at UGA. She is about four years older than me, and I looked up to her growing up. As siblings do, I would do everything she did. I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember because of her, whether it was kicking around with her in the backyard, her taking me to a field to kick around, or even joining in on her actual practices.
Q: What is your favorite soccer memory growing up?
A: In 2013 I met the whole World Cup team and was able to actually go into the locker room and take pictures with the team. I remember being an awe watching that game, and of all the players. That's when I started to get really serious about soccer and wanted to be where they are, playing for our nation and wearing the crest.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment on or off the field?
A: My senior year of high school I was finally able to run track. I won five state titles – the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay – and tallied up all the points to bring home the team title as well, which was the first time my school's track team had ever won state.
Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
A: I always start out by praying for everyone before the game – our team and the other team to be safe, amongst other things. Before I step on the field I have to listen to Glamorous by Fergie.
Q: What were your biggest factors in choosing Auburn?
A: One of my biggest factors were playing in the SEC. I love the competitive environment that it brings. Staying in the South was also important to me. There's just good people here, and good football. The most important thing was that when I stepped on campus I knew I would fit in here. It felt like home.
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: I'm a huge football person and I love nature, so there's nothing like watching the eagle fly around the stadium. It makes you feel so special to be a part of a school like this one.
Q: What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
A: Making life-long best friends, getting the opportunity to continue to have fun playing the sport I love for a little while longer, and hopefully bringing home a SEC championship.
Q: If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
A: This was a hard one because I love crab legs, but I probably couldn't eat them the rest of my life. I have to go with Mellow Mushroom pizza.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
A: Definitely to read people's mind. You would know exactly what ball to play to everyone, every single time.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A: My favorite movie is either Step Brothers or Rocky IV, which are very different genres. I love comedy movies, but I grew up watching all of the Rocky movies with my dad and I can't help but favor them.
Q: What major do you plan to pursue and what led you to choosing that subject?
A: I am pursuing a major in communication and journalism because I want to be a sports broadcaster. I grew up watching any football game that was on TV because of my dad, and my sisters and I have played soccer since we could walk. I just love sports, that's what led me to purse that major.
Q: What are your biggest goals during your time at Auburn?
A: My biggest goals are first off to win a national championship along with a SEC championship(s).
Q: What do you hope to do when your playing days are over?
I definitely want to start a family, but my absolute favorite thing to do besides playing soccer is fishing. Maybe I will take some trips fishing in different places.