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 next newcomer to be re-introduced to the Auburn Family is Virginia Tech transfer and midfielder Grace Sklopan.
Hometown: Alexandria, Va.
Previous School: Virginia Tech
High School: Thomas A. Edison
Birthdate: Dec. 3, 1999
Instagram: @gracesklopan
Q: Who or what inspired you to play soccer?
A: My mom signed me up for soccer, and my dad signed me up for baseball. I fell in love with soccer at a young age, but my mom is who actually made me start. I was also always pretty athletic, so soccer really allowed me to grow as a person and player.
Q: What is your favorite soccer memory growing up?
A: My favorite soccer memory growing up was playing with my club soccer team and winning the ECNL Nationals our senior year. We went 37-0 the whole year, and I scored the tying goal to put us into overtime before winning.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment on or off the field?
A: Off the field, I finished my undergraduate degree in three years, which gave me the opportunity to pursue my master's at Auburn.
Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
A: I do not have any superstitions.
Q: What were your biggest factors in choosing Auburn?
A: My biggest factors when choosing Auburn included graduate school and soccer. The MBA program at Auburn had everything I wanted, and the coaches on the soccer team made me feel so welcomed. The choice was easy.
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: My favorite tradition at Auburn is rolling the trees at Toomer's Corner. I am very excited to do this after a big win.
Q: What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
A: I am most excited to be able to play in the SEC and compete to win the conference.
Q: If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
A: If I could eat one meal, it would be lobster with my mom's mashed potatoes and cream corn.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
A: I would want the power to read minds because I am always curious about what other people think.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A: My favorite movie is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Q: What major do you plan to pursue and what led you to choosing that subject?
A: I am planning on getting my MBA while playing soccer. I chose this subject because of my prior experience and undergraduate degree.
Q: What are your biggest goals during your time at Auburn?
A: During my time at Auburn, I hope to make an impact and do as much as I can for the program in a short amount of time.
Q: What do you hope to do when your playing days are over?
A:After I am done playing, I hope to go into the corporate world and make an impact at a business.