Follow along this February as Auburn soccer catches up with some of its most notable and successful alumnae as we celebrate Black History Month. The third player to be highlighted is Kim Spence, an integral member of the 2011 team that led Auburn to its first SEC Tournament title.
Q: Why did you choose to continue your career at Auburn?
Spence: The first time I visited Auburn's campus, it felt like home. It was a beautiful place with great people, and I could see myself being there for the next several years and being a part of the great soccer program that was already established.
Q: What did it mean for you to be a role model of a black student–athlete succeeding at the highest level?
Spence: It really was a great feeling to be in that position. I used all my experiences and incorporated it into my current role as a high school counselor. I started my school's first student-athlete advisory council to provide a platform and opportunity to support our student-athletes and to help them to be successful.
Q: How would you describe your college experience in a single word?
Spence: Impactful.
Q: Are you still involved with the game of soccer?
Spence: Of course, I'm still involved with the game! I plan to play as long as I possibly can, I currently play in a local women's league as well as on a couple coed teams in different leagues.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your time at Auburn?
Spence: My favorite memory would have to be winning the SEC Tournament in 2011! The way we came together as a team for that entire tournament was a beautiful thing to be a part of. Another top memory would have to be beating UGA. Being a Georgia girl and growing up playing with many players on their team, it was always a rivalry match with them, so a win definitely felt good.
Q: What does it mean to you to be one of the most successful players in the history of the program?
Spence: It is an honor to be a part of such a great program. They really look out for their players, and I was very grateful for the experiences I had during my time there. It has also been great watching how the program has continued to grow and excel.
Q: What did you earn your degree in and what are you up to now?
Spence: I loved it at Auburn so much, I got two degrees! I got my BA in psychology and MEd in school counseling. I'm currently a high school counselor in Georgia.
Q: What advice would you give to current and future members of the program?
Spence: I would say enjoy every minute of it. The first time you step on The Plains feels amazing, and you look forward to all this time ahead of you, but it flies by. Enjoy every second of it and get involved as much as you can, both on and off the field.
Q: What would you consider your biggest accomplishment during your career?
Spence: My biggest accomplishment during my soccer career was having the opportunity to play for Jamaica's Women's U-20 Youth National Team. That is one of the best experiences I ever had, and it helped me develop into the person and player I am today.
Q: What is your legacy? What do you want people to remember about Kim?
Spence: I want people to remember my work-ethic. I gave 100% in everything that I did and accepted every challenge because I knew it would make me better.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add regarding your time at Auburn as a black student-athlete?
Spence: One of the best parts of my time at Auburn is how much the campus was family-oriented, especially among other student-athletes. At almost every single sporting event, there were athletes from other sports watching and supporting from the sidelines. Each of our backgrounds were so diverse, but we always supported each other no matter what. I am very thankful to be a part of such a great school and soccer program. War Eagle!