Follow along this February as Auburn soccer catches up with some of its most notable and successful alumnae as we celebrate Black History Month. Taking the field is Kristen Dodson, a three-time All-SEC performer who ranks in the top-five for eight different program records and holds the school record for points in a single season with 38.
Q: Why did you choose to continue your career at Auburn?
Dodson: I chose to continue my career at Auburn because the soccer program and facilities are amazing, the coaching staff truly wants their players to succeed, and because campus is beautiful. As soon as I visited Auburn, it felt like I was home.
Q: How would you describe your college experience in a single word?
Dodson: The best word I could use to describe my experience is foundational.
Q: What did it mean for you to be a role model of a black student–athlete succeeding at the highest level?
Dodson: Having an older brother that modeled this for me, I knew that it was a humbling, but a big responsibility to have others look up to you in such a way that what you do matters. So, I tried to imitate that by giving 100% with everything that I did whether that be in practice, games or the classroom. I still live with this philosophy today.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your time in college?
Dodson: To be completely honest, my favorite memories were anytime we beat Florida.
Q: How did it feel to make an instant impact at Auburn, playing and starting from the beginning?
Dodson: It was a pleasant surprise to be able to not only play but start as a freshman. My goal coming on campus was just to take advantage of any opportunity I had to step on the field.
Q: What did you earn your degree in and what are you up to now?
Dodson: I received my Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science. I later obtained a B.S. in nursing and I'm currently a postpartum nurse with plans to become a midwife.
Q: What would you consider your biggest accomplishment during your career?
Dodson: I think going to the elite eight for the first time in program history while breaking the single-season points record have to be two of my biggest accomplishments.
Q: What makes Auburn Soccer special?
Dodson: What makes it so special was the opportunity to not only meet amazing athletes but also women from all over the country who became lifelong friends.
Q: What advice would you give to current and future members of the program?
Dodson: Auburn has a lot of great resources available for the overall well-being of their student-athletes, so take advantage of them whether that is for academic, mental or physical support.
Q: What is your legacy? What do you want people to remember about Kristen?
Dodson: I hope people remember me as being a hard-working player that left everything on the field and a caring, fun-loving person off the field.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add regarding your time as a black student-athlete at Auburn?
Dodson: Auburn soccer was my first experience of ever being on a team with other black players, which was truly special for me. Auburn University as a whole had such a diverse student-athlete body during my time, which was very enriching for me. I couldn't have asked for a better college experience and it will always be something that I carry with me.