AUBURN, Ala. – Now in his fourth and final year on the Plains, senior Carter Sobera cherishes the support he's gained from the Auburn Family.
"Auburn is connected, and people actually want to see you succeed," he said. "Being my last season, I want to take it in for the last time."
Sobera has felt nothing but love from the time he stepped foot on campus at Auburn. He credits his teammates and coaches for making him feel this way. He truly has experienced the genuine meaning of the Auburn Family, on and off the court.
From right down U.S. Route 280, Sobera graduated from Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham where he was a state champion his junior year and finished runner-up as a senior. He was raised in orange and blue and wanted to continue the family legacy at Auburn where both his mom and dad went to school.
However, that meant no basketball scholarship, and he wrestled with whether to keep playing or not. Ultimately, he decided to persevere and not give up thanks in large part to his friend and high school teammate Lior Berman.
"Lior has been very helpful and a great friend throughout my entire time here at Auburn, and for that I am very thankful," Sobera said.
As a teammate again at Auburn and as his roommate, Berman helped guide Sobera through his freshmen year. He has been a constant friend throughout their time with the Tigers after the two played for Mountain Brook together, and that friendship has only grown in college. Off the court, they get food together, play video games and like to go golfing.
"We have grown close, and he is an amazing guy," Berman said of Sobera. "I am glad to have him as a friend. We will keep in touch forever."
As a walk-on, Sobera was hopeful for playing time during his career. He's gotten that opportunity here and there, including against Alabama in 2022 when he scored the 100th point for Auburn at the free throw line. When shooting the free throw, he had no clue he was in that position, but to this day, it remains his favorite memory.
Now in his final season, Sobera is most excited about playing in Neville Arena one last time with the "best fan base in the country." Even if he's not playing, he's thankful for the amazing opportunity to be part of it. He's learned so much playing for the Tigers.
"Auburn basketball has taught me to not let emotions dictate decisions, but rather be consistent, disciplined and focused," he said.
While he has learned a lot from basketball, Sobera has also learned quite a bit from Auburn FMA or Financial Management Association.
"Shout out Auburn FMA," he said.
It's helped Sobera get a leg up when it comes to networking. He had the privilege of interning with Krowten Capital last summer where he got to be a part of their private equity team dealing with High Five Health specifically. He's looking forward to his internship this summer with Goldman Sachs in Dallas, Texas. He will be helping their specialty lending group and working alongside their private credit team.
In May, Sobera is expected to graduate with a degree from the Harbert College of Business.
From the court to the classroom, Auburn has helped shape Sobera into the man he has become. He's cherishing his last moments playing for the Tigers this season and is excited and anxious for what lies ahead after basketball is over.