On The Plains with Jaycie Silhan: 'Live with a positive belief in yourself, and you will enjoy all your hard work'

AUBURN, Ala.- From the very beginning, senior Jaycie Silhan knew she wanted to be part of the Auburn soccer program for more than just the competitive nature of the SEC.

“The morals and focus at Auburn of hard work, best attitude and best effort are something I wanted to buy into.”

She realized very quickly that Auburn would be a place where she would have room to grow not only in the game of soccer but also as a person with a robust support system in the Auburn athletic department. 

She credits her growth to this point to the unwavering support her coaches and teammates have given her. 

“Credit to my coaches pouring into me and my locker buddy, Maddy Bondon," she said. "I have learned to embrace my role on the team. My role now is not what I pictured as a freshman, but it does not mean it is any less important.”

Her visit to campus was nothing short of memorable. While on a family road trip, her family decided on a whim to stop in at Auburn. She received a tour of the facility, and at that very moment, Silhan saw her future there. 

“It was then I felt the family feel of Auburn that everyone talks about. It was really special. I pretty much knew from that moment I really wanted to come here.”

Silhan comes from the suburbs of Houston, where the lifestyle is hectic. In Auburn, she loves the small-town feel where everyone knows everyone. 

“You never meet a stranger in Auburn, which is something I love.” 

She is not only a committed soccer player but also a committed student. She is the team's academic captain and is proud to encourage her teammates to reach their full potential on the field and in the classroom. 

“We have big goals, academically," Silhan said. "We are an intelligent team. My job is to ensure we execute our goals and communicate support when needed. It is everyone stepping up and doing their part in their academics.” 

 As a member of the college of science and mathematics, she is most proud of her ability to balance her academic and athletic endeavors.

“Even though I am a biomedical science major, my classes are not easy, and my soccer commitment is the greatest it has ever been in my career; I feel God has multiplied my time.”

Silhan also finds great joy in serving in her church community. She has found time to become involved in finding and building relationships through serving God.

“Most of my service is through church and pouring into the student ministry there," she said. "I love hanging out with high school and middle school girls and helping them grow and learn through those times of their lives.”

 She has also recently been recognized on the 2024 SEC Soccer Community Service Team. 

“I was not expecting it. You do the volunteering not to be recognized and not to prove anything to anyone. I hope being recognized inspires others to make time to pour into their community amongst our busy schedules.” 

One of Silhan's fondest soccer memories came this season when the team went on the road to face LSU. Despite the difficult drive, the team found a way to experience so much joy and excitement while playing some of the highest-level soccer they have had in their careers. 

“Everyone was so happy… we were like little kids having the best time. It was like giving a little kid candy.”

Looking forward to her postgrad plans, she is waiting to hear back from PA schools and plans to work full-time at the orthopedic clinic in the spring. She is also excited to get married to her fiancé, Silas, in the spring. 

When her time at this program ends, she hopes she will inspire people to be grateful. 

“I try to remind myself and the people around me to have joy in the moment because we will not get these moments back.”