On The Plains with Elle Squires: "I've always dreamed of it"

Elle Squires’ Auburn journey has been nothing short of unique. She arrived as a regular student and will leave as a student-athlete on the women’s golf team.

Squires earned numerous offers to play golf at other universities but chose to attend Auburn because she felt no other school compared.

“Since I had those two years where I wasn’t an athlete, I was able to dig in and establish a community and a home base in Auburn,” Squires said.

Squires grew up as an Auburn fan, wearing a navy headband with orange “AU” logos to elementary school.

Her family’s connection to the university runs deep, dating back to when Auburn was known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute. She is a fifth-generation Auburn student and shares a room with her younger sister, who is a sophomore.

“It’s been a real active love for Auburn since I can remember,” the Auburn senior said. “My mom would sing us two songs every night, and we got to choose them. It was always the Auburn fight song and ‘Amazing Grace.’”

Squires grew up playing golf, with both her parents and grandparents involved in the sport. Her parents encouraged her and her sisters to choose both a “right now sport” and a “forever sport,” and golf became both for her.

During her time away from the team, Squires immersed herself in campus life and built a strong community. She held positions in the Student Government Association and multiple honor societies.

One of her most notable roles was with War Eagle Creative. She joined as a freshman with little experience behind a camera and, within a year, became the student lead for men’s and women’s golf, assisting with video shooting and editing.

“I still giggle about why they hired me because I don’t think I would hire myself,” Squires said. “I’m so thankful they did.”

During her junior year, Squires received an opportunity she had always dreamed about. The coaching staff invited her to join the team as a walk-on, a possibility made real through relationships she maintained during her recruitment process and her work with War Eagle Creative.

“That was something I never thought would happen,” said the Birmingham native. “I’ve always dreamed of it happening, but for it to come to fruition has been amazing.”

Squires has cherished every moment with the team, especially after initially thinking her time might be cut short following uncertainty surrounding the House settlement. She even cleaned out her locker before learning weeks later that she would return for another season.

“When workouts get harder and practice gets tough, I’m so grateful I’m there,” Squires said. “It’s special to be able to play and do your favorite thing at the end of the day with the people that you love. I deeply love every one of them, and we enjoy hanging out with each other all the time. It really does feel like a family. Everybody cheers for the other girls and wants them to do well.”

As her Auburn career comes to a close, Squires knows the people will be what she misses most, especially the small, everyday moments shared with her teammates.

One of her favorite traditions is decorating the locker room after away wins. The team celebrates by covering the space in toilet paper, hanging it from the ceiling after each victory.

Squires said she will also miss the support of the Auburn Family, which she came to appreciate even more during her time with the program.

“I didn’t know how deep and wide the fan base was for women’s golf,” Squires said. “We have people who travel all over the world to see us play. They’re at every tournament because they love us, want the best for us and want to support us.”

As she finishes her senior season, Squires is focused on staying present and appreciating every moment, both big and small.

“My time at Auburn has been amazing,” she said. “It’s not what I thought it would be when I walked in, and I’m so thankful that it’s not what I thought it was going to be.”