A crop of new Tigers is on the Plains and ready for the 2021 season. Follow along over the next two weeks as we re-introduce our 2021 class through a question and answer segment with each player.
Our next newcomer to be re-introduced to the Auburn Family is freshman defender Jaycie Silhan.
Hometown: Spring, Texas
Club Team: Challenge SC
High School: Klein Oak
Birthdate: May 6, 2003
Instagram: @jaycie.sil
Q: Who or what inspired you to play soccer?
A: I started soccer at a young age, and my dad coached my team for a few years. My older brother was also really into soccer, and because I looked up to him and wanted to do everything he did, I obviously took on soccer, too.
Q: What is your favorite soccer memory growing up?
A: When I was U13 Pre-ECNL, our final game determined if we made it into playoffs or not. I scored the winning goal in the final minutes, sending us to playoffs in North Carolina, our first out-of-state trip.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment on or off the field?
A: I've always been a driven individual, and I set high goals for myself without letting a busy schedule intimidate me or hold me back. I'm really happy that throughout high school I was able to juggle three varsity sports and club soccer while still maintaining my academics to graduate in the top two percent of my class. Then, of course, committing to Auburn was another huge accomplishment for me.
Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
A: I always put my right cleat on before my left. It just feels right.
Q: What were your biggest factors in choosing Auburn?
A: The immediate welcoming feeling that came from the staff at Auburn and the sense of home was a huge draw. I also love the passion of each and every one of the players here. Everyone is willing and eager to give max effort all day, every day.
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: I love it when I'm wearing an Auburn shirt in random public places an Auburn alumni shouts 'War Eagle!' (even in Texas).
Q: What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
A: I'm looking forward to teammates becoming family. Also, I'm so ready to get to work and get better every day. This team has a lot of potential, and I know that we can go far.
Q: If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
A: One meal? If you know me, you know I simply could not do this because I love food so much. I guess if I had to choose, it would definitely include my dad's chicken fried chicken and my mom's green bean casserole, a meal that will always give me that warm feeling of home.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
A: Time travel. I'd love to revisit favorite memories from the past and get a sneak peek at the future. I know I'm living in the good old days right now, and I'm making memories every day that I will look back on forever.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A: Not going to lie, I absolutely love the movie Cars. It may be a kids' movie, but it's definitely one of my favorites.
Q: What major do you plan to pursue and what led you to choosing that subject?
A: I plan to major in biomedical science in the College of Science and Mathematics. Throughout my high school experience, I was drawn towards health sciences, and I wanted to choose a major that will prepare me for my post-grad medical field pursuits.
Q: What are your biggest goals during your time at Auburn?
A: While at Auburn I want to chase my potential to become not only the best athlete I can be, but also the best version of myself through focusing on my character. Being here at Auburn with these people, I know that I will constantly be moving in a positive direction towards these goals, and I can't wait to see the impact that they will have on my life.
Q: What do you hope to do when your playing days are over?
A:When my playing days are over, I plan pursue a career in the medical field then hopefully settle down somewhere in the South with my family.