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March 22, 2012

Auburn sophomores Bianca Sierra, Ashley Kotero and Kim Spence were all selected to play with their respective national teams at the prestigious CONCACAF Under-20 Women's Qualifying Tournament in Panama this past month. Sierra and Kotero represented Mexico, while Spence suited up for Jamaica.

Mexico finished third in the tournament, earning a bid to the U-20 World Cup this summer in Japan from Aug. 18- Sept. 2. Jamaica had a great week and competed well, finishing third in Group A behind Canada and Mexico.

Each of these girls were significant contributors to their teams with Sierra starting all five games and playing every minute of the tournament, collecting three assists from her outside and center back role. Kotero appeared in two matches, starting with Sierra at center-back against the United States. And Spence scored a goal against Mexico and played in all three of Jamaica's games. Having our student-athletes represent their respective countries at such a high level in international play is a huge honor, and proves invaluable for the future and direction of the program.

We were recently able to sit down and conduct a Q&A with the girls, taking an introspective look into their trip and experiences.

Kim Spence- Jamaica

Q: What was your experience like in Panama?
A: My experience in Panama was awesome! My team didn't advance but I was still very happy to even get that opportunity. Everything from the hotel to the stadium to the traveling, it was all great.

Q: How will this experience allow you to grow as an Auburn soccer player?
A: This experience will allow me to grow as an Auburn soccer player because I feel like it is making me a more diverse player. For my national team I play forward, but for Auburn I am a defender and playing both positions allows me to be a better and well-rounded player.

Q: What were the major differences in the level of play?
A: The major differences in the level of play was probably the speed of play and the physicality; at Auburn, the speed of play is faster and it is more physical.

Q: Overall explain what you took away from this opportunity.
A: Overall, I took a lot from the trip; my national team is young and from all different places. It really showed me how people of so many different backgrounds can come together and play together and all for the same reason- to represent our country. I took a lot from just being a part of a CONCACAF event; it was surreal. At the end of the day, I left Panama a very happy and blessed person, and an even better soccer player.

Bianca Sierra- Mexico

Q: What was your experience like in Panama?
A: My experience in Panama was truly amazing, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete to play in a World Cup.

Q: Explain the honor of representing your national team?
A: Representing Mexico is a huge honor for me and my family. Putting on that Mexico jersey means so much to me and it just fills me with joy to know that I'm playing for my country.

Q: How has being an Auburn student-athlete prepared you for this opportunity?
A: Going into this tournament I was much more confident with my playing ability then I was two years ago at the last qualifying tournament. Being a part of Auburn soccer had made me grow so much as a player and has made me so much better. If it wasn't for my teammates here at Auburn pushing me every day to make me a better player, I would not be where I am at the international level.

Q: Overall, explain what you took away from the trip.
A: It was awesome being able to play side by side with one of Auburn teammates, Ashley Kotero, and even more awesome to be playing against one of my Auburn teammates, Kim Spence. She actually scored on us when we played them and it really didn't even make me mad, I was actually really proud of her! Overall the tournament was an awesome experience and I thank my Auburn coaches and teammates for giving me the ability to compete at the international level. I cannot wait to play in the World Cup this summer in Japan.

Ashley Kotero- Mexico

Q: What was your experience like in Panama?
A: Luckily, this was my third time playing and representing Mexico in an official world competition and as in the past it was an amazing experience athletically and culturally.

Q: What emotions did you experience throughout the whole process?
A: I had high and lows because I was coming off a serious injury and six days before the competition I pulled my groin and that set me back further. But I was able to bounce back and played in two full games.

Q: Explain the honor of representing your national team?
A: It's the biggest honor an athlete can have. In Mexico, their culture still has bias about girls playing soccer so we are the ambassadors for the sport and to convert the masses to support women in general.

Q: Elaborate on discrepancy between life as a national team player and collegiate player.
A: The academic demands make it more difficult because we have to juggle school and soccer year around. But I wouldn't have it any other way! Maybe in two to four years I can just dedicate myself one full year to soccer without having to worry about homework, classes, etc. Auburn University and our coaching staff are very supportive. And without them my dream would be just a dream- but thanks to them I have been living my dream.

Q: Overall explain what you took from the trip.
A: I can continue to grow and the challenges that I faced are part of the journey. I am so eager to finish our spring season on a high note here at AU to build for next fall.

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