Senior midfielder Addie Ragsdale has traveled to SEC and NCAA tournaments with the Auburn soccer team all four years of her collegiate career, but she can trace the beginnings of her interest in the sport to humble origins.
"I've been playing since I was about 5," Ragsdale said. "I started after my sister because I wanted to be just like her."
For those who know Ragsdale, that dedication and desire to emulate others is her defining characteristic.
"I think she's one of the best human beings I know, really," said midfielder Katy Frierson, who has known Ragsdale since high school. "She cares so much about other people. She's very dedicated. Her work ethic is contagious."
Ragsdale began her collegiate career as a substitute, playing in 18 of 20 matches during the 2007 season.
Since then, she and the Tigers have excelled on the field, at last "completing the circle" during her collegiate career, meaning the Tigers have defeated every team in the SEC at least once.
Auburn beat the University of Florida and Florida State University this season, the final two teams in the conference the Tigers had not beaten.
Where Ragsdale stands out is in her generosity.
For the second year, Ragsdale has been Auburn's representative on the SEC Community Service Team, which highlights players from each school in the conference who have worked to improve their community.
Among her many contributions, Ragsdale has organized the SEC We Can Food Drive since coming to Auburn and has also helped the Holiday Toys for Tots Drive.
"I've always thought it was important to give back," Ragsdale said. "I've been given an amazing opportunity to come to Auburn and play a sport I love, so I like to give back to some of the unfortunate."
Ragsdale is also president of Auburn's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee after serving as vice president last year.
When not on the field or volunteering, Ragsdale likes to relax.
"Student-athletes, we don't have a lot of spare time, so when you do, you watch movies, sit on the couch with everybody and take a nice break," Ragsdale said.
Ragsdale, who credited her commitment to soccer to being too short to play basketball, has no dreams of going pro after college, but she does not intend to fully leave the sport behind.
"I want to focus on my major and career, but I can definitely see myself going back to coaching in a few years once I'm settled in somewhere," Ragsdale said. "I've always enjoyed the teaching aspects of soccer, and I feel like I understand it in my mind a lot better, so I might have a career in coaching."
A graphics design major, Ragsdale hopes to move to a bigger city after graduation for varied job opportunities, but she is not likely to be forgotten by those who have come to know her.
"She's probably one of the most selfless people I know," Frierson said. "She's always going out of her way to do things for other people. Every team needs an Addie."
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