Coming out of Plano West High School in Plano, Texas, Casie Ramsier had several accolades next to her name.
All-American, team captain and state champion were just a few.
Auburn's leading goal-scorer was not one many expected to add after only her freshman season. Not even head coach Karen Hoppa saw it coming.
"Obviously, we knew Casie had potential; that's why we recruited her," Hoppa said. "But I would say I wouldn't have expected her to get as many goals and be as impactful as she was that quickly, so it was definitely a pleasant surprise."
After a freshman campaign where she started all 22 matches and scored nine goals, Ramsier gave credit to upperclassmen for preparing her for SEC soccer.
"I wasn't really sure what to expect," Ramsier said. "I knew it would definitely be a step up from the pace I was used to, but our older girls helped us adjust quicker by making sure we were ready for what was coming."
After such a great season, Ramsier said she stayed focused in the offseason, trying to avoid the infamous "sophomore slump".
"I know personally, I want to do better than I did last year," Ramsier said. "It's great to have a freshman year like that, but I can't let down."
Hoppa is confident Ramsier has the work ethic to avoid becoming complacent.
"I definitely think she's improved," Hoppa said. "The great thing about Casie is she works her tail off no matter what we're doing. It doesn't matter if it's weight room, fitness, anything, everything. She works her tail off."
Improving upon her numbers last season will be a tough task, though, and Hoppa said she knows teams will be focused on the goal-scorer.
"Last year she was an unknown and could sneak up on people," Hoppa said. "Now she's going to be the number one forward on our scouting reports, but hopefully what it will do is it will open up other players around her."
With teams focused on her, displaying leadership on and off the field will be a key part of her game this year. Hoppa said she thinks she is ready for that role.
"I think she's grown a ton over the past year," Hoppa said. "I definitely think she's stepped into a leadership role, and we expect her to be the leader of our front line."
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