Auburn readies for 2024 season with pair of exhibition matches Womens Soccer

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Auburn readies for 2024 season with pair of exhibition matches

by Tucker Cleverdon

1–2 minutes

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn soccer rounds out its preseason with a pair of exhibition matches designed as fine tune-ups before officially opening the 2024 season the following week.

First, Auburn treks to Macon, Georgia, for a 4 p.m. CT clash with Mercer on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Next, the Tigers wrap the exhibition slate at home, welcoming Memphis to The Plains on Saturday, Aug. 10. Kickoff versus Memphis is slated for 6 p.m. CT.

The 2024 season commences Thursday, Aug. 15, as Auburn opens the year with Clemson. It will be the program’s 26th season under the leadership of head coach Karen Hoppa.

“We have such a great blend of new players and returning leaders this year,” Hoppa said. “We have 13 seniors on this team. It’s a testament to our wonderful university that all of them committed to playing their fourth and fifth years for Auburn. We’ve got one goal, and that is to send out this senior class with a magical season.”

All matches at the Auburn Soccer Complex are free and open to the public.

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Kelly Madsen elevated to soccer associate head coach

by Tucker Cleverdon

~2 minutes

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn soccer’s Kelly Madsen has been elevated to associate head coach ahead of the start of the 2024 season, head coach Karen Hoppa announced Wednesday.

Madsen joined the Tigers’ staff prior to the 2023 season as an assistant coach.

"It was an obvious decision for us to promote coach Kelly," Hoppa said. "She has a great ability to understand what our players need and how to bring out the best in them. Her ability to coach the attack in dynamic and creative ways will be very exciting for the Auburn family to watch this fall." 

“Coaching this group of young athletes is truly a joy,” Madsen said. “Seeing them grow not only skill level but in confidence is the best part of my job. I want to say thank you to Coach Hoppa and our administration for their faith in my ability to help our program and our players reach new heights on and off the pitch.”

Last season under Madsen’s offensive leadership, the Tigers saw a 15% increase in goals scored and a 22% increase in finishing percentage. A total of 14 players found themselves on the scoresheet, including seven first-time goal-scorers.

Auburn soccer opens the 2024 season at home, welcoming Clemson to the Auburn Soccer Complex for a 6:30 p.m. CT clash on Aug. 15.