Jersey United is happy to congratulate U16G Silvana Poulter, who is heading to Auburn University after committing In October of 2014.
Silvana was playing at the PDA Showcase as a U15 on Memorial Day weekend when they contacted Director of Coaching (and Silvana’s coach) Dennis Jackson. Silvana attended an invitational id camp with current and potential players, after which the Auburn coaching staff then flew to New Jersey for one night to watch a clinic put on by Dennis Jackson.
Silvana impressed the coaching staff and then was invited back to Auburn where she attended the Auburn v. South Carolina football game and then the following day attended the Auburn vs. Alabama Iron Bowl women’s soccer game where Auburn won the Iron Bowl Trophy for the third consecutive year. Auburn made an offer and after her return home, a few days later, she verbally committed.
Auburn competes in the SEC and ranks in the top 20 for D1 schools in the country.
Silvana said she decided to join Auburn because “The coaches are welcoming and care about their players. Coach Hoppa cares about the development of all the girls both on and off the field. She expects good work ethics and respect among each other. Auburn has a state of the art soccer facility. There is also a wellness kitchen for all the athletes, which gives them healthy food choices to maintain a healthy body, along with maximizing the training and recovery through nutrition. The team participates in community work, which I think is great because it shows team bonding and builds trust among the team. The talent on the team is very impressive. They are fast off the ball, communicate well and I really look forward to playing there. Auburn offers a great education. The team has mandatory study time and with such a commitment to soccer at this level, it helped me feel comfortable knowing we are all in it together”.
Silvana added, “Jersey United has been very helpful in my recruitment at Auburn University. Coach James Armstrong saw me play at a tournament last year and called Coach Dennis Jackson to invite me to their ID camp. Dennis’ prompt and open communication with me was professional and diligent. I was given all the necessary initial information about the camp through Dennis since NCAA rules limit my communication with the coaching staff”.
Silvana started with Jersey United at age 11 and said “Jersey United offers opportunities to practice and play with older Jersey United teams. The extra practices and games through the years with the older players has challenged me and taught me skills at a higher level. I participated in the Get the Edge program for many years at Jersey United and that helped me develop my strength and ball skills. I think the seminars the club has presented has educated me about injury prevention and the importance of nutrition. Through Jersey United’s partnership with William Sport Training, Mark Williams has helped me with my speed and strength for the past 4 years. I believe strength and conditioning is vital to minimizing injury”.
Silvana went on to say that she has ambitions to play soccer after college. It is her goal to play on the USA National Soccer team.
Director of Coaching Dennis Jackson added, “we are very proud that the set up of our club here at Jersey United and the hard work from Silvana has allowed her to reach such a great level. It gives us great pleasure to have someone of Silvana’s ability in our club and shows that the path and journey we can provide here at Jersey United is as good as anywhere”. I am so pleased for Silvana and wish her all the luck in the world as she heads to Auburn University”.