21 Questions with Auburn Soccer’s Olivia Candelino
I interviewed Olivia Candelino to get an inside perspective on what it’s like to be an athlete at the collegiate level.
Olivia is from Jacksonville, Florida, and hales from a family of athletes. Her parents have always supported her, and her brother and her sister, who are also D1 athletes. In this interview, we discussed everything from what motivates her, to why athletes use scooters on campus.
How long have you been playing soccer?
I started playing soccer at 4 years old.
What position do you play?
Forward.
Do you have nicknames on the field?
Yes! Everyone on the team calls me “Cando.”
What made you want to participate in collegiate sports?
The intensity of playing on a club team growing up— I just wanted to keep that up.
What was the journey of recruiting like for you?
I committed when I was 15, so I was really excited to finally get on campus. Meeting all the girls was everything I dreamed it would be.
How many days do you practice?
We have practice 5 days a week when it’s off-season, and once or twice a day on 6 days per week when we’re in season. We’ll have practice and then come back later for a workout.
How do you balance your involvements?
Being on the soccer team has allowed me to carry the time management I’ve learned from soccer into other areas of my life.
Does it affect your campus life?
Yes, it can be hard figuring out what I can fit into my schedule. At first, I was overwhelmed, but over the years I have been able to balance it all really well.
How does it feel to be an athlete?
It's a privilege. Auburn does a great job to give us everything we need, and the environment and students are just perfect.
How does your involvement affect your well-being?
It has made me mentally stronger. Sometimes it's difficult, but I feel I am able to grow from the difficult times.
What is your greatest strength/weakness?
My greatest strength is that I’m a hard worker— which is also sometimes a weakness, because I overwork. Another weakness is sometimes overthinking.
What motivates you?
My development as a player and my parents’ dedication to this sport has motivated me.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from soccer?
There’s so much more to life than just soccer. Soccer can be a segway to develop other parts of life.
What is something you’re learning right now?
Right now, I’m learning the ins and outs of marketing.
If you could give other Auburn students wellness advice, what would it be?
Creating a healthy lifestyle and structure helps everything else become easier.
Why is your sport better than others?
First, the team aspect of the sport, because all the pressure is not on one individual. There is something always going on. Also, in other sports, plays can be all the same, but in soccer every play is different.
Why do athletes use scooters, and do you use a scooter?
I don’t have a scooter, but they are mostly to save time by getting places quicker. They help with soreness as well. Athletes have to pay a fee to use them, and after that, they have many outside of the Wellness Kitchen to use.
What sport would you play if you didn’t play soccer?
Swimming. I did swimming as a kid and decided between soccer and swimming in middle school.
What is your favorite moment as an Auburn soccer player?
We went to Orange Beach, Alabama for the SEC Tournament. We beat South Carolina for the first time since 2012 to move on to the semifinals.
What is your favorite healthy snack and favorite meal?
I don’t know why, but I have loved pomegranate seeds lately. My all-time favorite meal is pasta.
How often do you use The Rec?
Actually, in the off-season I work out at The Rec. It’s a break from what I’m so used to.
That concludes “21 Questions with Olivia Candelino!” This questionnaire serves as an inspiring article to remind us of what’s possible. Stay tuned for more insights into what it’s like to be a collegiate athlete on the plains.
Be Well, Auburn.