Auburn University Power Soccer Team Triumphs with National Championship Victory in Fort Wayne, Cementing a Historic Win for the Program
In a resounding display of grit, teamwork, and unshakable resolve, Auburn University’s Power Soccer team etched their name into the annals of collegiate adaptive sports history by bringing home the gold medal from the National Tournament held in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This triumph didn’t just mark the culmination of a hard-fought season—it symbolized years of sacrifice, growth, and the power of inclusive athletic excellence. Auburn’s success story is one of resilience, vision, and heart, and this championship win is the crown jewel in their ongoing journey toward national prominence.
Held at the Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, the 2025 United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA) National Tournament featured some of the most elite teams from across the country. Auburn entered the tournament as a strong contender, but few outside their inner circle expected the dominant run that unfolded. What they delivered on that court was nothing short of extraordinary—an undefeated campaign capped with a thrilling final that left fans and competitors in awe.
From the opening whistle of the tournament, Auburn made their intentions clear. With precise teamwork, sharp strategic awareness, and an impenetrable defense, they marched through the group stage without conceding a single loss. Each match displayed the kind of cohesion that comes only through years of trust and a deep understanding between players. They weren’t just playing the game—they were mastering it.
Central to Auburn’s success was their captain and goalkeeper, Tyler Jensen, whose leadership both on and off the court inspired his teammates to play their best when it mattered most. His critical saves in the semifinals against a fast-paced Minnesota squad kept Auburn in the game during a tense scoreless first half. It was in these high-pressure moments that Auburn’s experience and mental fortitude shone through.
Offensively, the team was led by sophomore striker Maya Del Toro, who scored eight goals over the course of the tournament. Her blistering shot power and calm composure in front of goal were instrumental to Auburn’s dominance. Del Toro’s tournament performance has now placed her firmly in the spotlight, with whispers already suggesting a potential call-up to the U.S. national team.
The championship match against perennial powerhouse Arizona United was a masterclass in discipline and tactical execution. Arizona had eliminated Auburn in a heartbreaking overtime thriller in last year’s semifinals, and the Tigers were determined not to let history repeat itself. From the onset, Auburn controlled the tempo, maintaining possession and forcing Arizona into a defensive shell. A first-half goal by Del Toro, assisted by playmaker Noah Richmond, gave Auburn the early lead.
But it wasn’t just scoring that defined Auburn’s game—it was their relentless team defense. Every player played a role in containing Arizona’s vaunted attacking trio. The midfield duo of Lily Washington and Andre Kim were instrumental in intercepting passes and disrupting Arizona’s rhythm. Washington, in particular, showed an uncanny ability to read the game, timing her challenges to perfection and providing a critical link between defense and attack.
As the final minutes ticked down, Arizona intensified the pressure. They earned three corners in rapid succession, each met with decisive clearances by Jensen and the Auburn backline. When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 1-0, and Auburn’s bench erupted in celebration. Years of training, countless hours of practice, and a season’s worth of emotional highs and lows had all led to this crowning moment.
Head Coach Marcus Fielding, now in his sixth year at the helm, was visibly emotional in the post-game press conference. “This is more than a championship,” he said. “This is about belief—belief in each other, in the process, and in what this program represents. We came here not just to play, but to show the world what Auburn Power Soccer is all about.”
The victory represents a monumental achievement for Auburn Athletics as a whole. Power Soccer, a sport specifically designed for athletes who use power wheelchairs, has grown exponentially in both participation and recognition over the past decade. Auburn’s commitment to adaptive sports, supported by its Office of Accessibility and campus-wide initiatives, has made it a national model for inclusion and excellence in athletics.
Beyond the gold medal, the Tigers’ success has already sparked increased interest and support on campus. Social media was flooded with congratulatory posts from Auburn students, alumni, and university officials. Athletic Director Carla Martin praised the team’s performance and their impact on Auburn’s sporting culture. “They’ve inspired all of us,” she said. “This championship is about more than a trophy—it’s a testament to what sports can do when barriers are broken down.”
The team’s journey to Fort Wayne was paved with determination and community support. From fundraising efforts to long road trips, Auburn Power Soccer players have had to overcome challenges that go beyond the court. Equipment repairs, travel logistics, and balancing academic demands with rigorous training schedules required a level of dedication rarely seen in college athletics. Their championship is not only a reflection of athletic ability, but also of character, perseverance, and unrelenting spirit.
In the aftermath of the win, plans are already underway to celebrate the team’s triumph. A campus-wide event is scheduled for next week, with Auburn’s president and members of the Board of Trustees set to honor the players and coaching staff. Additionally, talks have begun to establish a dedicated training facility for Auburn’s adaptive sports programs—a move that would provide future teams with even better resources to continue this tradition of excellence.
Looking ahead, the future is bright for Auburn Power Soccer. With only two seniors graduating, much of the team’s core will return next season, including Jensen, Del Toro, Richmond, and Washington. The recruiting class is also rumored to be the strongest in the program’s history, signaling a new era of sustained competitiveness. As Coach Fielding noted, “This win doesn’t mark the end of something—it’s the beginning of something even bigger.”
The Tigers’ championship has also caught the attention of national sports media, bringing well-deserved recognition to a sport that still battles for equal visibility. Analysts praised the high level of play and the growing competitive nature of collegiate Power Soccer. Several commentators noted Auburn’s performance as a blueprint for success, combining athletic excellence with academic balance and inclusivity.
But for the players, the memories go beyond medals and headlines. For Del Toro, it was hugging her teammates as the final buzzer sounded, knowing they’d achieved something truly special. For Jensen, it was the roar of the crowd and the sight of the Auburn flag waving in the stands. For the entire team, it was the feeling of validation—that their hard work mattered, and that they had done something that would be remembered not just this year, but for generations of Auburn athletes to come.
As the gold medals were draped around their necks and the team posed for photos with the national championship trophy, it was clear this moment would live forever in Auburn history. It was a win not just for a team, but for a university, a sport, and a belief in what’s possible when talent and heart are given a platform to shine.
The 2025 national title isn’t just another banner to hang in the Auburn arena. It’s a story of breaking boundaries, rewriting expectations, and proving that champions are forged in the fire of adversity. Auburn Power Soccer has arrived—not just as winners, but as trailblazers. And their golden legacy is only just beginning.
