By: Oguljennet Engels
Alex West is a soccer player at the High School of Math, Science and Engineering at the City College of New York. Her school won first place in the Bronx/Manhattan Division II league and Alex was ranked the number one scorer in the PSAL, scoring 38 goals in only 13 matches. For a freshman to have such accomplishments triggered my interest in her. I wanted to know more about her and how she became such a good player. Alex kindly accepted my offer to interview her. 
Q – When did you start playing soccer?
A – When I was 6 years old, I started playing recreational soccer at Chelsea Piers. When I turned 8, I moved up to the travel team and played there till I was 12. I moved to the Manhattan Soccer Club next and then after 2 years I went to Albertson Fury, which is a part of ECNL, the highest level of girls’ soccer before college.
Q – As a young player, how did you attempt to be the best player in the PSAL?
A – I helped my team in any way possible and was always there when my coach needed me. Also I put all my energy and focus into my season and guided my team to the best of my ability. I played the game that I have learned to play from a young age and did everything that I thought was right.
Q – Do you have a personal coach?
A – I have a personal coach I work with to get better on my skills and help me become the best player I can be. He helps me in ways that I never thought were possible. I would not be the player I am today without his help and guidance.
Q – Give some examples of teamwork.
A – Everyone playing in any position that is needed. For example, our goalkeeper stepping up when no one else wanted to play in goal or myself and my other teammates offering to play in goal when our goalkeeper couldn’t. Sometimes my teammates and I gave up our scoring opportunities to give it to someone else. One game during the first half I couldn’t score for my life. So in the second half everyone made it their mission to help me score.
Q – What was the most stressful situation you have faced during the game?
A – During a final match, we were winning 1-0 the entire game until the last 10 minutes, when
they scored. I had a swollen ankle and I was limping on the field but I still pushed forward and did everything I could. I did my best to stop the other team from scoring for the rest of the game and overtime. During the penalty kicks, I was very stressed because I could not do as much as I usually could to help out my team.
Q – Tell me about a team experience you found disappointing.
A – Once during a game, a couple of my teammates were in a fight and they brought it to the field. It was irritating because I believe that all the drama and fighting should stay off the field. When we are on the field we are a team no matter what, but my teammates didn’t feel the same way as I did, so that was a little disappointing for me.
Q – What do you think about the Women’s World Cup Championship?
A – That was a total blowout. I could not believe that the U.S. was even capable of scoring that many goals in the first half. I am not that big of a fan of the U.S. National team but even I was impressed by them.
Q – Which women player is your idol?
A – It’s odd because she is a goalkeeper but I love Hope Solo. I read her book and she is an inspiration even with her recent actions. I love the fact that she stood strong and never gave up even when her entire team turned against her and left her out to dry. She pulled through and proved them all wrong. It was so inspiring to read that she tore her shoulder and had surgery and turned her 6 month recovery into only a 3 month recovery, just so she could play in the world cup and the Olympics.
Q – Do you have any goals in your soccer career?
A – My goal right now is to play Division 1 college soccer. Most college soccer players want to continue and become a professional but I do not see why, because they make no money. I dolove soccer but after college I am going to focus on my career. But college soccer is my greatest goal right now.
Q – Is it hard to be a student-athlete?
A – At times it is very challenging, but I have had to balance 3-4 sports and school all my life. I am very used to it and get the job done. The biggest thing to remember is time management. School always comes first but soccer and other sports come very close to being tied with it. If I don’t do my schoolwork then I can’t play soccer. I make sure I do all of my work. That way I can succeed in both of my interests and be happy.
Q – Do you work well under pressure?
A- I work well under pressure because it pushes me to put my best foot forward. Especially during soccer or any sport, because I like to have everyone counting on me or my team. It makes me work harder because it isn’t just for me, but for everyone else who is counting on me.
Q – Are you always a starter?
A – I have always been a starter on every team I have been on since I was little. Athletics have always come naturally to me and I love to work as hard as possible to prove to everyone that I deserve to start.
Q – Which team would you like to play on in the future?
A – I would love to play for Stanford, University of Southern California, or University of Pennsylvania for college soccer. Those are my dream schools at the moment. Stanford would be the biggest accomplishment and would make everyone I have ever known so much more proud of me.
Q – Do your parents support you during your accomplishments in soccer?
A – Absolutely, both my parents have always supported me throughout my soccer career. They come to all my high school games and drive me to all my practices and games with my travel team. My parents have always been there and have encouraged me to do anything that makes me happy. My dad always says, “The most important thing is that you have fun.”
Q – Describe yourself in three words.
A – Funny, sporty and a nerd.