Redemption Tour: Angersbach Eager to Get Back to the Top
By Francisco Claudio
The Westcliff women's soccer team did not expect last season to unfold as it did, facing many early hurdles and challenges.
The Warriors entered as defending champions after winning their first Cal Pac Championship and were prepared for another strong campaign. However, they were hit with significant injuries to key players, forcing the team to adapt to the changes.
Throughout everything, the team stayed together and ended on a high note with a 6-0 win on their senior night. Head coach Jack Gidney commented after that game, "Great to finish with a big win, lots of goals, and a clean sheet. It keeps everyone happy.
"There was a handful of the seniors on the score sheet. We haven't had the best of luck this year with all the necessary variables, so for it all to just come together in the last game to remind them of their capabilities was really nice."
One of the players who scored in the final game was Alberte Angersbach, who entered this season as a senior after playing her entire college career with Westcliff.
Angersbach is from Albertslund, Denmark, and joined the Warriors for the 2021-22 season, quickly earning the trust of coach Gidney as a starter for the developing soccer program.
"As an international student-athlete, my experience at Westcliff University has been highly rewarding in many different aspects," she said. "Combining athletics with academics was unfamiliar to me, so moving to a country that prioritizes both these aspects has been interesting. Naturally, moving to a new country presents challenges, but these challenges significantly contribute to personal growth, not only as a student-athlete but also as an individual.
"Furthermore, moving across the world encourages a greater sense of independence. One must create a new personal network, as the familiar support system is thousands of miles away.
"Each year at Westcliff University has been unique, contributing its own narrative to my journey. These years have deeply shaped my experience as an international student-athlete. Despite the inevitable ups and downs, I appreciate every memory and all the people I have met during my time at Westcliff University."
Angersbach, no stranger to injuries, has faced some setbacks during her time with the Warriors. However, she feels healthy and ready to begin the Warriors' redemption tour, aiming to return to the mountaintop after winning the Cal Pac Championship two years ago.
"My body feels great," Angersbach shared. "Both physically and mentally, I am eager to enter my fourth and final season. I am confident, knowing that I will have exceptional players and individuals by my side,both on and off the field. I believe that this support greatly enhances my overall confidence level."
Angersbach has consistently started for the Warriors when she's been healthy.
In the 2021-22 season, she started all 14 games she competed in and was the second-highest goal scorer with seven goals, just one behind the team's leading scorer.
A multifaceted talent, Angersbach is a great facilitator as she was tied in first in assists that year with three.
2022-23 was cut short for the Warrior as she only played five games and scored just one goal in her short stint.
Angersbach stayed relatively healthy last season and started all 13 games she played. She scored four goals and tied for the lead in assists with three.
One of the highlights for the team last season was her ability to maintain good health and gradually return to her top performance, something that Angersbach has focused on maintaining this summer in preparation for their preseason.
"Unfortunately, we encountered several injuries last season, but we managed to continue with the players we had available at the time," said the midfielder. "I believe that maintaining momentum and starting this season strong hinges on our ability to remain focused and consistently give our all every time we step onto the field. Fostering a positive team dynamic is essential, as it is reassuring to know that our teammates have our backs and are prepared to make the extra effort when necessary.
"I hold myself to the expectation of improving a little each day, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the collective goals we are striving to achieve as a team and I am committed to reaching the personal goals I set before the season began, and I am determined to end my journey at Westcliff on the highest note possible."
The Warriors have a competitive schedule for this upcoming season and after a couple of scrimmages will be heading over to Cal State San Marcos for an exhibition game on August 31st.
Then they'll have a string of home games against Park-Gilbert, Laverne, and Lincoln University out of California.
Their first home game won't be until Sunday, September 29th, when they host Simpson University at the Orange County Great Park's soccer stadium with a start time of 11:00 a.m.
With a good balance of returners and talented newcomers, the Warriors are looking to get back to the top of the Cal Pac standings and are aiming for that second Cal Pac title.
"I am confident that our returning players, along with the new recruits, will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for our program," Angersbach said. "I expect that the team will be highly motivated, delivering exceptional performances and achieving great results.
"Personally, I hope to end my senior season as both regular-season and Cal Pac champions."
The expectations are high for the former champs and it's going to take many variables aligning for it to happen, but the Warriors are ready to start their redemption tour.
Under the guidance of head coach Gidney and with experienced coaching and leaders like Angersbach, this team is prepared to work hard and take over the Cal Pac once again.