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Former Harvard-Westlake girls soccer player Alyssa Thompson grabbed a lot of attention her sophomore year when she led the Wolverines to a CIF Southern Section Division 1 title and CIF State SoCal Regional crown in 2021. The precocious soccer star was so focused on international play, it kept her from high school competition her junior season.
In the past four months, Thompson’s superstardom has grown to unprecedented heights – at least locally – when she earned her first United States women’s national team appearance as a 17-year-old high school senior in October. Then in January, she became the No. 1 overall pick in the National Women’s Soccer League draft (Angel City FC).
How Alyssa Thompson’s U.S. women’s soccer dreams became a reality at 17
Thompson left prep soccer, but what remains is a more than capable Harvard-Westlake team that’s headed to the CIF Southern Section Division 2 championships to play Hart (15-3-2) on Friday at 5 p.m. at College of the Canyons.
“I have to say, this is one of the most rewarding seasons I’ve ever had,” coach Richard Simms said. “And I’ve been at Harvard Westlake for a long time.”
Harvard-Westlake will be making its eighth all-time CIF finals appearance and eyeing the program’s fourth CIF title.
The Wolverines (15-5-3) have leaned on its young talent throughout this season. Seven underclassmen are in the starting lineup, and more freshmen come off the bench. A freshman scored the game-winning goal in the CIF-SS quarterfinals and another freshman scored the game-winner in the semifinals.
Sophomore Victoria Pugh, who led the Wolverines in scoring throughout the regular season, remains a critical piece of the team during the playoffs. Simms said her quickness and power make her valuable in the penalty area, but her attitude is one of her best characteristics.
“Vicky doesn’t care if she scores or not….
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