As ASC San Diego women’s soccer team continues into its season, some players are standing out. One such woman who is making a name for herself is homegrown talent Devon Molina.
The Cal Poly Pomona product is no stranger to the sport. Her mom signed her up for AYSO at age 7 and she has not missed a game since. According to ASC San Diego Head Coach Eloisa Borreguero, Molina has brought leadership and commitment to the team.
“After a few practices, I saw how passionate she is about soccer and how her willingness to work and to be better is was necessary when building a new team,” Borreguero said. “That is a reflection on who she is as a person, and when she brings it up to the field, it carries on to the team. Her speed in the back has helped the team on recovery runs, covering players, and 1-v-1 defending situations.”
Borreguero also likes the attitude and determination that Molina brings to the game.
“She does not stop working, she keeps the team organized, positive, and engaged,” Borreguero added. “I know that if we get caught in a bad situation, I know Devon will be there to stop the play, cover the player, or just run up to the ball to stop the opponent.”
For those not familiar with the team that plays its home games at Mission Bay High School, ASC San Diego joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League this season as an expansion club. ASC San Diego came into action this week with a record of 1-5-1 in the San Diego Division of the WPSL.
Beach & Bay Press recently caught up with Molina for an interview.
BBP: How is the team doing so far this season and how would you grade your individual performance so far?
Molina: This being ASC women’s first year, I wasn’t sure what to expect but everyone’s been working so hard to learn and get better throughout the season. The team continues to grow every game and we’ve done a great job of coming together to learn from our mistakes. There’s so much potential on this team and I really believe we can go far. Individually, I would say I’ve worked really hard each day to get better not only for myself but for my team. I always listen to what my coaches have to say and try to implement that into all my trainings. I feel like I’m improving every practice and game, and I’m really loving my time here.
BBP: What were both your individual and team goals coming into the season?
Molina: Coming on to this team, I really just wanted to earn minutes on the field and improve my own game. From the short time I’ve been here, my goal has changed from improving myself to really helping my team build on this competitive atmosphere that will be a force for years to come. As a team I think the main goal was to create a hard working team that will continue to grow and win games.
BBP: For the locals who may be thinking about coming out for a game this season, what would you tell them to expect?
Molina: For any locals looking to come watch, I’d tell them to expect a high intensity game. At ASC we come out with a lot of spirit and the games are always exciting to watch.
BBP: How did playing soccer in high school help prepare you for now?
Molina: High school taught me a lot about how to work with all different types of players; players of different ages and skill levels. My high school seasons had highs and lows and having been able to stay positive throughout all of it really helps me maintain that positive outlook now. My experience taught me how important it is to work together; it can’t just be one player, and it has to be a team effort. Everyone has to want it, and everyone has to be able to lift each other up.
